March 16, 2022
How can I speed up the turnaround on my graphic design job?
We absolutely get it. Sometimes you just want that design job done as quickly as possible, or you’re working to a TIGHT deadline. We feel you. Here are a couple of things that can help get your job to the front of the queue, leaving others in a cloud of dust ;-)
Sounds simple right?! However, we get jobs in so often that don't come with the size specifications. Gah!
We’re not necessarily referring to a standard A4, A3, DL size (but that happens too), but advertising specs. Whilst we may have specifications for publishers who we produce collateral for on a semi-regular basis, we need the actual dimensions in mm, pixels or any other form of measurement which is normally available from the publisher.
Simply telling us an eighth of a page isn't very helpful as every advertiser's size of an eighth of a page will vary. Other specifications such as colour type, minimum pixel dimensions for images, bleed, minimum margins, safe zone (eg in a thick magazine publishers may request text isn't placed within 15mm of the edge as it may be hard to open the publication up to read easily) and even things like file types to be supplied (eg .eps, .pdf or .jpg, .png or .svg for digital/web).
This could also extend to if trim marks or other printer marks are required. Most reputable publishers will have all their specifications available on their website or upon request in a PDF. Give us the link or the specifications document and we should have everything we need available.
HOLD UP! Some more important tip regarding document sizes - whilst it may seem logical that a document designed on an A5 page will also fit an A4 and an A3, the designer needs to consider text size as well.
Eg, we use a minimum text size of 3mm for printed collateral. If the original was designed on an A4 document and you need it in A5, surely we can just reduce the scale and job done?
NOPE!
The text size would reduce to under 3mm and may no longer be legible. To increase the text size to the minimum, it may require resizing the entire document's contents including images, graphics, heading sizes etc. In many cases this isn't a major issue unless the document is tightly packed with info but can still slow the finished project down.
Alright, now that you’ve read that important tip, onto the next!
This is a big one. We often get all the elements required for a job in bits and pieces. This takes time for the studio manager to sort through, collate and check off. The best way to send everything over is to create a logical file system with a folder containing all the logos (in the required format particularly for printing) in one folder. Another folder with the images at the minimum sizes (that's another article for another day!), the completed copy in another folder and so on. For larger projects like a website which may have 50+ images, you can further categorise these by the page you would like them to appear on such as About Page (if known).
Not having all (or most) of the required elements together when starting, undoubtedly delay the project.
Super hot, scorching tip! If everything is too large to send via email, We Transfer it! https://wetransfer.com Send large files and folders at no charge by heading to that website, dropping your files in, put in the recipient details and a message and you’re done! You’ll also be notified once the recipient has downloaded the files. Sweet!
Next time you’re planning on getting design work done, make sure you have the above sorted and you’ll likely get your design job back quicker than expected.
