Research Colour models Formats Art work Stock Processes Finishing Costing Colour Models CMYK RGB Hexachrome Spot colour PMS Pantone matching system Formats Standard ISO paper A and SRA sizes Imperial (North America versus metric (rest of the world) Tabloid (compact) broadsheet, Berliner Envelope 'C' size Stock Weights (gsm) Finish - gloss, silk, matt coated or uncoated Laid or wove Boads, carton Plastic and acetates. Art work Document set up File formats and fonts Spell check Colour specification Printer marks Pre flight check Mock ups Proof Sign off (really important) Print Processes Lithograph Gravure Screen Print Flexography Pad printing Six colour Laminate - gloss / matt Foil blocking Embossing / debossing Spot UV varnish
Finishing Binding (what type Folding and creasing Die stamping / drilling Outside is die cut (cut round) Inside is die stamp (cut out) Costs Get quote very early on before you start the job so you know what you are working to. Identical specification for 3 print estimators to work to. Learn roughly what things cost (unit cost) Understand viable minimum quantities Extras / Authors corrections - these cost more Delievery?