Topic awaiting preservation: Biz cards, letterhead, envelopes, etc.

Just for preparation, is there any good links that discuss the best formats to submit to print shops?

Is there any "printer lingo" that I should be aware of?

Is Vista Print any good? Taboo?

Any help here would be most appreciated...Thanks

Well that a very broad subject. One I have spent the last 18 years learning and still have questions. I could try to answer specfic questions if you have any terms or concepts you wish to know more about.

I have found a few good sites with lots of good information most looks to be accurate.
http://www.dtp-aus.com/dtpstrt.html
Http://www.creativepro.com
http://www.cascadeprinting.com/tips/apps/illustrator.html

There are several good books on the subject, try a search of google.

The only one I can rember off hand is Professional Photoshop, by Dan Margolis, it targets professional color correction and color prepress and should be required reading by anyone working in print. I have used it on many training sessions.

I haven't read this but it look useful:
http://americanprinter.com/ar/printing_prepress_guide_designers/

There are general rules that apply to most workflows but it is best to try and find a printer before starting a project, they should provide you with a spec sheet explaining how to best prepare files for there workflow.

Haven't tried vista print, but I would tend to choose a local printer (if possiable) since you sound like you may need require some assistance in prepareing files, which may be easyer with a local digital printer who would have more time to walk you through it.

jstuartj



[This message has been edited by jstuartj (edited 11-02-2002).]

As always, jstuart, you have great information here. I feel more comfortable already. I am very familiar with all of the software, but printing is a different story for me and I would eventually like to know the ins and outs. Thanks for the direction and advice.

Another thing...I hear there are some places that print things such as business cards with processes that are considered "unprofessional." Can you enlighten me on the industrial differences?

I don't know what one would consider unprofessional, seems a bit odd to me. Some processes produce better quality output then others but if the client is happy why not use the process if it is cost effective. I have only tried one digital printer, zazzle.com for poster work, I was very happy with the quality, the output device was only 100dpi but for poster use this is fine, however over sharp fine details such as a tiger's wiskers became a little jagged viewing with in arms length. It could have been better, but for the price I wouldn't expect much more then I received, the color was spot on and it fit the intended usage.

Unprofessional may also mean some online printers offer very little customer support. I am very happy with Zazzle's online support staff, very frendly and prompt. So this is not the case with all digital printers best to shop around, and ask questions.

It is my guess most an automated systems, printing on some digital press. A service designed for use by the casual and small business clients, where output quality is designed to meet an average job and there is no consideration for the individual component. Job requiring greater degrees of color calibration and control require individual attention, which is not realy possable in a bulk print on demand enviroment.


Some may consider lowend digital on demand print systems like Xerox DC 40, basicly high volume color copiers to be unprofessional when compaired to quality offered by "higher end" Digital presses and conventional presses.

My feeling, if it gets the job done, the quality fits the usage, and there is service and support. The customer pays me, it's professional.

jstuartj

[This message has been edited by jstuartj (edited 11-02-2002).]

[This message has been edited by jstuartj (edited 11-03-2002).]

quote:

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The customer pays me, it's professional.

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Yeah I guess that would hold true!

I think the process (press - vs. - color copying) is what I was trying to get at with "unprofessional." A better word would have been "quality" I guess...anyways, thanks for the info jstuartj! You are truly a master of your domain!

Thermography (raised ink) is considered "unprofessional" in many circles. The printer typically produces the plates from a print out and not a digital file or even camera-ready artwork. Unfortunately, it's the most affordable method of printing business cards (short of using your home printer, which would also be considered unprofessional).