Define pre-press
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- dippy
I'm curious as to what kind of work all you print designers would label as "pre-press." I don't need a dictionary definition, just a commonly accepted range of things.
- radar0
gathering files, trapping, seperations, etc.
I avoid all that crap, I make my printer do it all.
- pascii0
4 letters: H E L L
- robbie_m0
all design and production created before the plates are hung
- 2cents0
every print designer should have a good understanding of prepress... its essential.
- dippy0
yes, that's what I thought... thanks guys.
So if printers can do it all, why do job postings for production artists require stuff like "pre-press experience"?
I always thought pre-press was just using Flightcheck or Acrobat to finalize the file and make sure everything's ready for the printer.
- dippy0
yea, but 2cents... what exactly is pre-press? That's my question. Cos people have different definitions for it.
- ricstultz0
pre=press is finally readying / checking the files before the piece goes to print. either at the designer or printer end. I work next to a pre press dept at a litho house.
- UndoUndo0
your more likely to suceed at print work if you understand the process of printing and pre-press. thats why desginers need pre-press knowledge
- ricstultz0
you have to know pre press.
- radar0
you should definitely have a good understanding of it, but I never actually plan on doing it ever again.
- laurus0
it actually has some theraputic values.
I like doing it sometimes.
- paraselene0
i agree with laurus.
and for the love of god, i certainly wouldn't trust anyone ELSE to do it.
- exador10
after about 6 years of doing primarily web graphics, i've been doing an ass load of print this year..
basically, its' about understanding how a file will look once it's been printed (on a press, natch)
all images have to be CMYK (unless you're using spot or pantone colours) thus all your images need careful colour correcting to make sure they look ok..
then it's on to quark or indesign..allowing for bleed in your layouts, understanding about line screens (depending on how it's being published)
as for trapping and such, i leave that to the printer as well.
anyhow, thats only a small, small part of the things you have to pay attention to...the list of shit you have to worry about in print is looong and distinguished.
;)
ex
- ricstultz0
you guys take the shit thats for sure.
All the pre press people I know are always stressed out...always looking for the hi res files."Whats this FPO bullshit, wheres the hi-res."
"The client didnt supply it... what the fuck."watching them, Ive gotten to realize how many "designers" dont know their shit.
Kinda funny, kinda not.
- kld0
anybody have a good checklist or resource for pre-press issues?
- dippy0
OK thanks guys. Exador, thanks for that lovely rundown of all things pre-press. I can't be bothered with trapping anyway, since every printer I've worked with has been more than competent at it.
- 2cents0
'watching them, Ive gotten to realize how many "designers" dont know their shit.
Kinda funny, kinda not.
ricstultz(Mar 23 05, 09:32)'
bang on ric... its sad how many print designers out there have absolutely no clue about it... why is that?
- dippy0
because, 2cents, anyone who has a computer and a pirated copy of Photoshop thinks he/she is a designer now.
- 2cents0
you took the words right out of my mouth dippy.