Good ways to learn more about print production?
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- helpmeqbn
I know the basics of Pantone and offset printing, but I'm not fully comfortable handling printers and paper samples.Are there classes that teach you more, or is this the sort of thing you only learn from jobs and trial and error?
- monospaced0
Instinct tells me jobs, trial and error. If you're in a studio or firm it's really easy to get reps from the paper companies to come by and show you what they've got (and take you out to lunch) and answer all your questions. I recommend doing this to learn more about paper, and to talk to all of your print vendors while on press.
- randommail0
the tried and true and only way:
get a job assisting the print production team or designer on a regular basis.
- honest0
Print production is an accumulative learning curve. You'll remember everything you need to know on actual live jobs as there's a lot at stake if anything goes wrong. My advice is to ask questions from your printer. Let them know to tell you of alternative solutions/techniques along the way to help your projects achieve their maximum potential. Printed proofs are also worth the investment.
- Honesty0
A lot of it is just speaking the language, the vocabulary.
Like the difference between a vellum finish and a vellum paper. Or what "fingerprinting" is in the context of paper.
- monkeyshine0
Good advice. Learn about print production...here's a good book: http://www.amazon.com/World-Prin…
But most importantly, talk to your printer. They are always happy to offer advice (and they will always know more than you!) and be a partner in the process because this means you won't be a pain in the ass when presses start rolling.
- ...and every printer has 5k stories of dumb, arrogant graphic designers who don't know what they're doing.monkeyshine
- bjladams0
i worked as a printer for a number of years- learned a lot that way.
- bjladams0
@monkeshine - that's very true, hardest jobs i ever had were all working with freelance designers who knew how to make it look right on screen, but were too cocky and arrogant to understand that production printing and printing from your wireless home/office lexmark were slightly different.
- monkeyshine0
@bjladams...totally agree. One of my best print pieces was b/c a printer recommended switching my paper (I was gung-ho to use yugo paper), using spot color plus a varnish for a better outcome...he was right and I looked like a rock stah! :)