Mac Suite Workshop - InDesign

We were given an InDesign file along with all of the images and embedded fonts to then locate 8 errors within the document. This could include incorrect colour modes, image resolution, missing links and so on.

1) The first mistake we found was a missing link - 'tree silhouette.ai' was not linked correctly therefore in order to resolve this, the designer would need to relocate the image.

2) There are 7 colour separations despite there being just 5 colours - the unused spot colours would need to be removed before going to print to avoid unnecessary costs due to the need of extra printing plates.

3) The yellow background on the title page does not extend to the bleed which may result in white edges when printed and trimmed.

4) 'bird 3.tif' has the incorrect colour mode for print (RGB). A simple correction would be to covert this image to CMYK in Photoshop.

The gamut warning in Photoshop shows the blue is not in the CMYK gamut range.

5) 'bird 1.tif' has a large file size in comparison to the others. This would need to be reduced to avoid sending a larger file size than necessary to print. The designer could simply alter the image to fit the correct dimensions as it has currently been scaled down to fit.

6) 'bird 5.psd' has been set to the default Photoshop resolution - 72 dpi. The original image would need to be replaced and saved at a higher resolution but still retain the same dimensions.

7) The text on the last page is set to registration as opposed to black meaning it has exceeded the ink limit. 'Registration' uses all of the process (CMYK) colours and should only be used to ensure the CMYK separations match perfectly - if a colour is offset, there has been error during print.

8) The blue background uses an RGB colour which may differ when printed.

Preflight

File > Package

The 'package' function gathers all of the linked images and text. You can immediately see there is an error with the document by the warning symbol in the 'summary' window. It will inform you whether there is a problem with the fonts, linked images, colour modes etc. However, general proofing issues such as an image not extending to the bleed (problem 3), will not be shown in pre-flight.

If the effective ppi is larger than the actual ppi (below) it shows that the image has been reduced in size when placed into InDesign (problem 5). 

When you go to package the document, you are able to add any additional printing instructions which will be saved as a .txt file alongside your InDesign document and any relevant images and fonts. A warning dialog box will also appear with a message from Adobe regarding copyrighted fonts.

All of the files will be saved in one folder, including the instructions.

You are also able to export the document as a .pdf to be commercially printed (however, this must be discussed with the printer in advance to ensure the settings are correct). The 'smallest file size' option should be used when showing work over the web.

Window > Utilities > Background Tasks is useful when processing a large pdf as otherwise, no dialog box appears to inform you of its progress - this option allows you to monitor what is happening.

The 'preflight' option allows you to see the errors before fully packaging the document. The original logo only allows you to see the links option but this can be changed by editing the profile by going to the options menu (below).

What is design for print? Collating research

All of my research for the 'What is design for print?' brief can be found on my design context (here).

These are the chosen subjects for the 'Top 10 manual'. I chose them based on the problems I've faced throughout my time at uni or subjects I wish I had known previously.

Colour (CMYK & RGB)

Rich black

Multi-tone

Paper sizes

Preflight/proof

Print processes

File types

Imposition - In the 'Collection 100' brief, I decided to create a small booklet consisting of 25 illustrations. Due to the way in which it was printed, imposition proved extremely difficult to comprehend (as it was a double sided print). Although I had arranged the designs in order after creating various imposition dummys, it still printed the wrong way round due to the way in which the printers created a double sided print.

Finishing

Costing

What is design for print? Reminder

(All research on Design Context blog)


Brief

Produce a ‘Top Ten’ manual of things to know, consider or remember in order to produce successful Design for Print. You should use the seminars and tasks from the module as a starting point for your own individual/independent investigation of the methods, processes and formats that can be used to create innovative but practical solutions to print based design briefs and all aspects of print- based delivery.

You are required to document your research and visual material on your Design Context blog. For submission for assessment you will also be required to select, summarise and evaluate appropriate source material as a multi-page pdf. document that shows your understanding of print processes, conventions and creative options from the perspective of a graphic designer. It should also demonstrates your ability to effectively organise and present a body information in a designed format. This document should be uploaded to your Design context blog via 'Issuu'. See additional briefings for further information.

‘Chapters’ might include, colour conventions, inks, stock, format and others.

You will need to evidence research into:

• Production Methods
• Stock considerations 
• Colour systems 
• Commercial costings 

Tagging of the categories is essential. Failure to organise your research effectively may loose you marks.


Evidence so far

Production methods
- Print seminars
- Design context study tasks
- Mac suite inductions
- Print samples
- Print processes

Stock considerations
- Print seminars
- Design context study tasks
- GF Smith

Colour systems
- Print seminars
- Mac suite inductions
- Colour management
- Multi-tone research

Commercial costings
- N/A so RESEARCH in more depth

Good is...? Concept development

As we are required to devise 4 A2 concept boards, I decided to explore what can be presented on each to then refine and research in more depth.

x 1 Concept/statement - why is it good?

1) A study by Wildschut and colleagues, found that people who reported feeling nostalgic also experienced increased social bonding and increased positive self-regard.

2) Experiences that may have seemed bad at the time can be reconstructed in our minds to seem better than they were, because they represent periods in our life that are now gone forever.

3) Childhood memories represent times when we were free from the responsibilities and anxieties of adulthood

4) It simply makes you happy

5) It is seen as a natural anti-depressant

6) It has been proven that remembering past times improves self-esteem, mood, strengthens social bonds and imbues life with meaning

7) It provides comfort and familiarity

8) Accesible anywhere

9) Can learn from past experiences

10) Feel more connected to others

11) People turn to nostalgia in situations that cause negative mood and loneliness


x 1 Contextual references

As posted throughout my design practice and context blog, one prominent idea was to package nostalgia as a typical medicinal product using existing conventions such as dosage instructions, warnings, instructions, ingredients etc. However, I want to create a positive twist - to provoke thought and humour.

Some links:

http://j-warburton1013-dc.blogspot.com/2011/09/nostalgia-old-medicine-bottles.html
http://j-warburton1013-dc.blogspot.com/2011/09/nostalgia-existing-medicine-packaging.html

I hope to use the following as a big inspiration to my final designs although I still want to retain originality and make sure the positive, psychological associations with nostalgia are communicated.

http://j-warburton1013-dc.blogspot.com/2011/09/novelty-packaging.html


x 2 Initial ideas, format, stock, colour etc

The bottle packaging I created in the packaging workshop last week will possibly be a major starting point for my designs. I received positive feedback regarding the text displayed on the bottle (here), from  the group critiquing my work and others in the class which gives the impression it may be an effective idea to explore and develop.

Colour: grey, orange, green
Where: independent shops, online, GPs etc

What is design for print? - Benwells print samples

I requested a sample print pack from Benwells - a London based print company who specialise in litho printing, embossing, foil block and die cutting. I mentioned these in a previous post but a week or so ago, I requested a free pack in the post with various samples covering a range of print processes and finishes which I thought would be extremely beneficial for this current module. 

Rocked - Silver foil dots

made - Gold foil

Gold foil on a thin, black stock

Silver foil and emboss to create a 'silver medal'

Stylist pick - Silver foil, front and back, heavy stock

Invitation - Black foil on black stock creates a stylish aesthetic

Gold foil on heavy, blue stock - interesting outcome

Traditional, professional aesthetic created by gold foil block on white stock

Gold foil on card

Gold foil on card

Embossed red logo on translucent stock - hard to see but creates a nice effect