Evolution Print

Evolution print from Sheffield came into college today to give a talk on how they operate and inform us on the process of lithoprint. They also gave us tips on how to make the right decisions when using high end print companies such as themselves.

Notes from talk
Using full bleed designs on litho isn't really worth it.
The stock used has to be good to hold all the ink and its not cheap.
The set up charges are also expensive for all the colour. Which means having 4 aluminium litho sheets.
It's important to send files with the original file, so they create multiples of the design on to bigger sized paper so it makes the printing process much quicker and more efficient.
Hardcopy proofs are used for expensive jobs to check everything is right.
Litho are better quality print wise than digital. digital uses powder based inks.
Lithoprint & short runs are not worth it because the set up costs are expensive.

Matte paper is coated
Uncoated paper is flat
Dot spreads into the paper, which makes it look more organic. It also bulks up better because it's lighter in weight.

500 - Cut off point for printing
80'000 can be printed and cut within a couple hours at evolution.

Mistakes designers make
Bleed - Keep it 3mm
Convert to CMYK if using spot colour
Put pages as singles not spreads for business cards. e.g 1 business card on A4
Send pdf and illustrator files together, printers need to make arrangements. e.g - Spine of books
Don't use spot colours with transparency because it doesn't work
When foiling use individual spot colours
Keep artwork at 300dpi

I found the talk quite valuable as it's very important to know the limitations and costs with print as we're new graphic designers. The knowledge shared allowed us to be aware of the common mistakes we should avoid and how to make sure our printing is cost effective. It also opened my eyes to how much has to be considered when using high end print services. Time, stock, files, design specs, costs and much more decision making is involved in print. However the session got me more interested and exited into using digital and litho printing, as It's definitely something I want to be getting involved with in the near future.