Print preparation

This weeks assigment was about the different printing settings, styles and how to prepare files for print.

First we were told to make our own print checklist that we could use when preparing a file for actual printing. Here is my checklist:

1. Check document size
2. Check resolution (dpi)
3. Check for any overset text
4. Check that the colors are correct
5. CMYK everything
6. Specify spot colors and other effects
7. Specify rich black or plain black
8. Check the bleed, crop marks and trim
9. Check text boxes, images
10. Package the files and check everything is in order
11. Check spelling
12. Preflight, look for any major mistakes

The next part of the learning activity was to create a simple magazine (dummy). Here is the brief:

Design a simple dummy for at least 10- at most 20-page magazine style brochure combining dynamic typography and photography. You can use placeholder text for body copy. For your magazine, use a spot varnish for the cover and design it using two spot colours.

As with many of the other tasks we have been given, I went in a satirical and absurd art direction. I wanted to create a high-end looking magazine about something that seems stupid to make such a magazine as the foundation. I chose to make a artsy magazine focusing solely on cats. No other reason than I love cats, I have a cat and like looking at pictures and video clips of cats on the internet. I chose a yellow and pink spot color for use inside the magazine. For the front I wanted a classic black varnish.

Name: CATNIP
Target Group: Cat-lovers, young adults/adults with cats, internet-surfers
Price: High-range
Content: Stories about cats

Download the dummy here:

I wanted a thick cover and a thick paper for the pages inside. I went with 220 gsm for the cover and back and 180 gsm for the paper inside. Here are the printing instructions:

My InDesign is set to Norwegian, and I haven’t changed it, so if any english readers struggle to understand anything, you can send me a message.