Although it is our recommendation to seek a professional graphic artist like ours here at Creative Printing we understand the desire to save money on set-up cost. Below you will find some tips to help you insure your files are production ready.

You've worked on a design with your graphic artist. You've decided whether your business cards should be matte or glossy. You've settled on the quantity of new brochures to order for your small business.

 

What's left?

Once the design and layout of your print job are finalized, you'll be asked to review a proof. A proof is a document or image that will show you exactly what your item will look like when it's printed. This is your last opportunity to change your mind about design elements and to check all the details to ensure there are no mistakes.

 

Here is what to look for when you review a printing proof:

1. Check the colors. Make sure the colors you see are what you expected. Do the font and background colors coordinate with your company logo?
2. Check the graphics. Make sure the correct, current version of your company logo is being used. If you've been thinking about redesigning your logo, consider doing that before ordering new print supplies that will soon be outdated.
3. Check the text--including phone numbers and addresses. Your print professionals can help with colors and graphics, but they might not realize that your office phone number ends in 2354 rather than 2345. Check and double-check these important details.
4. Take a step back and review the overall print job. Is it generally pleasing to the eye, interesting, and easy to read? Remember, this is your last chance to make any changes, so if you have reservations, now is the time to speak up.

What happens if there is an error or change needed on your printing proof?

Don't worry! We'll make the changes and create a new proof for your review. You'll have to sign off on all the changes and approve the proof before we proceed with the print job, giving you final control over what we print.

We understand budgets and deadlines. A careful review of your printing proof can save you both money and time, important resources for any small business.

Business cards are the most important marketing tool that your company uses. They are often the first representative of your business and easily the one that sticks around the longest. How can you make sure that your business cards are doing everything they can to promote your business in a positive way?

 

Here's what you need to know:

1. Go with the pros. Running a small business on a budget--or starting a new business from scratch--might require some creative financial planning, but don't skimp on business cards. DIY cards look cheap and make your potential clients think you don't care about the details. Hire a professional printing company to print your business cards, and show your clients that you're serious about your business.

 

3. Don't be cute. Every small business owner wants their business cards to be memorable, to stand out from the crowd. Don't try to do this by being cutesy with your business cards. This means no knock-knock jokes and no cartoon characters (unless you happen to be in the cartoon business). Instead, stand out by using a sharp design and textured paper. Or, if you're really feeling adventurous, consider something really out-of-the-box like a structural aspect, like this business card with tear-tabs: 

 

Or these clear plastic business cards: 

4. Use a smart design. The design of your business cards should be appropriate for your business. If you run a landscaping business, don't put wine glasses on your business cards. Choose graphics and layouts because they represent your business, not because they're your favorite color or because they remind you of your favorite vacation spot.

 

5. Catch the typos. Handing out typo-ridden business cards is a death sentence for your marketing efforts. Be sure to check and double-check spelling of names and especially addresses and phone numbers. And if you get a new number or your website URL changes, it's time to get new cardsand toss your old ones in the recycling bin.