So I have no idea what I'm doing, but eventually I'll be making prints. Any helpful advice, tips and honest advice on how to make everything ready for print? Thanks and sorry if this has already been answered.
Umm letâs see.. it really depends on how little is âno ideaâ, like is no idea like.. not familiar with photoshop/digital media at all? Are you transfering from traditional, or is it more like not sure where to get things printed. Iâll try to be brief ^^;
1. If you donât know what DPI is, look it up, you absolutely need to be drawing at at least 300dpi for whatever final size you want (8.5x11? 11x17? 12x18? etc). Most images online are 72dpi
2. Familiarize yourself with CYMK, most images that are for digital consumption are RGB. Hereâs some additional tips for CYMK from finnichang
3. Know when you need your prints, and how long it takes you to get your prints once you order them. Plan Accordingly. If youâre ordering online plan for 7 business days or two weeks of lead time, if youâre going local plan for at least checking some places out and getting test prints, generally once you decide you can get your order the same day or a few days. Plan to have your art ready by that lead time.Â
4. Price shop, donât bother with going to fedex or kinkos, any of those chains. Either check local print shops or go with online shops (iâll recommend one below)
5. Paper weights, your baseline if youâre selling at cons IMO should be 100lb text. Text = AKA âletterâ bendy paper that text is usually printed on. Think magazines and books. Rollable. Cover = cardstock, not bendy, stiffer. 80lb cover if you go with cover is usually sufficient, 100lb+ cover gets fancy feels but heavier to lug around. NOT rollable. Honestly, please donât print on regular printer/xerox paper. Nothing describes the feel of paying $10-20 for a print and have it feel like tissue. ._.
6. Finishes, decide if you like the look of glossy or matte prints :), your preference! Consider glossy has darker / deeper colors, but matte is more finger / smudge resistant. Glossy will also reflect light more which can cause potential visibility issues but some people prefer the shiny finish.
Lastly, I recommend you check out your local printers both for ease of getting proofs and shorter lead times as well as supporting local businesses. However if you donât live near a local printer or theyâre all kinda poopie I do recommend CatPrint. Yes, that IS a referral link, feel free to not use it but since iâm gonna pimp them out i might as well.
Been using them for over a year now versus other cheaper online printers and iâm just beyond happy with their color reproduction, consistency and customer service. There are slightly cheaper places, but the first time you get an order the day before your con and the colors are all off.. well.. you learn that you get what you pay for. Still way way way way cheaper than chain stores though XD
Anyway, hope that helps, tried to keep it brief but urk.. anon if you want you can deff come off anon and i can privately reply to any other questions you have. And uh i guess if anyone else has questions go ahead and ask, though a lot of your questions will likely be answered by google so take a looksie there first :)