PRINT DESIGN

First, we will gather information about the project and determine which parts will be handled by Apicem and which will be handled by your team. In some cases, our clients provide an outline, rough sketch, and/or completed copy before the design process begins since this can reduce cost and shorten timelines.

It is best to identify the printer before beginning design to ensure file specifications can be met without any adjustment to a completed layout.

We will produce draft designs, at which time you will be able to communicate revisions until the piece is approved.

It is important in this stage for multiple stakeholders to carefully review the piece to catch any inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or errors. If everything looks good, you will sign off on the design to verify it is print-ready.

Once the piece is approved, Apicem will make any final preparations to the file and export it to the printer’s spec.

This stage can be completed by a member of your team or ours. Clients who have a preferred print vendor and experience with ordering may choose to do so themselves so they can easily re-print from their own online accounts. Alternatively, Apicem can handle this process through to completion and invoice for printing costs.

Many online printers produce excellent results at a very reasonable price but most only offer a digital proof, which may not be 100% accurate in representing printed color and image quality. It can also be difficult to anticipate the real look and feel of paper choices without tangible examples. For products like business cards, this can be an acceptable trade-off since the cost is so low that it is not much greater of an expense to place an additional order. With more custom and costly pieces it is advisable to utilize a printer who can provide a hard proof of the piece before it goes to print.

It usually takes 1-2 weeks to print and deliver pieces without incurring additional fees for expedited printing and shipping. Therefore, in most cases, printed pieces should be ordered from Apicem at least 21 days in advance of when they are needed.