When you commission a piece of high quality print work, you need to make sure the graphic design is as good as the printing finish. Everyday template designs are perfectly suitable for a design online easy piece of print media i.e. business card or leaflet – but most companies will work with graphic designers for strategic and high-end pieces such as brochure design and printing.
So what does your graphic designer want you to know in order to produce the best possible piece of graphic design for your print campaign?
1. Graphic design isn’t a case of ‘tarting things up’.
Graphic design is visual communication and it’s a profession that requires study, skill and knowledge. While all clients will have a view on the sorts of visual treatment they like, the savviest will know not to take a ‘back seat designing’ role and attempt to force the designer to simply execute their vision. To ensure your graphic design really works and has impact – let the designer do their job. When looking to commission a piece of design and print remember that graphic design is a subjective field because its the interpretation and style of that person, so keep an open mind and convey your thoughts with the designer. Typically graphic designers and design agencies will have a loose style that they like to follow so when choosing who to use for your graphic design do your research and look at their portfolios of current and previous work carried out.
2. Graphic design is more than just pictures
A graphic designer will consider a range of factors when producing the perfect piece of print – whether you are commissioning leaflet printing, brochure printing or poster prints. These include the font, the colour palette, any print finishes that you want, the print layout and format, how the postage will need to be printed, the imagery and so forth. Good graphic design requires bringing all of the visual elements together in a way that communicates the brand and its message it should also have a call to action in a powerful, impactful way that generates leads.
Check out one of our previous graphic design articles to help your business achieve its brand potential: Conveying Your Brand Through Graphic Design
3. The client brief is essential
The client’s input is always necessary and valued at the briefing stage. If you aren’t used to briefing work, don’t be afraid to ask for a template brief, or work with the designer so that they can ask you questions. This is especially important if you don’t have brand guidelines to hand over. For instance if you are looking to get a brochure designed and printed, make sure you include information about competitor work that you like, the purpose of the campaign, the desired action and other important points. Who will be providing the copy (text)? Make sure it is signed off before the designer uses it! Likewise with photography – will you be using commissioned imagery, or stock photos or do you want the designer to find the photos? Time spent detailing the brief at the planning stage will always translate into better results. Remember to allow the graphic designer to use their creative abilities to create you a campaign rather than trying to instruct every element of the process.
Think you’re ready? Just before you begin your graphic design and printing journey just have a quick read of this fantastic article by Trillion: 5 Terms Your Graphic Design Company Wants You to Know

If you need high quality printing and design services, get in touch with us at PrintUK.com today. We would love to help with any project that you’re thinking of starting from the concept phase to the design and printing, we can offer tips and helpful advice about producing the perfect print campaign for you and your business.