5 Common Print Mistakes to Avoid: Part 1

A strong print campaign is only as effective as its execution. Even small print mistakes can lead to wasted materials, increased costs, missed deadlines, inconsistent branding, and poor results. The good news is that many of these issues are entirely preventable. By following the tips below and addressing common mistakes before they reach the press, you can keep your project on track and maximize the impact for your audience.

Using Low Resolution Images

Digital and printed images can look very different despite being the same resolution. Minor blemishes that we don’t notice on a screen suddenly become glaringly obvious on paper. To minimize this risk, source high resolution images in their original formats and avoid a blurry or pixelated look.

To ensure you’re using a high resolution image, only reach for photos that have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. When saving images to your files and adding them to your designs, make sure to save and upload them in their original format where possible—this means no copying and pasting. Remember, you can request original files from photographers or designers if needed.

TIP: Don’t trust your eye, trust the resolution number. An image may appear sharp on a screen but blurry on print!

Before sending to the press, always review the image yourself and with others for quality and clarity.

Use high resolution images for your next print campaign. Reach out today for a personalized print quote!

Designing in RGB

Whenever possible, create designs in CMYK from the start. RGB artwork is best for digital display, while CMYK is best for print. If you design your print piece in RGB, you may experience unexpected colour shifts once it’s been printed. Designing everything in CMYK eliminates this.

Wondering how your colours will be displayed when printed? Ensure your brand colours are printed exactly as you’d like them by requesting colour proofs in advance for brand-specific colours. Colour matching is also a popular option when precise colour accuracy is required.

Looking for vivid, bold colours for your next print campaign? We can help. Contact us for a free personalized print quote!

Using Inaccessible Typography

The goal of many print campaigns is to have audiences understand the most important information at a glance. Font plays a key role in this, acting as a benefit or a challenge depending on the brand’s choices for their target audience. Text that is too small or overly decorative can make it challenging for some users to read. Reach for fonts that are clear, scannable, and at least 12 pt, with 14 pt being ideal for older audiences.

Fonts can also contrast poorly against other text or background colours, making it difficult to see. For example, hierarchy can be created using a different font for headlines versus body text. For colour contrast, use a light font against a dark background or vice versa to ensure readability. Strong contrast and a clear hierarchy will support the scannability of your printed materials.

Both digital and print have various national and international accessibility standards that should be adhered to when creating marketing materials. Fonts are part of these standards, with specific size and look recommendations for most audiences.

TIP: When deciding on a font, prioritize readability over style. If you cannot easily read your text, you need to make a change!

Looking to upgrade your print materials with accessible typography? Reach out for a free personalized print quote!

Ignoring Bleed & Safe Margins

When designing for print, it’s important to consider bleed and safe margins. If you create too close to the edge of the page, your design may get cut off during the printing and cutting processes.

The safe area of your print is where the bulk of your design should be, including important text and logos. Bleed refers to the extra area around your design beyond the final cut size, where elements of your design may extend or “bleed”. Bleed is important for preventing white edges from appearing if the print shifts during the cutting process. Add the recommended bleed area, which is 3 mm on all sides from the safe area, when creating your print-ready file.

Also be sure to follow your printer’s file specifications as each printer has various requirements.

Overlooking Paper Stock Selection

Many brands overlook paper stock selection when printing their next campaign, simply choosing the first or cheapest option. But paper stocks can drastically change how a design is presented when printed and how a message is perceived by an audience.

It’s important to consider the following when choosing the right paper stock for your campaign:

• What is the purpose of your campaign?

• What supports the messaging best?

• What is the overall feeling you want your audience to have?

• What aligns with your brand?

Consider how your design will be presented on the paper stock. Think about durability, finish, texture, and weight when deciding on a paper stock. Depending on your selection, images may appear sharper, colours may seem brighter, and the design will evoke the feeling you’re trying to get across. 

Unique paper stocks are also helpful for grabbing attention in a crowded market!

Interested in our paper stock selection? Contact us for our full range of options and a free personalized print quote!

Avoid these common print mistakes for your next campaign!

Even the most well-designed print campaign can fall short if common mistakes are overlooked. From low-resolution images and incorrect file formats to inaccessible fonts and poor material choices, these issues can impact both the quality of the final product and your brand's reputation. By taking the time to carefully review your design, verify specifications, and work closely with your printer, you can avoid costly setbacks and ensure your printed materials make the right impression.

Let’s bring your ideas to life and create print solutions that work for your brand. Contact us today for expert guidance and a free quote!