Print marketing encompasses an array of materials, including brochures, presentation folders, sales sheets, rack cards, business cards, direct mail pieces, and signage. These printed materials serve as physical representations of a company’s brand and message, enabling effective communication with potential customers. Well-designed marketing materials have the power to engage and captivate audiences, allowing printing to provide a tangible experience that digital mediums can struggle to achieve.
Printing production refers to the process of converting digital files into physical print marketing materials. This intricate process plays a crucial role in marketing efforts, as print marketing remains a powerful tool for companies to engage their target audiences effectively.
3 Main Steps in the Printing Process
The printing process can be delivered in 3 main steps: prepress, press, and post-press.
- Pre-press operations encompass tasks during which the idea for a printed image is converted into an image carrier such as a plate, cylinder, or screen. Prepress operations include composition and typesetting, graphic design, and image carrier preparation.
- Press refers to actual printing operations.
- Post-press primarily involves the assembly of printed materials and consists of binding and finishing tasks.
Let’s delve into each of the main steps to explain a bit further.
Pre-Press
The initial step in printing production involves preparing the digital files for print. This requires ensuring the correct layout, typography, and colors are implemented, while also considering the specific requirements of the printing press. Designers must diligently choose the appropriate file format and resolution to guarantee high-quality output.
Printing Press
Once the files are prepared, they are sent to the printing press for actual production. Printing encompasses various techniques, such as offset, digital, or screen printing, and the choice depends on factors like budget, volume, and desired print quality. Regardless of the method employed, skilled technicians operate the printing press, carefully aligning the ink and paper to create superior printed materials.
Post-Press
After the printing process, the materials undergo post-production steps to refine their appearance. This typically involves cutting, trimming, folding, and binding, depending on the nature of the printed materials. Skilled technicians meticulously carry out these tasks, ensuring that each piece conforms to the desired specifications and achieves a professional finish.
Putting It All Together
The table below is provided to help you understand how your printing order goes through the production process:
| Issues | Pre-Press | Printing | Post-Press | Delivery |
| Awaiting Artwork: We have not received the artwork files Awaiting Prepress Proof Approval: Prepress proof(s) for your order have been created and sent to you for approval. Not all orders receive prepress proofs. On Hold: There is a problem with your art files or we are waiting on approval/action from you. Status Adjustment: Your order is progressing normally, but the status is being adjusted due to heavy activity for all orders currently in production. Quality Control Reprint: Your order is being reprinted, due to a quality issue. Canceled: Your order has been canceled. | New: The order is received and being entered into our system. Pre-Flight: Your order is being checked for errors. Prepress Proof: Prepress proofs are being created for your order. Not all orders receive prepress proofs. Batch Staging: Your order is being prepared for imposition. Batch Imposition: Your order is in imposition. Your order is being prepared to be batched for print. Pre-Press: Your order is prepared to be plated. | Plated: Your order has been etched onto Printing Plates. On Press: Your order is being printed. | UV or AQ Coating: Your order is in the coating process. Bindery: Your order is in the bindery dept. Cutting: Your order is in our cutting dept. Finishing: Your order is in the finishing dept. DP: Your mail list is being data processed. Mailing: Your mailing order is in the mail shop. Mailing Addressing: Your mail order is being addressed. | Packaging: Your order is being packaged. Delivery Pending: Your order is being prepared for delivery. Out for Local Delivery: Your order is on the truck ready for delivery. Delivered: Your order has been delivered. Mailed: Your mailing order has been drop mailed at USPS. Shipped: Your order has shipped. It may take up to 24 hours before tracking status is available from FedEx/UPS. Complete: Your order is complete. |
In conclusion, printing production is a comprehensive process that involves preparing digital files, utilizing various printing techniques, and performing post-production steps to create visually appealing printed materials. These materials form an integral part of print marketing strategies, offering companies an attractive avenue to connect with their target markets. By leveraging the power of print, businesses can leave a lasting impression on potential customers and enhance their brand image.
The Team at D Media Are Marketing Experts
We Help Companies with Graphic Design, Printing, and Printed Marketing Materials
D Media is the perfect partner for all your graphic design needs. From crafting business cards to creating brochures to establishing brand standards, we offer an extensive range of services that cater to clients both locally and across the country. Our expertise produces designs that reflect your brand identity while ensuring easy comprehension.
Equip your sales team with professionally designed marketing collateral required for success. At D Media, we understand the importance of leaving a lasting impression on prospects, and our quality print marketing materials will do just that.
Contact us to learn more about how we contribute to your marketing goals, attract new clients, and build your business.