Category: Proofs

Read It. Spell Check It. Read It Again.

10/1/2013

Often we get projects in here that need to be assembled from several different sources. Whenever possible, we copy and paste the text right from the client’s source material, eliminating the chance of us having a typo. However, copy and paste is only as good as the original. Before you send your text along, make sure you Read It, to make sure it makes sense. Spell Check It, to make sure you don’t have spelling errors. Then, Read It Again, to make sure it is getting your message across.

Using the right information in the first place helps make the whole project go smoother.

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Figure Out What You Want

8/19/2013

Many times people come to me with a design idea that seems vague. I will ask questions and try to figure out what they want prior to setting of to design. However, often as the design develops, the client gets more specific with what they want. Some of that may have to do with seeing their first ideas in a proof, but most often it is because they finally stopped and really thought about what they want and don’t want. Knowing that information up front helps the designer give the client what they are looking for the first time and makes the design fee cheaper. It’s not to say that ideas can’t be tweaked at the end, but going in the wrong direction to start is not beneficial to anyone.

Give It Time and Feel the Zen

8/13/2012

We can’t tell you how many times weI’ve had a call with a customer on the other end that needs their project done right away. While Gator makes every effort to meet deadlines requested, it is not always possible.

We realize that things do come up at the last minute. However, please plan ahead whenever possible. Design jobs require time proofs and approvals. Print jobs require time for aquiring the proper paper, set up and proofs. Digital jobs require time to straighten out file translation issues. Scan jobs require time to scan and name the files.

Plan ahead and present Gator with your job, before it’s an emergency. This will minimize your stress levels and have you feeling the Zen.

What Color Is it?

4/11/2011

Recently I had a customer come in with an order for a sign. There was a color that he wanted on there that could be described as burgundy or rust. He specified “Not too pink.” After trying to figure out the exact color he wanted, he went on line to find a color match. He gave me the number and was “sure” that was the color he wanted. All screens/monitors show colors differently, just go to your local electronics store and look at two televisions side-by-side to see this first hand. I had an actual sample of that color in my hand, and just knew it wasn’t what he wanted. Before I went to print, I had him come in and look at the actual sample. Sure enough, the color he thought looked “perfect” on his computer screen, was too pink in real life. He chose a different color and was glad I insisted on him checking out the color sample in person. The customer was happy with the color on the final product, and that makes me happy.

Want Something Graphically Designed? Give it time!

2/25/2011

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Often, I get clients come in that have an idea for a graphic design project and then expect to have it done immediately. While we can usually start on the project immediately, graphic design takes time. The customer and designer must take time to talk through the project and get as many details as possible. What kind of project? What kind of paper? What kind of details are important? The designer will take notes and follow up with e-mails or phone calls for clarification later. Even the most simple design requires time to design it. Depending upon the project, the designer might create a few different designs for the customer to choose from. Once the designer is happy with the way it looks, the customer must then be contacted and have time to decide what they think. Do they like it the way it is? Do they want to change something? Is their idea being conveyed the way they explained? Did the customer forget or change their mind about something? Changes are done by the graphic designer and then re-submitted to the customer for additional review. Once the customer is happy with their project, the design is prepared to go to print. Depending upon the project, the printing process will take a few days to around 1 week. We have had clients come in 1 month prior to wanting a major project completed, and then continued to make changes the day of it needing to go to print! So please, give your project time to be developed, designed and printed. You will be happier with the results and your stress level won’t go through the roof!

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Read It. Spell Check It. Read It Again.

Figure Out What You Want

Give It Time and Feel the Zen

What Color Is it?

Want Something Graphically Designed? Give it time!

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