Pre-press has always been a nebulous subject for the part- and -the un -initiated of the Graphic arts. A full knowledge of this subject is at hand. No more 'pulling wool over your eyes". Camera: Almost a 'dodo' item. But not as far as professional photographers are concerned. There is still a place for these wonderful capturing devices in art. Here you will be advised: 'Camera' or 'digital'! Stripping-(No! not the fun kind!). The best way to present work for film assembly is almost always overlooked. Get it right the first time! Not around for long-soon to go the way of hot-lead, except for basement operators. Platemaking; The last hold-out for digitalising (NOT 'digitising'!). Now about to catch up with the Roto world. They advanced, forced upon them by their high cylinder costs. The various plate types are many and varied. Not a great concern for the customer. Nevertheless some info may be useful. Film has been the unending subject of research in the industry. It is now about to be largely replaced digitally. Stochastic or not stochastic-no longer a question! Type-a vast experience and knowledge of type faces and their suitability is offered.
Styles of type are the secret of a good sell. Guidance should always be sought. typography and all its facets are a major element in visual communication. suggestions are limitless. Presswork and reproduction in all the different systems is fully understood for your peace of mind. Lithography is still the major commercial medium for 99% of printed communication. The type, style and configurations of web and sheet-fed are almost limitless. Knowing where the right press that fits your requirements the most economically is the key to mimimalising your costs. Board printing;this is a sheetfed product 90% of the time, other than mainly cigarette packages. Many other applications are an opportunity awaiting discovery. Letterpress;Now an "old-fashioned" process, but closely related to board printing for 'scoring', 'perforating' and 'die-cutting'. also some Newspapers-and hold-outs in their cellars with Heidelberg platens and vertical Meihles. Screen process; Once known as the good old "silk-screen" industry. A wonderful creative-oriented process. An artists delight. The saviour of many lithographic boo-boo's. there are many uses for it commercially. Rotogravure;Not a process for the average commercial requirement. However there are many other possibiliteis. Flexography;A close relative in method to 'letterpress'. Used for printing on non-paper sub-stratas. From peel-off labels to plastic bags. Good for accompanying products to projects. Embossing;A specialised method for luxurious enhancements. Information on its application is OFTEN WORTHWHILE. Foil stamping;Same advice as the previous, 'embossing'. Paper selection; to quote:"the medium is the message." the right choice of paper is what sends your message successfully. A thorough background in paper from newsprint to double coated board. Estimating systems; are as varied as the leaves on the trees. For every plant there is the ideal system above and beyond the 'store' versions. I can help you determine that system, from a computerised one to 'pencil and paper'. Production methods; A vast experience in production control and co-ordinating. Finishing methods; all methods of finishing and bindery can be researched. Case-binding; an almost specialised situation to-day. there's nothing as good as a "good" book. Slip-cases; these go to-gether generally with case-bound books, for a high value product. There are many varietés to be offered. Packing this is where the product really satisfies the customer. (If it breaks-They won't pay!) Distribution systems; there are many ways to get the printed product spread around. There are also many ideas-just for the asking. Formats-choices for products; a very important element to consider when the product has to be printed. Knowledge of every suitable size for every press is worth seeking out beforehand. Capital evaluations; after your machine is up and running; is it worth it. Many years experience in these evaluations are one of the sharper arrows in my quiver. Equipment analyses; before you buy; or to fit the project, have it professionnally prepared. Don't buy because it sounds a good idea. If it takes more than a certain time to recover your outlay. then the purchase was a dubious one. INSTRUCTION can be given 'in house' to new and experienced staff-on any subject of the graphic arts.
