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OUGD504: STUDIO BRIEF 1 - WHAT IS DESIGN FOR PRINT? // Commercial Costing

When defining the cost for commercial printing you must take into consideration a few several factors. I looked at a printers website, to see how their costing is spread out, how it works. Of course, getting actual figures would be useless, as each individual printers will have different rates.

Size
The first factor which you must consider is the size of the stock, in relation to the amount of ink applied. For example, if you were to print on 45 leaves within an A5 publication single sided it would be [x], however, if you were to print double sided within the document, you may pay double [2x]. You might also want to double the size of the document, making each of the leave A4, as apposed to A5, resulting you to pay [4x].

Quantity
If you’re not 100% sure, please let us know the minimum / maximum you’re likely to need as it will be fine to estimate within these parameters. For anything “litho” printed a large element of the overall cost can be the set up, the “run-on” figure for increased volumes is usually a pleasant surprise.

Material
With such a wide range available, we are happy to offer advice based on similar completed projects and specific recommendations on viewing the planned artwork. Our default materials are premium grade triple coated silk/matt/gloss FSC certified with minimum 15% recycled content, or FSC uncoated (option of 100% recycled). Please note you/we can include the relevant FSC environmental logo & supporting text on any project that uses FSC certified stock (in reality, nearly all) – there’s absolutely no cost implication for you …

Printing
If we are to print in 4 colour process (full colour), defined spot/pantone/metallic colours or a combination of the two – we will generally include a machine seal on all silk/matt coated stocks and also a special seal for uncoated stocks with large ink coverage requirements. This will not affect the printing or final appearance, but will prevent rubbing/marking.

Finishing
Some jobs are very straightforward, others involve several finishing elements – we can also show certain finishing options (e.g. lamination, spot UV varnishing) as an additional cost, for you to work out what fits within the overall project budget, where applicable.

Time Frame
We pride ourselves on never missing an agreed deadline (and we’ll be honest – if on the rare occasion it’s impossible to complete a requested time we’ll tell you at the outset, not mid-project). We operate 6.00am-midnight print shifts on presses and so with a bit of advance warning we can make most things happen. But advance warning is the key – even if final artwork is not ready we can reserve a repro & press slot working back from your deadline and also organise the materials if size/quantity is known. As all proofing/printing is completed under the one roof we are in complete control of the project … and therefore the deadline.

http://www.printhouse.co.uk/2011/01/quick-accurate-estimates/

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