This book provides an overview of the steps required to transform a creative idea into a printed piece. It explores the fundamental elements and processes employed in all facets of the graphic arts. Each step is examined as equally important in its impact on the final budget, timeline, and quality of the finished product. As an added bonus to show the effect of paper on the printed piece, an image and surface comparison section shows the same images printed on several grades of paper.

From the Preface: “As the title indicates, the purpose of this book is to provide a basic overview of the production process...The information provided in this book is not an in-depth study. I have only touched on the high spots in each section, and then in only very broad terms. The goal is to enlighten and inform...As with anything, having a basic understanding of the production process promotes better communications. Being aware of the basics of the process helps anyone who is involved even peripherally...”

Target Audience: An excellent introduction to print production, appropriate for entry level students, employees new to the printing industry, and a variety of readers — such as print buyers; creative, strategic, and management personnel; and vendors — whose functions interact with print production.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Specificiations

Sizes and Configurations

Photography and Illustrations

Paper

The Mechanical

Scans and Color

Proofing

Printing

Finishing

Binding

Packaging

Shipping

Appendix: Image and Surface Comparisons

Index