save paper //// think before you print

Paper. It’s everywhere. We use it everyday to completely obscure desks around the world. 

It is all too easy to hit print when you need certain information contained within an email. Instead, copy the information pertaining to client requests, information etc. into Word or even Notepad and store with the job at hand. Alternatively, if your organised, create folders within your email application. (A systematic filing structure will hold many more benefits other than just saving paper).

More valuable paper saving ideas:
• Create print presets or hot folders for your printer, limiting print errors
• Print to PDF instead of paper for archiving receipts, transactions etc.
• Change default application settings to print double-sided
• Use electronic notes, to do lists, and reminders instead of post-it notes
• Create a centralised library of documents used regularly for instant access

//// Think! There are many more ways of saving paper around your studio…..

With continuously evolving technology, a completely paperless office is not too far away.

Save paper, invest in technology, and even one day there will be no need for pens…..

quality assurance system

When working on any job for the same client, it may be difficult to ensure the correct branding, colour and various other elements are being used each and every time – especially when working with a team of operators.

I highly recommend creating a top-level base folder named QA System which has permission restrictions to ensure files are not altered or deleted. In addition, create a custom icon for the particular client within the ‘Work in Progress’ folder for quick identification of clients whom have a QA System in place.

 

When creating the QA System for any client, create the following folders and files:
• Brandmark  (layered file – see brandmark variations)
• Secondary Visual Language (layered file)
• Colour Palette (custom swatches – see colour palettes)
• Typefaces
• Templates (ie. business cards)

When working with new or retrieved artwork; follow the below checklist to ensure all elements have been used and up-to-date.
1. Load fonts into the font management software
2. Import / replace the appropriate layer from the brandmark file
3. Import / replace the secondary language
4. Import colour palettes, replace and remove unused colours
5. Ensure the template is used (if required)

The main benefit of this system, is that additional colours, brand variations and secondary visuals can be added and modified at any time which ensures the most up-to-date elements are used and maintained throughout the lifespan of the client.

brandmark variations

When creating brandmark variations they can certainly become numerous. White, mono, cmyk, rgb just to name a few. A nice, simple and effective way to keep these variations in check is to use the layers in Illustrator.

 

By using each layer as a container for each variation, these can then be imported into Indesign or any other numerous applications that are able to read layers. 

Simply select the appropriate layer that you wish to use when importing. Only the selected layer will be shown and printed.

 

Ideally each brandmark on every layer should be in the same position for ease of placement when importing.

colour palettes

Using colour palettes effectively requires a systematic approach to filenames, storage and general house-keeping. Working with brand variations these will result in colour conversions for various output purposes; ie. spot and cmyk. 

A particular feature I find extremely useful is to create a custom palette for clients. 

Utilising Illustrator, remove all the unused colours from the swatches palette, including black and white.

Renaming the swatch to include, say a client code or job number, will also prove beneficial when importing these palettes into another application for easy identification. Once you are happy with the swatch palette structure, save the ‘swatch library as ASE…’

 

The resulting file will be able to used throughout the Adobe Creative Suite for an effective and consistent use of the particular clients colour palette.