Creative Services provides full-service publications planning and production. When you work with us you will be assigned a project manager who will guide you through the entire process and coordinate the efforts of all parties involved. Your project manager is a professional editor and can help you shape your message. Project management services are provided free of charge.

Questions for Every Printed Project

Read the universal project planning questions first.

Quantity:
How many copies do you need? Larger quantities mean lower per unit costs; reprinting later is expensive.

Content:
What kind of information will be contained in the piece?

Resources:
Who will write the copy? Who will design the piece? Are graphics/images needed? Where will they come from? (See the Photo Services site, Photo FAQs, and Planning Your Photo Project ). Have you considered illustrations? How will it be reproduced: traditional printing, photocopying, or digital printing?

Format:
Should the publication be a brochure, booklet, flyer, postcard, poster, or a combination of these? The format will be determined by the amount of information you wish to convey.

Materials:
Your printer or designer can help you determine the type of printing—one, two, or four color—and paper used. These decisions directly affect the cost of the piece.

Shelf life:
How long do you expect to use the publication? Will some of the information be out of date in a short time? Can you print a large quantity and use it over a year or more (which will make your per unit cost lower)? Should frequently changing info be treated separately (e.g., insert sheet or on the web)?

Distribution:
Will it be mailed? Does it need an envelope? Should it be a direct mailer? Do you have a mailing list? Who will handle mailing? Will you hand it out at conferences, meetings, or college fairs?

More Important Tips: Planning Your Publication 2