Common Print Design Mistakes

As a graphic designer, marketer, or business owner, you should never underestimate the power of print.

Well designed and well-printed material such as brochures, cards, and even office stationery goes a long way in ensuring that your brand is associated with quality.

This is why it’s important to know about the most common mistakes both rookie and expert designers make when designing for print.

Keep reading to find out the 10 most common print design mistakes and how you can avoid them!

1. Miscommunication

This is the topmost common mistake that designers new and old make when designing for print. Always make sure that you completely understand the instructions a client has given you. Remember, it’s your responsibility to confirm that both you and the client are on the same page.

2. Not using the right tools

Graphic design is an art, and without the right tools, even the best artists struggle to perform as well as their potential. Make sure that you’re using professional programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

3. Not sticking to one color palette

Another common mistake many designers make is using a ton of different colors in their print designs. While this may have a different effect on the screen, it often results in a garish and unbalanced design in print. Find a palette that works and stick with it!

4. Filling up the white space

Don’t be scared of the white space. Most designers just try to squeeze anything and everything they can into the blank space in their print designs. The result? Not so appealing.

5. Not installing and including fonts

The printer won’t have the exact font you used – even you didn’t before you downloaded it! Make sure to install your fonts in the final design you’re sending for printing.

6. Forgetting to consider the material

Never assume that your design will look the same once printed. Different materials can react differently to the printing ink and result in a completely different result than what you were expecting. It’s always a good idea to print a test batch first and fix anything that needs fixing.

7. Not using high-res images

While this may seem obvious, many designers forget that printers also need high-res images to produce a sharp result. Even if it looks sharp enough on your screen, it may not appear the same once printed. Always use the highest quality photos available.

8. Not double-checking for mistakes

Print design is very different from digital. Once you screw up, there is no going back and replacing thousands of printed flyers or business cards. Make sure you double-check every single inch of the design before sending it off.

9. Check for spelling

While this may again seem like overkill, but how many print designs have you seen with one or more spelling mistakes? A lot, right? Be careful not to create one more!

10. Not getting professional help

Graphic design for print is no easy task and having the experts do it for you can do wonders for your designs. At Sunan Designs, our designers are experts at breathing life into print designs. Reach out to us today and sit back while we handle the rest!