TOP TEN TIPS
Corporate Literature Design
1 Proof read the job time and again
  It is very easy to overlook mistakes. Pass the job round as many people as possible for proof reading before going to print. A fresh pair of eyes will often pick up an obvious error.
2 Keep it timeless
  Corporate literature production can be an expensive process. Try to make it as age-proof as possible. Avoid printing information that is likely to go out-of date quickly if at all possible. Fashionable graphic effects can start to look dated very quickly. Think of the future.
3 Try a Folder
  One way of keeping literature content timeless is to produce it in the form of a folder with loose inserts. It is much cheaper to re-print update sheets than it is to reprint an entire brochure.
4 Good stock can make all the difference
  Just as with corporate stationery, a good quality card or paper stock for corporate literature can give a look and feel of quality which no amount of graphical impact can imitate. Textured stock can be used to reflect the type of business being promoted to great effect.
5 Consider a finishing touch
  For a relatively small cost, a finish effect such as a varnish or laminate can have combined effect of improving the aesthetics of corporate literature whilst protecting the material and extending it's lifespan. There are a range of possible finishes to choose from.
6 Avoid white text on photographs
  When printing, if any of the colour plates are even slightly out of alignment then white text on full colour images can appear blurred. The easiest way to avoid this pitfall is not to risk it.
7 More is less
  If unsure of how many copies of the literature is needed, make estimates higher rather than lower. Once a print job is set up the unit cost is relatively cheap. It can be expensive to rerun a print job at a later date because you run out of literature. Balance this consideration with the possible need to update in the future.
8 Don't forget the envelopes
  Whilst literature can be produced and printed in any dimensions, unusual shapes may require the supply of custom envelopes to ship them in. This is an added cost which can be avoided if need be.
9

One or two spot colours can save you a lot
  By choosing one or two spot colours instead of a full colour design, printing costs can be greatly reduced. You may be surprised by how good a brochure can look even if it only uses one or two colours.
10 Gather together a portfolio of samples
Always keep an eye out for what styles and effects are being used in contemporary corporate literature. If you like the look of something keep a copy of it to see something similar can be used to good effect in your own material.
Page URL: http://www.adscreative.com/topten/literature/
Date created: 4th October 1999
Date last modified: 22nd February 2000
Webmaster: Bruce Wilkie
Inquiries: studio@adscreative.com