Best Practices
Content Mapping: Similar to our digital process, we begin with a dedicated Content Mapping Phase. During this phase, content creation is separate from design layouts, allowing for a more focused approach to organizing and refining content before moving forward.
Design: Once the Content Mapping Phase is complete and approved, we move on to designing your collateral or books. You'll receive one Sketch Review followed by two Formal Reviews for each system, ensuring that the designs align with your vision.
Print Quotes: During the Design Phase, we start soliciting quotes for the production of your deliverables. We'll explore various printing options such as foils, paper types, and die cuts to understand costs. We'll work with you to gain approval on these options before moving forward.
Final Mechanicals: After the print quotes are approved, we'll finalize the design mechanicals and send them to the printer. This step is crucial for ensuring that everything is ready for production.
Facilitation: It's important to keep us in the loop during this phase so we can help facilitate and negotiate with vendors. Each vendor has different processes, and our involvement ensures clarity and the quality of the final deliverable.
Prototype: The manufacturer will produce a prototype, which may not be of final product quality but will give you an idea of the finished product. Together, we'll review the prototype and decide whether to move to production or make revisions. Once you agree to move forward, you'll be accepting all costs from that point, subject to reasonable Quality Assurance efforts.
Production Check: After prototype approval, production begins. You'll be invited to attend one or more Production Checks with our staff. If you have concerns about how each deliverable will turn out, attending these checks is highly recommended. This is your chance to stop the press and request changes, though please note that press checks can sometimes occur at odd hours, like 2:00 AM.
Full Production: After you sign off during the Production Check (if you attend), the press will run your entire job. The process may take a few days, as inks need to dry and additional work like binding or die cuts may be required. Once complete, the deliverables will be shipped to you.
Reprints: If you need reprints or slight edits, you can go directly to our vendors. We have strong relationships with them, and they can make edits directly in their press-ready mechanicals, saving you time and money. Of course, you're always welcome to come back to us for these types of issues.
Timeline
Standard Timeline: Typically, expect a 3-4 week timeline for production.
Additional Time: Add an extra week for each special feature like die cuts, foils, varnishes, or special paper.
Color Matching: If printing multiple assets, especially with different printing methods (Offset vs. Digital) or paper types, allow extra time for color matching to minimize differences.
Common Risks
Sourcing Multiple Quotes: Delays can occur when gathering multiple quotes from printers.
Skipping Press Checks: Not attending press checks can lead to quality issues.
Expedited Timelines: Rushing the timeline increases the risk of errors.
Skipping Prototypes: Not investing in drawdowns and prototypes can result in unexpected outcomes.
Overlooking Standards: For installations, ensure walls and other surfaces meet necessary standards (e.g., fire codes). For packaging, consider FDA regulations and international standards. For mailing, be aware of envelope and mailing standards.
Contractual
Vendor Sourcing: Watson will source one quote from vendors within our network.
Client Flexibility: You are free to take artwork to any vendor, but this may increase our involvement to ensure quality. We have long-standing relationships with our vendors, most of whom are within walking distance.
Charges: Watson charges for time and materials related to vendor facilitation, press checks, sourcing, and any reworking of mechanicals due to changes in vendor quotes, etc.
Payments: Clients are responsible for paying vendors directly and making all final approvals.