OUGD504: What is design for print? Studio sessoin 2

Studio session 2

In todays session we started off by discussing the task we were set, which was to find two examples of the following:

Format - Colour - Production - Process - Finishing - Stock

In groups we were given the time to discuss what we thought about each category, and how they are all related and how they make up design for print.

As a class we then defined each category:

Format: Scale + size, working within the surroundings,

Colour: Colour modes, hues, function etc.

Production: "Actual making of it"

Process: The method

Finishing: Production + process

Stock: Substrates for printing, considerations

In the last session we were asked to bring in 5 different types of print, with a range of stocks. 

In our groups we were asked to put the print in order of its format:

• Books
• Magazines
• Packaging
• Labels
• Flyers
• Product
• Receipts/ tickets

We were then asked to place our print in order of colour, so monotone to full colour print:

• Mono tone
• 2-4 colour
• full colour

Then in order of 'size of the print run':

Mass produced

Smaller run

Bespoke print run

We then categorised by print process:

• digital print
• screen print
• foiling
• embossing/ debossing
• letterpress

We then put them in order of how much each would cost to print:

• cheapest
• most expensive

Then we ordered them into their design purpose.

• Branding and identity
• Packaging and promotion
• Publishing and editorial
• Information and way-finding

The session was all about understanding the variety of design for print and how categories can be so varied and overlapping. It allowed us to work hands on and get a real understanding of designing for print, and create a greater awareness of what techniques and elements go into printing. It's fascinating and inspiring to see how dedicated the other classmates are and to listen to and be apart of the group discussions which were involved.

We were asked to write down  a selection of questions which we personally wanted to find the answers to, either it be looking them up, or asking other classmates:

- How do you print money?

- How much does it cost to print money?

- The difference between branding and identity?

- How much does it cost McDonalds to make there packaging?

- How to make ink?

- Printing receipts?