The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 30: April/May 2017 | Page 24

CREATIVE THINKING
Having been in the creative industry for more than 25 years, Steve Munson of Studio Creative Services shares some insights, problems and solutions of the creative industry.

WHEN IS BLACK NOT BLACK?

I believe that experience is as valuable, if not more than theory. I’ ve always been a practical person, gaining more knowledge from doing, than learning from a book.
I spent three years as an apprentice printer, going to college whilst also working on the presses. For me, the first two years was just confirming what I was physically doing day to day, it was only during the last year that I had to knuckle down to gain distinctions in 7 of 9 City & Guilds reprographics categories.
Print finishing, screen printing, digital printing and production management has been the progression of my career since, and my understanding of many production processes has been key to the latter roles, allowing me to confidently offer key advice to my designer peers.
Once I was told by a senior creative“ You inhibit my creativity!” which doesn’ t sound very good does it? However, as the production manager of a large agency at the time, I was able to reply,“ If I am, it’ s because we need to deliver the job on time and on budget!”
I still work closely with him today
and he’ s a fantastic designer, but he will admit even now, he lacks knowledge of production processes, and that’ s where my complementary knowledge and experience has been key over the years.
Which drives me back to the title of this feature... As most of you will know, to print a full colour image on paper like this page, we use the 4 colour printing process; Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and blacK( CMYK). So when you print black at 100 % you would expect to get a true solid black wouldn’ t you? Well no, not necessarily.
The process inks are transparent, they work together and overlay each other in order to achieve the wide range of colours the printing process can achieve.
If you print 100 % black on an uncoated stock, the already transparent black ink will be absorbed into the paper and will look very grey. On a silk or gloss coated stock there is less absorption due to the surface coating so will look more acceptable, but it will still not be a strong rich black.
However, take the same artwork and print it digitally using a dry toner based printer, and there is no absorption, the
toner sits on top of the paper and will look really strong.
The point is that you need to adjust artwork in accordance to the printing process, paper stock being used and desired result. This is one of many things that should be considered when designing for print, but you would be surprised at how many people creating such material, do not have this understanding. This is where my business, Studio Creative Services excels.
We understand the specifications of the job, the process that will be used and the desired result.
We are looking to share our expertise with new clients, creating artwork in-house or working alongside existing creative teams, helping and advising the best way to create and produce marketing materials, whatever they might be.
It’ s not just the density of black ink we can advise on, we can provide advice in many areas: design, print production, large format print, signage, exhibitions, merchandise and more.
So it could be a suggestion to reduce the page size of a magazine or brochure, to make more efficient use of the paper and the press, which could lead to savings of hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Or perhaps it could be branded merchandise- selected and produced in such a way it complements your existing material whilst creating the biggest impact to your marketing campaign.
Whatever the requirement, we take great pride in everything we do, only offering products that we would be happy putting our own name on.
If you like what you hear, please get in touch to discuss your next project with us.
Studio has been creating each edition of TBE and many adverts contained within it since the third edition
From a business card( solutions include stylish 3D Spot UV)
Creative solutions for print, web and brand identity
For more info: www. studio-cs. co. uk
01793 336004
To unique branded merchandise
Juicy Designs is a creative design agency offering practical marketing solutions that really communicate. With over 25 years creative experience, working with lots of exciting clients both large and small, we have the expertise on tap to help you communicate and engage with your customers.
With no unnecessary overheads to pass on, we can help you communicate and engage with your customers, maximising your marketing potential.
www. juicy-designs. com
Design and production specialists: design, print production, display / signage and events, branded merchandise
24 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017