Print Design Production

Understanding the Difference Between RGB and CMYK: A Must-Know for Every Graphic Designer RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the primary colors of light. This model is additive, meaning colors are created by combining light in different intensities. When red, green, and blue lights are combined at full intensity, they create white light. RGB is used primarily in digital displays—your phone, computer monitor, television, and other screens all use the RGB model. Because it relies on light, RGB offers a broader and more vibrant color range. This is why images viewed on screen often appear more vivid than they do once printed. On the other hand, CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black). This is a subtractive color model used in print media. Subtractive means that it starts with a white surface (like paper), and colors are created by subtracting brightness using ink. As inks are layered, they absorb (subtract) certain wavelengths of light and reflect others to produce the desired color. For example, combining cyan and yellow yields green, magenta and yellow create red, and so on. The black (key) ink is added to enhance depth and contrast. Because CMYK works by absorbing light rather than emitting it, the color range is more limited compared to RGB. This is why some colors, especially very bright or neon tones, don’t translate well from screen to print. One of the most common mistakes designers make is designing in RGB when the final output is intended for print. The result? The printed piece looks duller, muddier, or noticeably different than the digital proof. That’s because some RGB colors cannot be replicated exactly with CMYK inks. For example, bright blues and greens in RGB may come out flat or muted in CMYK. To avoid this, designers working on printed materials—flyers, posters, brochures, business cards, etc.—should always set their design software to CMYK mode from the beginning. Conversely, if you're designing for screens—social media graphics, websites, mobile apps, or anything viewed digitally—RGB is the appropriate choice. It allows for the full spectrum of vibrant colors and smooth gradients that modern screens can render. Using CMYK in a digital project may limit the visual impact of your work because it simply doesn’t offer the same range. Another important factor to consider is file export. When sending files for printing, professional printers often request files in CMYK format, usually as PDF, TIFF, or EPS. Some printers may convert RGB to CMYK themselves, but this can lead to unwanted color shifts. In summary, RGB is for screens, CMYK is for print. Understanding this distinction not only improves the quality and professionalism of your work but also saves time and prevents headaches when it's time to publish or print your designs. Always plan with the final medium in mind—this foresight is what separates amateur designs from professional ones.

This redesign nails the two things most brands miss👇 1️⃣ Distinctiveness Distinctiveness is about using consistent brand assets that cut through and stick.
 The old pack was generic - you can’t own the Italian flag, the visual felt like stock photography, and the logomark got lost. It looked more like a placeholder than a brand. The new design flips the script:
 Taglines with attitude.
 Big, confident logomark. A consistent thread of colour to own in people’s minds. 2️⃣ Effectiveness It’s not just louder, but smarter. Cleaner hierarchy. Easier to navigate.
 Claims to inform. And the usage promise “Eat like an Italian in 3 minutes” delivers a clear functional + emotional hook. They’ve stripped the fluff and focused on what matters:
 What is it? Why is it better? Why should I buy it? Packaging design isn’t about being pretty. It’s about effectiveness. And this redesign performs - more visible, more shoppable, more memorable. What do you think? ~ If you enjoyed this post, follow me @ Brent Vrdoljak for more design breakdowns.

Typography HYPE, lean approach to beauty packaging. One of the fastest and easiest ways to build an UNIQUE personality, especially when standard packaging formats are unavoidable. On store shelves, in online shops, and across social platforms, more and more brands are adopting typographic designs to stand out. But what exactly does this approach offer, and what should you keep in mind before jumping in? +72% consumers say packaging design influences their purchasing choices → WHY typographic packaging approach? Typography is the ART of arranging type for legibility, clarity, and visual impact. Whether using existing fonts or creating custom letterforms, typography can establish a distinctive identity. In packaging, it plays a crucial role in presenting the product name, its purpose, and essential details while shaping how the message is perceived. +82% consumers have purchased a product because of its packaging design. >A simple fix to personalize generic packs. >A unique and ownable brand expression. >A creative way to break cultural conventions. >A tool to carve out your own visual territory. → Your FIRTS brand contact point. Packaging often serves as the very first point of contact with your CUSTOMER. A typography-driven approach can significantly boost shelf visibility and is especially valuable for startups or brands eager to make a mark in crowded categories. A well-designed typographic logo can tell your story, convey your values, and express your positioning in just a glance. +85% shoppers make decisions at the shelf influenced by packaging. >A stage to present your brand identity >Defining personality and tone of voice >Bringing brand storytelling to life >Delivering differentiation and strong visibilit → The digital CHALLENGE. Online retail brings its own obstacles. Products are often displayed at very small sizes, frequently on plain white backgrounds. This reduces the visual power of logos and brand elements, making it harder to stand out and connect. That’s where BOLD, emotion-driven typography comes in. Today’s younger audiences seek VIVID, personal, and experience-led aesthetics, leaning toward playful, casual, and joyful visual cues. +73% consumers drawn to buy products because of typography, and font choices directly affect perceived quality and clarity. >Bold, expressive letterforms. >Oversized contrasts for impact. >A touch of psychedelic energy. >Strong, emotional color palettes. → Wrapping up Typography is a powerful branding TOOL, especially in our digital-first world. Oversized type, expressive forms, a bit of visual experimentation, and confident color choices can help make your brand unforgettable. Here’s my curated selection of examples to spark ideas for your next Hit. Featured Brands: Ace Beauty Amine Bio Self CocoCurls Curame Erly’s Friends of Ours Mood RIngs Nolani PurPur Yasoma #beautyprofessionals #luxurybusiness #luxuryprofessionals #beautybusiness

If you're not checking these before sending your print to the factory… you're risking costly mistakes. 👇 From mismatched Pantones to visible repeat lines, even the smallest oversight can lead to expensive delays or flawed production runs. After 15+ years designing for brands like Paul Smith, Peter Pilotto and Lily & Lionel, I’ve developed a rock-solid checklist that ensures every print file I send is factory-ready, clean, and crystal clear. Here’s my go-to checklist I run through before sending any print file off to the factory — because getting your files factory-ready is one of the most important (and overlooked!) steps in a smooth, cost-effective sampling process. ✅ DPI Check – Always 300 DPI minimum. No one wants pixelated artwork. ✅ Scale Check – Print it out, hold it up to your body. Is it flattering? Too bold? Too small for that dress? ✅ Repeat Size – Does it fit within factory screens (32, 64, 81cm)? Is it appropriate for the garment size? Think maxi dress compared to a bikini. ✅ Seamless Repeat – Zoom in and scan your artwork from top to bottom. Any visible lines or flaws? Now’s your chance to catch them. Check the repeat lines horizontally and vertically. ✅ Print Technique – Is your file formatted correctly? (e.g. indexed for screen print, flat for digital, psd, Tiff?) ✅ Layer Organisation – Label your layers clearly or provide a flat file with unnecessary extras removed. You're factory will thank you for the clarity! ✅ Pantone Colours – Double-check that your colour references match your palette exactly. ✅ Tech Packs – This needs its own post (coming soon!) but make sure your print info is included clearly, i.e. scale, pantone references, printing technique etc. These steps help you avoid costly back-and-forth, save your client time and money — and keep your factory happy! What would you add to this list? Anything here you hadn’t thought of before? 👇 Want the full breakdown? I’ve just put together a free, detailed guide you can download or share with your team. You can get it here https://lnkd.in/eNJvTuEv #PrintDesign #FashionDesignTips #TextileDesigner #SamplingChecklist #FreelanceDesigner #SurfacePatternDesign #FashionProduction #DesignWorkflow

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a comprehensive approach to equipment maintenance that aims to achieve perfect production: zero breakdowns, zero defects, and zero accidents. It integrates maintenance into the daily operations of all employees, from operators to managers, to maximize equipment effectiveness and promote a culture of ownership. The Pillars of TPM: TPM is built on 8 pillars, each focused on proactive and preventive maintenance to enhance operational efficiency: Autonomous Maintenance (Jishu Hozen): Operators take ownership of routine maintenance (cleaning, inspection, lubrication). Empowers operators and reduces dependency on maintenance teams. Planned Maintenance: Scheduled preventive maintenance based on failure data and lifecycle analysis. Reduces unplanned downtime and extends equipment life. Quality Maintenance: Uses root cause analysis and preventive tools to eliminate defects caused by equipment. Focuses on maintaining conditions that assure quality output. Focused Improvement (Kobetsu Kaizen): Cross-functional teams tackle chronic problems and inefficiencies through structured problem-solving. Drives small, incremental improvements in performance. Early Equipment Management: Involves maintenance and production input during equipment design or procurement to improve maintainability, safety, and ease of operation. Education and Training: Develops skills across all levels to ensure correct operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement knowledge. Safety, Health, and Environment: Ensures machines and processes are safe and environmentally friendly. Aims for a zero-accident workplace. TPM in Administrative Functions: Applies TPM principles to office and support areas, optimizing workflows, information flow and efficiency. Benefits of TPM: Fewer breakdowns and unplanned stoppages Higher equipment uptime and productivity Improved product quality Reduced safety incidents Increased employee engagement and accountability Lower total maintenance costs Real-World Example: Context: A bottling plant suffered from frequent filler machine breakdowns, causing lost time and overworked maintenance teams. TPM Applied: Operators were trained to clean and inspect the machine daily (Autonomous Maintenance). Maintenance scheduled a monthly deep inspection (Planned Maintenance). The cross-functional team did a root cause analysis of breakdowns (Focused Improvement). Operator logs and visual indicators were introduced (Education/Training). Result: Breakdowns dropped by 70%, and the plant’s OEE rose from 65% to 85% within six months.

Flexographic printing plate potanial solutions:- Flexographic (flexo) printing plates can face various challenges that affect print quality. Below are some common issues and potential solutions: 1. Plate Lifting or Edge Curling Cause: Poor adhesion to the mounting tape or incorrect tape selection. Solution: Use the correct adhesive tape thickness and type. Ensure the plate and cylinder are clean before mounting. Apply even pressure when mounting to avoid air pockets. 2. Dot Gain or Loss of Fine Details Cause: Excessive pressure, improper plate material, or poor ink transfer. Solution: Use a high-resolution plate with proper surface texture. Adjust the impression pressure to minimize distortion. Use correct anilox roll specifications for better ink control. 3. Ink Spreading or Dirty Printing Cause: Over-impression, incorrect ink viscosity, or worn plates. Solution: Reduce impression settings to avoid excessive ink transfer. Maintain proper ink viscosity for smooth application. Regularly inspect and replace damaged plates. 4. Registration Issues (Misalignment of Colors) Cause: Improper plate mounting or press settings. Solution: Use a precise plate mounting system with optical alignment. Check and adjust press registration settings before production. Ensure plates are mounted securely to avoid movement. 5. Plate Cracking or Premature Wear Cause: Incorrect plate material or excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals. Solution: Choose durable, high-quality photopolymer plates. Use gentle, approved cleaning solutions. Store plates properly to prevent exposure to UV light and heat. 6. Inconsistent Ink Transfer (Ink Not Sticking Properly) Cause: Improper plate surface treatment or ink compatibility issues. Solution: Use plates with correct surface treatment for better ink receptivity. Ensure ink formulation is compatible with the plate material. Adjust anilox roll specifications for better ink release. 7. Air Bubbles Under the Plate Cause: Poor mounting technique or dust contamination. Solution: Clean the mounting surface thoroughly before application. Use a squeegee or roller to press the plate evenly onto the tape. Apply the plate slowly and carefully to avoid trapping air.

“𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀… 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲” 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲? 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵. Chances are, it’s not the ink. It’s the measurement mode. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘁: 🔹 𝗠𝟬 – Old-school, no UV control. Still floating around… often unknowingly. 🔹 𝗠𝟭 – D50 simulation. The new default. Closest to what your customer sees. 🔹 𝗠𝟮 – UV cut. Needed when OBAs get involved (think uncoated stock). 🔹 𝗠𝟯 – Polarized. Tames the gloss. Useful for foil, film, and textured jobs. Choosing the wrong mode throws off your data. And your brand color match. 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝘁𝗶𝗽: Align your 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺, 𝗤𝗔, and 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿 on mode usage early. Are your teams all measuring the same way? Or speaking different languages in LAB? 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 #𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹. #Spectrophotometry #BrandColor #AllThingsPrint #ExperienceMatters

🖨️ Printing Defects: Are You Solving Them… or Just Guessing? Every printing press faces it — 👉 Shade variation 🎨 👉 Ghosting 👻 👉 Smudging ✋ 👉 Misregistration 🔄 But here’s the truth: printing problems aren’t random. Each one has a cause, a measurable parameter, and a standard-based solution. That’s why I created the Offset Printing Troubleshooting Matrix (ISO 12647-2 Based). It’s not just a checklist — it’s a roadmap to consistent print quality: ✔ Clear problem definition ✔ Root causes identified ✔ Standard parameters applied ✔ Corrective actions documented 📑 Attaching the full matrix here 👇 Because when we follow standards, quality becomes predictable — and trust becomes unshakable. 💡 Question for you: Which printing defect drives you crazy the most? #OffsetPrinting #PrintQuality #ISO12647 #QualityControl #PackagingIndustry #ContinuousImprovement #PrintProduction #LeanManufacturing #Troubleshooting #ProcessExcellence.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Garment/Textile Printing 1. Purpose To ensure consistent and high-quality printing on garments/fabrics by following a defined set of procedures that maintain product standards and minimize errors. a) Screen printing b) Sublimation printing c) Heat transfer printing d) Digital printing 3. Role & Responsibilities 3.1 Printing Operator :- Execute printing exactly as per approved sample and settings. 3.2 QC Inspector :- Verify alignment, color, and overall print quality throughout the run. 3.3 Production Manager :- Oversee the entire operation and ensure SOP adherence and compliance. 4. Materials & Equipment Required a) Printing machine (e.g., screen, sublimation, heat press, DTG) b) Approved print artwork/design (in digital format) c) Color standard (Pantone/Buyer reference) d) Printing inks or transfer materials e) Clean garments or fabric f) PPE (gloves, apron, mask) g) Cleaning and maintenance tools 5. Procedure 5.1 Pre-Production Preparation 1. Verify print approval sheet, artwork, and color references. 2. Ensure fabric/garment is flat, lint-free, and free of oil/stains. 3. Calibrate the printing machine based on material and print type. 4. Load correct ink or transfer media as per approved specification. 5. Confirm machine temperature, pressure, and alignment setup. 5.2 Test Printing 1. Run a test print on sample fabric. 2. Compare against buyer-approved reference (design, color, placement). 3. Obtain QC and production manager approval before starting bulk. 5.3 Bulk Production Printing 1. Load garment/fabric precisely into the printing station. 2. Monitor print alignment continuously. 3. Inspect every 10th piece during production. 4. Document batch number, operator, and time for traceability. 5.4 Post-Printing 1. Cure/dry the ink as per material specification (e.g., 160°C for 90 seconds). 2. Conduct QC checks for: a) Colorfastness (wash & rub resistance) b) Placement accuracy c) Print clarity (no bleeding or ghosting) 3. Tag and segregate defective garments. 4. Store printed garments in a flat, dust-free area. 6. Quality Control 6.1 100% visual inspection for every piece. 6.2 Acceptable tolerance for print placement: ±3mm. 6.3 Reject prints with: a) Misalignment b) Smudging or ghost image c) Color mismatch (>5% from Pantone reference) d) Ink cracks or poor curing Maintain daily inspection and rejection reports. 7. Safety Guidelines 7.1 Operators must wear gloves, aprons, and masks. 7.2 Ensure all ventilation systems are active during operation. 7.3 Keep chemical MSDS sheets accessible. Clean ink spills immediately to avoid slip hazards or contamination. 8. Documentation 8.1 Print Production Logbook (date, shift, style, quantity, operator) 8.2 Approved Sample Records 8.3 Defect/Rejection Reports 8.4 QC Audit Reports 8.5 Machine Maintenance Logs