Not all art files are created equal. We’ve been in this business long enough to know what a quality, print-ready, label art file looks like.
Good designers know how to make a print-ready art file and create a design that will seamlessly flow through the proofing stage and leave you with product labels that not only meet but exceed your expectations! Graphic designers who are not familiar with creating art for printing will leave you stuck in proofing, going back and forth with them to make necessary changes, and creating more of a headache than you even knew was possible when it comes to getting your products ready to hit shelves.
Often we have clients who come prepared; having a graphic design background of their own, or having hired a professional to create a print-ready file. Other clients come with just concepts and ideas. Some, unfortunately, come with files believing they’re ready for print production, and that’s, in reality, not the case. The two latter will need to find a graphic designer to partner with to work on the creation or perfection of their product label art files before we are ready to bring their labels to press. Anything less, can and likely will cause hang ups and delays in proofing, quality-focused print operations like Columbine Label, won’t let you move past proofing with art that will give you subpar results.
At Columbine Label, we do have an art department with graphic designers on staff. However, due to the volume of proofs produced by our in-house team, we simply don’t have the time and resources to dedicate to full design work. We will take on minor text and layout changes, but beyond that, we strongly encourage clients to get their graphic design and print files squared away through an independent or staffed designer that they have retained.
If you need suggestions on who to work with, you’re in luck. We have several Colorado local graphic designers who are happy to help with creating print-ready files incorporating everything your label needs, along with considerations for the type of container these will be affixed to, and the various regulations that you must abide by to have a valid, market-ready product label. Your concepts, their talent for graphic design, and our expertise in the world of product label printing will combine for a great result!
Our Partners:
Amp&rsand Creative Studio
Jonathan & Barbara Garcia – hello@ampersandcreative.studio
970-805-3059
Mahd Media
Brianne Bell – bree@mahdmedia.com
970-302-4090
G Man Graphics
Gary Bainter
970-330-7905
Norlo Design
Anna Long – info@norlodesign.com
We have worked with all of the above with great results. If you’re in the market for a graphic designer who can work with a product label, the above are 5 fine examples. Once you have completed this step, it’s still probably a good idea to return to our Art Guidelines page just to double check that all of your ducks are in a row.