Software programs

[imaca...@gmail.com]

Hello everyone...

I am hoping to get a little guidence on design programs from the
group.

A little background first - I am an experienced Account Manager in
printing and direct mail marketing with a thrist for knowledge.

I know pre press....ok, I know what type of files, fonts, KO's etc are
needed to work for production...but I do not know how to use any of
the software to create the files.

I want to be able to preflight a client's file, so I can save time and
money for my clients and my company. Oh, and know if my pre press guys
are blowin' smoke....

What program would you suggest I start to dabble in? Quark?
Illustrator?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[c.l...@charene.net]

As a graphic designer and business owner with 25 years advertising
experience, I would caution your desire to "dabble". InDesign is the
program that most printers request these days. The program is easy to
work in but I have experience working in many design programs
including FreeHand, Quark and Illustrator. These programs are really
not meant for people without design experience. Publisher is that
"everyone can be a designer" program that a lot of companies use to
save money and do design themselves. I cringe when we hear the word
"Publisher" and run in the other direction. It can not create the
caliber of work that InDesign or Quark can. Maybe the key would be to
find a new pre press guy that you can trust or a designer you enjoy
working with who will be honest and help your clients achieve their
objective? I am based in Ohio. If you need a designer who can help out
your clients, let me know. Check out my web site at www.ChaRene.net.
Good luck.

[tmpde...@gmail.com]

I would recommend QuarkXpress for a design layout program it is much
easier to use than In Design. You will need all the other graphic
programs to complete your package such as Illustrator and Photoshop.
As far as commercial printing and collecting for output QuarkXpress is
your best bet it automatically creates all your text as 100% black so
you don't have to worry about having to convert everything like you
would have to do in InDesign. I offer free graphic design services
and links to many discounted online printers please visit my website
at http://www.graphicdesigns4you.com and let me know if I can help you
out with any opcoming projects.

On Jun 26, 8:24 pm, imacards...@gmail.com wrote:

[Judy]

This is wonderful, how very nice of you to do this! I will add your
link to my writers resource page, my new blog, when it is up and
running, and also refer you to associates.

I may just get in touch myself!

Judy
<a href="http://www.creativepurrsuits.com/resources.html">Creative
Purrsuits Writing Services</a>

On 29 Jun, 08:00, tmpdesi...@gmail.com wrote:
> I would recommend QuarkXpress for a design layout program it is much
> easier to use than In Design.  You will need all the other graphic
> programs to complete your package such as Illustrator and Photoshop.
> As far as commercial printing and collecting for output QuarkXpress is
> your best bet it automatically creates all your text as 100% black so
> you don't have to worry about having to convert everything like you
> would have to do in InDesign.  I offer free graphic design services
> and links to many discounted online printers please visit my website

> athttp://www.graphicdesigns4you.comand let me know if I can help you

[patty pollard]

Clarification -

 

Hello everyone,

 

It seems I am coming across as wanting to learn to do the work of pre press myself. That is not what I am looking to do.

 

I simply want to be able to understand pre press a little better. If I have a better understanding of programs, I can relay any issues that arise more effectively to my client.

 

By "dabbling" I only want to become a bit familiar with the programs myself, not take the place of designers and pre press.

 

Thanks everyone  :)