If there's something you need to know, but you don't see it listed here, just ask!

The Questions:

Cost... The Bottom Line

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear is: How much will it cost to do a brochure? After all, it's not as if nobody's ever ordered a brochure before. We all wish it were as easy as walking into a store and asking, “How much is that widget?”

But, unlike mass-produced widgets, your job is a unique product, custom-made to your exact specifications. There are infinite combinations of designs, quantities, papers, ink colors, technical details, and schedules. We want to be able to answer your question accurately so you'll have as good an idea as possible as to what your budget needs to be. Even then, it's still only an estimate, because there will always be unknowns.

Please bear with us as we ask you lots of questions and tell you we will need to check with our vendors to get you as accurate an estimate as possible. It's helpful if you can allow up to a week for us to get back to you on larger projects with a detailed written estimate.

Here's the exception: because the Stationery Package consists of templates set to guidelines determined by the GW Standards Manual, we can provide you with exact costs. Contact Printing Services via e-mail at ltrhd@gwu.edu or djay@gwu.edu, or by phone at 202.994.1188 or 202.994.1193.

Scheduling—Time is of the Essence

People are sometimes surprised to learn how long it takes to have an item produced now that we're all used to printing from our computers almost instantaneously. In spite of technological gains in digital printing, offset lithographic printing is still the best choice for quality and price in many cases. And while many technological advances have been made in offset lithography as well, ink still needs to dry, pocket folders still need to be cut and glued, and booklets still need to be packed into boxes and driven to their destination.

It is helpful to remember that each job is unique, and is a manufactured product requiring several steps and many people's contributions. Even a seemingly simple business card undergoes at least 10 separate steps: ordering, typesetting, proofing, platemaking, printing, drying, trimming, packaging, delivery and finally (whew!) billing. If that's what it takes for a business card, just imagine what a brochure goes through!

The key to staying on schedule is planning ahead, but sometimes we realize that's just not possible. Call us as soon as you can, and we will do our best to get you the schedule you need.

Project Checklist: The Best Laid Plans

We know you're busy trying to get your project ready to bring to us, but please give us a call as early as possible. We are always willing (OK, begging!) to get involved in the planning process. By helping you plan and organize your project, we'll help ensure you don't waste time and effort pursuing an ineffective or unaffordable option, and that your project goes smoothly when it gets into the production stage. Below are some things to consider as you begin your project:

  • Who is your target audience?
  • What can you tell us about their ages, lifestyles, incomes, and geographic locations?
  • What do you want the recipient to do after receiving your piece?
  • Are there any special requirements for packing, shipping, distribution, or mailing?
  • Have you scheduled time for copy preparation, design, proofreading, printing, and distribution?
  • What is your budget? How many copies do you need?
  • Will you be updating the piece at some later date?
  • Do you need to include any photographs, illustrations, charts, graphs, or maps?
Desktop Publishing

Hardly a week goes by without files arriving in our office with a request to have several hundred (or thousand) copies printed of a project someone created themselves. Unfortunately, we almost always have bad news. “But,” they plead, “It looked great on screen, and the manual that came with the software said we could have any commercial printer make copies!” Here's the truth: they're not really telling the whole story. Oh, they don't really mean to mislead—they just want to sell their software. The problem is, commercial printers work mainly with Graphic Designers who are producing documents using industry-standard software and equipment. As most people have found with the systems in their own offices, it takes an extraordinary commitment to keep up with software and equipment upgrades. It's not cost-effective for businesses to purchase, upgrade, and maintain training for software that is not being used by the majority of their clients and is incapable of producing professional results.

So, what are you supposed to do when you need to produce a newsletter and think you don't have the money to hire us to do it? Give us a call before you start and see how affordable it can be for us to design a template and produce it for you. Or, we can suggest ways in which you can set it up to minimize problems and maximize the potential that it can be printed successfully.

Proofing—The Ugly Proof

Proofing isn't pretty. It's tedious and time-consuming. We cannot stress enough the importance of thorough proofreading, because the only thing worse than toiling over a proof is getting your printed piece and seeing a glaring error. Although we strive to provide the most accurate proofs possible for your review, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that all elements are accurate. And in case you're tempted to rush through the proofing process because your schedule's tight—don't, because you certainly won't have time for a reprint.

A few tips to make proofing less painful and more effective:

  • Make sure all text has been thoroughly proofread and spell-checked before submission to us
  • Print a hard copy and include it with your electronic file with any special instructions
  • Have someone who's never read your text before read it
  • Plan an adequate schedule for your project that allows for thorough proofing
  • Alternate your proofreading between on-screen and laser-printed versions
  • Look at your text upside down (Try it—it really works!)

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The Necessary Paperwork

You will need to complete a “Request for Graphic Design and Printing Service” in order for us to start your project. We ask that you submit one of these as soon as you meet with us, even if you're only requesting a budget estimate. That way, we'll have all the relevant information in our system when the job becomes active. Items not requiring meetings, such as stationery items and straight reprints, can be faxed or sent to us via Campus Mail with complete contact and billing information. Please call us before sending a rush job so we can keep an eye out for it.

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Speaking in One Voice

The only approved symbols that may be used to represent GW are the wordmarks and other elements reproduced in the graphic standards manual. This policy ensures an effective visual identity for the University by bringing together the diversity of our many departments and programs, each with its own special character, style, and approach to communication. By repeated and consistent application, each reinforces the others to create an image of GW that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Using the same visual language doesn't mean everything has to look alike. GW Graphic Design has expert interpreters ready to help you "speak GW" with your own unique accent.

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