Print Production: Choosing Paper

1h 9mIntermediate2016-06-23

Authors

Chris Harrold

VP of Business Development and Creative Director at Mohawk

Course details

Designers must know how to choose the right paper for every print job. Paper is where design leaps off of the screen and into your hands. The right weight, feel, and finish help the reader understand the purpose and importance of the design. This course helps you understand how to maximize this oh-so-important material to make your printed projects not only come out the way you envision, but also more beautiful, effective, and memorable.

Chris Harrold of Mohawk Paper teaches the basics of paper, including physical attributes like color and finish, and shows how to select the right paper for a project and ensure the best results on press. Altogether, this course helps you take full advantage of one of the most important elements of any print project, and choose paper to support any type of design, from luxury packaging to short-run press projects.

Learning objectives
Examining paper finish, texture, color, and weight
Using coated vs. uncoated paper
Papers for packaging
Finding paper samples
Working with printers

Skills covered

Print ProductionGraphic DesignDeep Dive (X:Y)

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - Using the course handouts

1. Paper Basics and Physical Attributes

03 - How paper is made
04 - Paper finish and texture
05 - Paper shades and colors
06 - Paper weight and thickness
07 - Paper sheet and roll sizes
08 - Paper and sustainability

2. Choosing the Right Paper for Your Project

09 - Coated vs. uncoated papers
10 - Using textured paper
11 - Specialty papers - From metallics to handmade
12 - Papers for packaging projects

3. From Paper Selection to Press Approval

13 - Using paper swatch books
14 - Sourcing paper samples and dummies
15 - Getting the job done

Conclusion

16 - Next Steps