Plusline Designs - Graphic & Web Courses

05/11/2018

14/09/2018

Sachin Mahale

19/10/2016

Digital Printing vs Offset Printing Explained

What's the REAL difference, and does it matter?
So, what's the distinction between digital and offset printing? Printing is printing, right? Not exactly... Let's take a look at these two printing methods, their differences, and where it makes sense to choose one or the other for your next print project.

What is Offset Printing?
Offset printing technology uses plates, usually made from aluminum, which are used to transfer an image onto a rubber "blanket", and then rolling that image onto a sheet of paper. It's called offset because the ink is not transferred directly onto the paper. Offset printing is the best choice when larger quantities are needed, and provides accurate color reproduction, and crisp, clean professional looking printing.

What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing doesn't use plates the way offset does, but instead uses options such as toner (like in laser printers) or larger printers that do use liquid ink. Digital printing shines when lower quantities are needed; think of a run of 20 greeting cards or 100 flyers. Another benefit of digital printing is it's variable data capability. When each piece needs a unique code, name or address, digital is the only way to go. Offset printing cannot accommodate this need. Learn more about digital printing options and capabilities.
While offset printing is a fantastic way to produce great-looking print projects, many businesses or individuals do not need large runs of 500 or more, and the best solution is digital printing.

Some Advantages of Digital Printing:
Setup costs are lower for short runs
Print only the amount you need, when you need it
Lower minimum quantities (as low as 1, 20 or 50 pieces)
Inexpensive black and white digital printing
Variable data capability (names, addresses, codes or numbering can be done easily)
Improved technology has made digital quality acceptable for more uses

Some Advantages of Offset Printing:
Large quantities can be printed cost effectively
The more you print, the cheaper the price per piece
A large variety of paper types with custom finishes can be used
Special custom inks such as metallic and Pantone colors are available
Highest possible printing quality, with greater detail and color fidelity

Is Digital Printing the right fit for my next print project?
Offset and digital are both useful printing methods. Each have particular benefits depending on your project's requirements. When you need larger runs of a project, into the hundreds or thousands, or are using a specific, brand-centric Pantone color, offset printing is the only way to go. You can also use a much wider variety of custom papers and specialty inks, such as metallic or fluorescent inks in the offset process.

If a small run of less than 100 or the need for individual addresses or information is required, digital is your solution. The best part is that as a business, your needs can be met with either of these choices, and the high-level of quality means you get a printed product that will make you look great!

12/12/2011

Why understanding design principles is important for graphic designers:
As a graphic designer it is very important to have a good understanding of design principles, it is what separates the experts from the amateurs. Graphic design isn’t just about making things look pretty more importantly it is about effectively sending out a desired message through visual communication that is easy to understand and appealing to the desired audience. Because a good understanding of design principles helps you to communicate messages through your work more effectively, it also helps you to attract more of your targeted viewers, therefor, bringing you more customers and possibly helping you to make more money.

Why lines are important in graphic design and web design:

Lines can be used to divide space and direct the viewers eyes.
Lines can be used to separate content.
Lines direct the flow of content.
Can be used to create emphasis on a specific area of your work.
Can be used as an organizational guide, some examples are:
Wire-framing in web design
Sketching in logo design
Properly aligning text and images in web design and graphic design
The grid system
Understanding lines can help you communicate a certain feeling or idea in your work and give you more control over the effect your work will have on yours or your clients target audience.
Can help you send out a desired message more effectively through your work, that will be more appealing to your target audience.
Understanding lines can help you to create more effective layouts for your design projects.
The Different types of lines:

Line: A point with no dimensions set in motion, can have varying width and length in art and design.

There can be unlimited variations of line
Basic element that can convey many different moods and feelings in art or design
Describes shape
Helps recognize familiar objects without displaying actual qualities of the object
Basic tool every designer and artist uses
Method of representing the three dimensional world
Implied Line: A series of points or figures that the eye automatically connects and forms an imaginary line, some examples are:

A trail of crumbs
A group of cars behind one another
Group of people in line at a concert
Psychic Line: An invisible line from one element to another followed by our eyes and created in our minds. Some examples are:

A sign pointing in a certain direction
Someones eyes staring in a certain direction
Contour Lines: Used to make up forms and figures in a drawing. Describe the outlines in a drawing.

Horizontal lines: Lines that go from left to right, convey a feeling of stillness and lack of motion or rest. Horizontal lines are normally associated with sleep because normally a sleeping figure is parallel to the earth

Vertical Lines: Convey a sense of height and alertness, can be associated with a person standing up.

Diagonal Lines: Associated with movement or lack of stability, can also indicate depth when using perspective. (Normally an object that is diagonal is not stable and probably about to fall or is in movement). Think of a tree that has just been axed.