Catalogs are a great way to get a lot of information out to consumers in a visually pleasing package. With the right design and print set-up, catalogs can boost your business and bring in more revenue. With a variety of options for catalog printing in Los Angeles, it can be hard to know how to make the perfect print. But as long as you pay attention to your design, layout, and file settings, you can get a stunning catalog to share with everyone.
Catalog Design
Designing a catalog doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s a process that requires time and dedication to make a perfect product. However, you don’t need a degree in visual design to create a catalog that will impress others. All you need to do is make sure your layouts and design elements follow a few cohesion rules.
Balance Text and Image
A catalog is meant to show off products or services, so you’ll want to make sure you’re doing just that. Having images in your catalog is a necessity, and the higher the image quality, the better the design will look. Images need to show off the product or give an example of the services you offer. These visuals will help consumers know what to expect if they do business with you.
But you can’t just fill your pages with pictures and expect people to invest in your company. You also need text that describes what the products and services are. However, too much text can quickly take over a page, upsetting the balance. It can be hard to say exactly what you want in limited space, but try to pare down descriptive text to only include the necessary information. If you have more to say, you can always leave a link or QR code to your company’s website where consumers can learn more about each product.
Text Font and Sizes
Making sure your text is well-balanced with images is only half of the equation. You also need to make sure that the text is legible and has a proper flow to it. Choosing decorative fonts can be fun, and it may make your catalog look more unique, but it also makes reading the catalog difficult. If consumers can’t read your product descriptions or services page, they won’t be able to do business with you.
To combat this, it’s best to use clearly legible fonts. You can still have a little decorative fun with your headings and subheadings, but the main blocks of text should be in simple fonts. You can also add some changes in design by using commonly paired fonts together. Mixing and matching fonts is a great way to break up the monotony of text without making your catalog hard to read.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Catalog Printing in Los Angeles
With your design and layout perfected, you’re ready to print your catalog. But there are several companies that offer catalog printing in Los Angeles. Choosing the right one to print your catalogs is as crucial as choosing the right font or images. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can determine which printing company is best for you.
Printer Location
Where your printer is located is highly important. An urban setting, such as downtown Los Angeles, is much better for printers than a more rural setting. Being centrally located allows printing companies better access to shipping and delivery methods. This means they can get you your catalogs safely and quickly. They also have a larger stock of inventory, which means you have more options for paper stock and color when creating your catalog.
Printing Options
You might just be looking for a catalog now, but in the future, you may need other printed goods for your business as well. Working with a printing company that offers a variety of products can help you save time and money down the line. Getting business cards, postcards, bookmarks, and banners can all help improve your company further. And having a printer that can create all of those and more right off the bat is a great start for improving your marketing and promotional ventures.
Catalog File Settings
Once you know which printer you’re sending your catalog to, the final step is to make sure your file is properly prepared. If your file settings aren’t correct, you could end up with a discolored or distorted print. Before you send in your catalog for printing, make sure you check the following settings:
- DPI – The dots per inch (DPI) of your catalog should be set to a minimum of 300. The default for most editing software tends to be 75, so double-check that you raise that number to ensure a crisp and clear print.
- Bleed – Each page in your catalog should have a ¼” bleed area in place. This area around the edge should contain only blank space or non-important design elements. During the cutting process, it’s possible that a small portion of the page can get cut off. Having the bleed area ensures all necessary information is still available after printing.
- Color Spectrum – Printers use four ink cartridges to make up all the colors you see. Setting your file to use the CMYK spectrum (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) will ensure that the colors you want to see are what actually get printed. You can print a test page on regular paper to ensure everything matches up before sending it to the printer.
Where to Get Catalog Printing in Los Angeles
Catalogs can be extremely beneficial, especially if you have lots of products or services to offer. At Guru Printers, we’re dedicated to producing only the highest-quality catalogs for your clients. Our catalog printing in Los Angeles allows us to get your catalogs to your home or office as soon as possible. If you’re ready to get your products into the world, you can start placing an order with our online form. If you have questions or concerns about our catalog printing services, you can give us a call at (213) 513-6533 or send an email to [email protected].