Preparing and creating an artwork packaging file Oona Casalegno 25.9.2019 @LAMKfi Artwork creation • Understanding the basics of printing methods is the basis of the packaging artwork design Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/127132 Structural design • Understanding the basics of materials, structures, production methods and logistics is the basis of the structural development of packaging Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1449019 Printing methods • Choosing the right printing method is in relation to targeted quality, material and volume • Printing method (and prinitng house) affects on what kind of design is suitable for the packaging artwork Source: http://www.aivan.fi/portfolio/premium-packaging-range-for-fiskars/ Process colours • CMYK is a common colour system used for printing • C = Cyan • M = Magenta • Y = Yellow • K = Black (Key colour) CMYK Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ed/29/45/ed294592d68d016dd9aa202cde3b4509.jpg Spot colours • Spot colours are solid colours • They are mixed according to a unique ink mixing formula • Most common spot colour system is Panthone matching system (PMS) Source: Wikipedia Same colours in different systems Black • The most important colour for printing • 200% TAC (Total Ink Coverage) is app. limit of the colour amount • If too much ink is used on poor quality paper this may cause the paper to fall apart. • Excessive amounts of ink may not have a chance to fully dry before the printed result • Use 0,0,0,100 black for texts Source: Wikipedia Photoshop black • C86 M85 Y79 K100 (default of the black in Photoshop • Ink coverage exceeds the TIC limit • Printer’s repro can change the settings through grey component removal or Under color removal Photoshop colour management • Colour mode to CMYK • Adjust the settings for the blacks according to your printing file (InDesign or Illustrator) • If you use black text in your photoshop file it’s usually: C0 M0 Y0 K100 https://www.color-management-guide.co.uk/color-settings-photoshop.html Rich black • ”Blacker than black” • This type of black is comprised by the combination of CMYK colours • Varies between designers’ and printers’ preferences and the surface to be printed on. • There are many variants, choose the ones that you constantly use for coated and uncoated Common settings: • C40 M30 Y30 K100 (TIC 200%) • C40 M40 Y40 K100 (TIC 220%) • C60 M40 Y40 K100 (TIC 240%) • C96 M70 Y46 K86 (FOGRA29 for uncoated paper, TIC 328) Good tips for making good artworks • From mess to consistency • Create visual identities = personalities • Make and/or follow packaging guidelines and instructions • Be in line with brand guidelines • Create a symbiosis of artworks, materials and structures Artwork file tips (Illustrator) Water bottle package example • Open new • Color mode: CMYK!!! • Open a packaging dieline/diecut drawing and copy paste it into the file • Here a sample file of a water bottle • Window -> Layers • Double click Layer 1 and change the name to • Create new layer ORIGINAL • Make a duplicate of the original layer. • The duplicate of the ORIGINAL is your working layer. • Lock the original layer and make it invisible • (This is your backup) • Make a new layer • Create a sub layers to DIECUT (you have to be active on DIECUT • Double click Layer 2 layer) and change the name to DIECUT • Name the sub layers: • Create one more main • Cut layer • Crease • Name it Artwork info template. You can • Info make it invisible, lock it • Bleed and bring down on the bottom with the original “backup” layer. • Go to the original working layer. Select all • Ungroup if grouped. (right click with the mouse -> ungroup) • Often you need to clean the file to make it easier to work with • Select some black text • -> Top panel -> Select • -> Same -> Stroke colour/appearance • Bring all to Info layer (cut & paste or drag a little square to the right folder) • Do same for the black lines • Hide the Info layer from an eye icon • Select red lines the same way and bring to Cut layer • Select green lines the same way and bring to Crease (fold) layer • Remember to lock your original, you can then hide the layer • Hide all other layers than • Join (CTRL+J) CUT (from the eye icon) • If errors as usually…, • Select only outlines = you have to clean the disselect others file and find where the lines are not connected… • Copy paste place in place. (CTRL+F) • Object -> Path -> Offset path • Make an 3mm offset • Change the colour of the line outside. 3mm is common drawing to light blue for example in offset printing. (5mm and bring to Bleed layer. often in Fexo) • Create still useful sublayers • After you have done your what you need for your artwork, clean the file artwork such as: • Text • Cut all areas going outside the • Logo bleed by using a mask • Photo • Illustration • Place all the needed elements into the sub files and/or work in the dedicated files • Remember to add your copyright into the file (info template for example) • Design and make an artwork info template. It should be included in the file. • If you have spot colours or special treatments like foiling, make a separate sheet with file info template for that. Exporting a press-ready PDF file • Once you have completed and finalised the, generate a PDF file for printing. • Double check all spelling and details • Check again, make a print and mock up if possible • Ask somebody to check the file or the mock up After checking: • 1. Clean up the file • -> Delete everything that is not needed (pictures, illustrations, templates, layers, swatches, artboards) • 2. Check that the naming of the layers and the file is clear and made accordingly. • 3. Check that all images are high resolution • 4. Check that the artwork has the bleed areas (3mm is good for example for offset) After checking: • 5. Ensure the file is press-ready – CMYK colour mode • Illustrator Select File > Save A Copy, InDesign Select File > Export • 6. Set the format to Adobe PDF, name the file accordingly and select “Save”. -> + Version? Date? 7. Choose Press Quality preset. Under “Marks and Bleeds” specify the following settings: • > Crop Marks, Type: Default, Weight: 0,25pt • > Use Document Bleed Settings 8. Click Export https://99designs.com/designer-resource-center/designing-product-packaging.