Once a quote has been submitted and an order has been sent, what are the next steps in the printing process? We ask our clients to send over the file and electronic die with the label size being called out and properly positioned. Huston Patterson will accept just about any graphic file but from our experience, we recommend Illustrator, InDesign, or a High Resolution PDF. Files can be uploaded to our website, sent via email, or post on a FTP site. Once the quote and files have been reviewed by our CSR’s and everything is in order, these files are sent to our Pre-Press department to upload into our system.
During normal times, we tell clients if they send files to us by 12pm CST, we should be able to send out a PDF of the file for their review and approval. During this process, it is imperative to identify any issues with the file as changes after this point will incur revision charges. With all new files, we charge a CTP (computer to plate) including pre-flighting disk, file assembly, color proof which can vary due to size of sheet as well as the number of colors for the job.
After the PDF has been approved, we will send a hard Epson proof to either our client or direct to whomever needs to review. Please make note that our color proofs are accurate to 4 color process and some PMS colors. If required on certain PMS colors, we will send out a color chip from a Pantone book or a drawdown along with the proof. Typically, our pre-press department will email a PDF for approval and send a hard proof overnight the same day. After color proof is approved, we ask they sign it and send back to Huston Patterson for our pressman to have on press while we run the job.
If you are interested in learning more about our Pre-Press and proofing process, please feel free to reach out to a Huston Patterson Client Service Manager, including myself – Kevin Collins.
For more tips from the Real People of HP, explore our additional blogs and videos, or contact us directly at Huston Patterson.