Printing Design

Once the final layout had been decided on, I drew my attention back to the stock that the design would be printed on. As it is something that is going to be posted as well as being directly given to the audience, the type of paper needs to be durable enough to withstand being passed on through numerous locations to reach the receiver. As I was already aware of the GSM to aim for when looking for paper it made limiting the choice of paper easier. From the original experimentations I was aware that card (200gsm) was too thick and standard paper (135gsm) was too thin. This meant that an appropriate paper would be within these two styles of paper. Although I had previously discussed printing on coloured paper within the discussion groups, it became clear as the design developed that this would not be as successful as the coloured background would interfere with the colours of the infographic and smaller images. I therefore chose neutral colours to experiment with in print.

Final Prints:

Cairn Eco White 150GSM

Cairn Eco Craft 170GSM

Evaluation:

Although elements of the design are not lost on this style of paper, the quality and texture makes the leaflet feel as though it is poorly produced. This would instantly put the audience off as they may feel is no effort has been taken to produce the leaflet, then why should they make the effort to read the content. Both papers would also be easily damaged due to their poor durability therefore would not be appropriate for the leaflet. This is because the paper is required to withstand being posted therefore being exposed to all weathers and being left on someone's front door mat or letter box.

The most successful paper is the ColourPlan Bright White 175GSM by GF Smith. The texture of this stock is of a higher quality therefore when the audience receives the leaflet the touch of the paper will be more appealing therefore will be more likely to look inside and pay attention to the information. As the paper is of a higher quality it is also more robust therefore will withhold the hand held and weather damage. As I could not get this paper in A3 I printed a scaled down version on A4 so that the final resolution would still be produced. To show the design in A3 form, I reprinted the design using a similar stock that was A3. If the leaflet were to be produced professionally the Colour Plan, Plain, Bright White stock in A3 form would be used if it were available.

Final Resolution Evaluation:

Is the outer design of the leaflet appropriate? Or could it have benefitted from having a design covering the white space?

- The overall outer appearance of the leaflet lacks information on the content of the leaflet, this could be improved by adding the logo of The British Horse Society however covering the whole space would be over powering at would put me off wanting to open it further

- I don't think that the envelope needs 'branding', as an envelope is typically minimal in information to make the reader open further. The design is therefore suitable in terms of acting like an envelope

- Having the address printed separately is appropriate in your aim to keep the printing cost of the leaflet minimal as producing these stickers in bulk is much more cost effective than altering the design

Response: Although the outer appearance may lack the informing factor, it is suitable in terms of fulfilling the purpose of an envelope. If there was a design on the front the audience may believe the leaflet to be junk mail therefore will not read the content. 

Is the sticker successful? If not, why?

- The sticker is in keeping of the minimal design of the leaflet however is not successful at keeping the tabs closed

- I can see where you were going with the sticker approach to keep the tabs closed but it is not strong enough. It may have been more successful if the top tab was shaped to fit through a slit to keep the leaflet folded

- A stronger sticker is needed to fulfil the aim of keeping the tabs closed therefore it is not that successful 

Response: The sticker is a design fault as it has not been as successful as I would have hoped in keeping the tabs of the leaflet closed. This is something that I will consider in the future and will experiment with alternative routes. 

Is the tone of voice appropriate in term of informing the reader of the importance of the information?

- The tone of voice is very direct and keeps the reader interested and informed without being overwhelming when reading

- The tone of voice is clear and instructive. As a reader I feel as though the information is straight to the point as the voice is kept factual and concise

What are your thoughts on the overall appearance of the inside of the leaflet?

- The design has come a long way from where you started out. Although it has changed in subtle ways the design has come together to produce a successful publication leaflet. The infographic and other images make the information more appealing to read and bring in that contrast of text and imagery when taking in the information 

- Adding the colour to the subheadings has definitely improved the design as it provides a clear separation to the information

- Having certain words and numbers in bold adds emphasis and makes this information stand out which is appropriate to the aim of the design (informing the audience)

Self Evaluation:

For this brief I kept to a very tight schedule as I had felt previously I was working until a few days before the deadline which meant other areas of my work lacked my attention. I am now finding it much easier to balance my commitment to the individual projects and I am surprised by the quality of work that I am producing. Although areas of the leaflet have been highlighted that could be improved, as this is the final feedback I feel that it is important not to make these changes as I am now able to recognise where I have made mistakes and are able to overcome these within future projects.