Premier Graphics
& Animation
Work with us
Menu
Studio
OverviewServicesCapabilitiesThe Collection
Institute
OverviewProgrammesCourse libraryHow we teachCareersGuidesFor universities
Journal About Contact Work with us
Design · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Print Media Production

Despite the digital age, print remains a vital medium for branding, packaging, and art. This technical course covers the journey from screen to paper. Students will learn the science of prepress—color spaces (CMYK vs. RGB), resolution, and paper stocks—and the mechanics of production, including offset lithography, digital printing, and finishing techniques like embossing and foil stamping.Getty Images

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the Pre-flight workflow: Resolution, Bleed, and Color Space (CMYK/Spot)
  2. Understand paper specifications: Weight, GSM, Grain, and Coating
  3. Differentiate between Offset, Digital, Flexography, and Screen Printing
  4. Design for special finishes: Die-cuts, Embossing, UV Varnish, and Foiling
  5. Manage the relationship with print vendors and approve proofs
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01History of Print: Gutenberg to Digital
  2. 02Color Theory for Print: RGB vs. CMYK vs. Pantone
  3. 03Resolution: DPI, PPI, and LPI
  4. 04Pre-Press: Bleeds, Crop Marks, & Slugs
  5. 05Typography for Print: Legibility & Ink Trapping
  6. 06Layout Software: InDesign Mastery
  7. 07Image Preparation: Photoshop for Print
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Paper Science: Coated vs. Uncoated
  10. 10Offset Lithography: The Plate Process
  11. 11Digital Printing: Toner & Inkjet
  12. 12Screen Printing & Flexography
  13. 13Finishing I: Binding & Folding
  14. 14Finishing II: Die-cutting, Foiling, & Embossing
  15. 15Costing & Estimating Print Jobs
  16. 16Final Project: The Print Production Package

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Print Production Package

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Production for Graphic Designers by Alan Pipes
  2. Designing for Print by Marina Poropat Joyce
  3. The Production Manual by Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris
  4. Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann
  5. Pocket Pal: The Handy Little Book of Graphic Arts Production
More in Design
Abstract Motion DesignAnimation is not always about characters; sometimes it is about pure form, color, and rhythm. This studio course explores Abstract Expressionism in motion.
Advanced Digital Imaging TechniquesThis course pushes the boundaries of pixel manipulation. Moving beyond basic photo editing, students will master high-end compositing, retouching, and restoration workflows used in advertising and fashion.
Advanced Digital Printing and OutputThe screen is not the final destination; the print is. This course revives the art of the physical photograph.
Advanced Illustration (MS elective)This capstone-level course pushes students to find their unique artistic voice and apply it to complex professional challenges.
Advanced IllustrationsThis course explores advanced illustration techniques through research, anatomy, character development, expressive portraiture, genre-based visuals, book illustration, and professional presentation.
Anime & Manga-Inspired DesignThis course explores the distinctive aesthetic of Japanese animation and comics, teaching students how to adapt this globally popular style for commercial illustration and character design.