5 Handy Calendar Printing Tips for Beginners

Your calendar printing reflects the quality and professionalism you impose on your business, and as such, you have to take every effort to make it impressive.

Here is a checklist on calendar do’s and don’ts.

1) Start with a basic template

• The easiest way to start is with a basic template to guide you in your calendar print. The template makes it easy for you to just input the images and text on each page instead of starting with each one all over for every month. In addition, it gives your calendar uniformity you need to create a professionally looking calendar.

• This template can simply be the frames for your calendar printing. You can get this from MS Word 97, or create it from scratch using tables. Include image boxes for your graphics.

• Create a new document with the size specified for your calendar. Remember to include margins and the allowances required by your printing company. A standard bleed of 1/8 inch or .125 that extends beyond the cutting or actual size of the document is mandatory.

2) Choose high quality images

• When you’re doing your own photography, make sure you have the right equipment. Have a high definition digital SLR camera that will give you high definition prints. When shooting outdoor, avoid shooting at noon as this can give you harsh shadows and strong lights. When shooting indoors, you need a basic lighting system. Many great photographers start out as amateurs, but unless you’re confident about your skill find an alternative solution.

• Hire a photographer to take your pictures for you or a friend who happens to be a hobbyist. When you can’t afford either one, you can simply pay and download stock photos over the internet for a price. This way, you can save on the professional fees for both the models and the photography. Either have great photos or none at all.

3) Develop a Consistent Style

• Create a consistent style for the entire calendar. It will give it a clean and structured feel to your calendar. Avoid mismatched elements that will make your calendar printing chaotic. Aside from creating a uniform page layout with your templates, make sure you also create consistency with your style.

• For a more formal look, choose classic font styles. Avoid using too many font styles as it may make your calendar look disorderly.

• Choose a single media for your graphics. When you start with a photograph, be sure to follow the rest of the months with photographs. The last thing your need for your calendar is to make it look like a hodge-podge of sorts.

4) Start with something simple.

In the design process, you can always follow the clean and simple attitude of minimalism. Start observing the form, structure and flow of your calendars. Add little details along the way as you see fit. This way, you avoid overloading it with too much information and maybe even clutter.

5) Print on high quality materials

• Have your calendar printed with an offset printer. You have a choice of printing your calendar in 100 lb gloss text with a 100 lb gloss cover or 100 lb matte cover. With offset printing, you can acquire professional prints without blowing a hole in your pocket. Simply, it provides you with both quality and quantity for your calendar printing.