Graphic Design

Graphic Design FAQs

Clayton State faculty and staff who need design assistance for printed materials such as brochures, posters, flyers, event programs, postcards, bookmarks and other promotional pieces should complete a project request form. Turnaround time for design varies depending on the complexity of the project and the volume of other projects in the queue. Please request design services at least three weeks prior to the date you wish to receive the final design file. You will need to coordinate with Printing Services or your own printing vendor regarding the printing and delivery of your materials.

When should I request a design?
At minimum, four weeks in advance of the date the final design file is needed.
Please note: design won’t actually begin until all text and other project information has been uploaded to the project request. Make sure you also allow time to print your materials.

Estimated time frames for content vetting and editing, design, and production:/p>

• Brochure/Booklet: 60 business days
• Social media graphics package: 30 business days
• Postcard: 30 business days
• Bookmark: 30 business days
• Flyer/digital sign slides: 30 business days
• Poster: 30 business days
• Event program: 30 business days
• Invitation: 25 business days
• Save-the-Date: 25 business days
• Yard Sign: 25 business days
• Academic certificate: 25 business days
• Minor revisions to existing pieces: 15 business days

What revisions can I make?
After the electronic draft is sent to you, you will have the opportunity to send the designer changes to the text and images. In order to expedite the process of reaching the final design, please review your draft and reply within five business days. Failure to respond quickly with edits can set back your final receipt of the file. Our designer will perform two rounds of revisions. If additional revisions are needed, your project will be delayed. 

Does it cost to have materials designed?
No. Faculty and staff are not charged for design services.

What are bleeds?
When any image or element on a page touches the edge of the page, leaving no margin, it is said to bleed. It may bleed or extend off one or more sides. Photos, colors and decorative text elements can bleed off the page. Depending on your printer, bleeds may cost more to print. Files must be built and saved to include bleed for the printer.

Colors?
Four color process or full color means that your project can contain any color you want. If you want to use photographs in your material and you want them in color, then you should request full color for your project. Please check with your printing vendor, since there may be an additional cost. Other printing methods include two color (i.e. you only want to use orange and blue) or black and white. Two color printing is generally more cost effective than full color. Black and white is generally the cheapest.

I don’t have photographs… can you choose for me?
Yes. The designer can choose photographs appropriate for your project that meet the required print quality guidelines. If you have suggestions about the type of photographs you want the designer to choose, please include a description(s) when you complete the project request form.

Can the designer tell me how much my project will cost to print?
The designer only creates the print-ready file. You are responsible with communicating with the printer regarding cost, delivery, etc.

Where do I get my materials printed?
The campus community is encouraged to use our on-campus print shop. If you chose Printing Services to print your materials, you must provide them with your departmental account number, preferred delivery date and the print quantity needed. Contact them at printingservices@clayton.edu if you have questions about on-campus printing.

I need the University logo. How do I request that?
Usage of the logo must be approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Please submit a project request form to request permission to use the university logo.

Other questions?
If you have a question that is not on this list, please send your question to HeidiWeathersby@clayton.edu.