What Software Is Good For Catalog Design

urstwile · 12-02-2007, 07:23 PM

My preference would be InDesign, but Quark would also work.

In terms of finished file, that is ultimately a question for your printer. More and more printers are going with a PDF workflow, but your printer may have different requirements, which is why you should call them and check.

While you're on the phone with them, make sure to pick their brain about anything else you're uncertain of production-wise, since it sounds like you're either somewhat new at this, or haven't done a project of this scope before.

ryevick · 12-02-2007, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by urstwile

My preference would be InDesign, but Quark would also work.

In terms of finished file, that is ultimately a question for your printer. More and more printers are going with a PDF workflow, but your printer may have different requirements, which is why you should call them and check.

While you're on the phone with them, make sure to pick their brain about anything else you're uncertain of production-wise, since it sounds like you're either somewhat new at this, or haven't done a project of this scope before.

Am I expected to handle the printing of this for a client who is no where near me? What's the etiquette for a phone/email type job of this kind?

**Buda** · 12-02-2007, 07:40 PM

I would use Indesign too.

Ovaltine · 12-02-2007, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by ryevick

Am I expected to handle the printing of this for a client who is no where near me? What's the etiquette for a phone/email type job of this kind?

You are expected to set up the catalog file so it WILL print. Just setting it up any ol' way may not work....in all likely hood it will have all kinds of problems the printer will have to fix and charge extra for.

That is why you always find out the printer's specs....so you can set up the file properly.

urstwile · 12-02-2007, 08:18 PM

Can you state more specifics about the project, ryevick? Clearly, you're working long distance. What does your contract with the client state? Who's handling the printing? All of that needs to be hammered out before you embark on this project. I'd suggest getting a printer lined up ASAP, either on your end, or on your client's end, so that you can also hammer out any production details you might need to deal with.

Honestly, it sounds like you're embarking on something that's a bit over your head.

**Buda** · 12-02-2007, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by urstwile

Honestly, it sounds like you're embarking on something that's a bit over your head.

It sure does! Hopefully you have a very generous deadline if you are going to do this.

ryevick · 12-02-2007, 09:31 PM

I don't think I'll have any major problems with this job and any I do have will be resolved. I just believe you should get info on current trends and etiquette if it's something you don't do on a regular basis. I believe I will provide a high quaility product once I know the printer's specs and will insure that I do so. The contract has not been delivered yet and we are only just beginning preproduction discussions.

urstwile · 12-02-2007, 09:34 PM

Best of luck then!

**Buda** · 12-02-2007, 09:36 PM

Out of curiousity, are you charging by the job (a field of cows) or by the hour (a steak an hour)?

ryevick · 12-02-2007, 09:45 PM

Originally posted by budafist

Out of curiousity, are you charging by the job (a field of cows) or by the hour (a steak an hour)?

job

**Buda** · 12-02-2007, 10:24 PM

Good, that's more fair on the client since it may take you longer than other designers to do this since you are learning on the job.

ryevick · 12-02-2007, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by budafist

Good, that's more fair on the client since it may take you longer than other designers to do this since you are learning on the job.

yeah that's what I think too... guessing 2-3 weeks to lay it out... does that sound crazy... what would you expect for turn around and cost just for layout (file ready for printer)?

PrintDriver · 12-02-2007, 10:58 PM

Couldn't tell you. Depends on what kind of catalog it is, how much text formatting there is, how many images there are and what you may have to do to those images (clipping paths, color adjustment, profiling, etc). Of course, you've discussed all this already with the client before quoting, right.

Brie · 12-02-2007, 11:00 PM

300 pages? text and images? (I'm assuming all text and images will be provided in the exact format you require) 2-3 weeks? Hmmm, well, maybe if you are really good and know exactly how you are laying this out and there are not going to be any changes. Seriously, though, I doubt you will be able to do this in two weeks if you are not intimate with the software. you need to take into account what your client is going to provide you with for starters. Do the images need work? will the client provide you with all the text right away? How many changes, etc, there are a lot of variable here and a 300 page catalog is a BIG undertaking, especially if you are not familiar with the software. Be sure to contact your printer and enquire about desired format, etc. It would be hard for anyone to give you an estimate of how much time it will take for you to do this project, without knowing how much of a learning curve you have.

What Software Is Good For Catalog Design

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