Graphic Design
The Office of College Communications and Marketing includes two full-time graphic designers. They produce a wide range of materials with the primary goal of promoting the College and increasing its visibility, with the emphasis on external audiences. Projects range from but are not limited to, print and electronic publications/promotional pieces, internal/external signs and displays, promotional items and graphics for web and print use. The designers are also responsible for all elements of the college’s visual identity, including institutional stationery, departmental identifiers, artwork supply for approved reproduction, and general oversight of all items that include college identity marks.
Design services are offered to all college departments, with formal work teams established with Enrollment Management, Advancement, and the Office of the President. Requests from other departments are accepted and will be considered; however, with hundreds of requests per year and up to 40 projects in process at any given time, the ability to offer design assistance will be based on established departmental and institutional priorities as well as—and perhaps most importantly—a reasonable timeframe for completion.
Submitting a Design Request
Adequate lead time is essential for the completion of any request. Regardless the scope of a project, consultation with design staff should be done as early as possible in order to determine a mutually workable timeline. Submission of a request does not necessarily mean that design assistance will be offered, particularly in the case of a short deadline. Alternatively, the project may also be referred to Bronze Bear Creative, the CAS-operated design resource that works closely with the Office of Communications and Marketing.
Process for Design Projects
Project work can begin when:
• the project parameters and budget have been determined and approved by the requesting office, department, or division
• all written copy has been carefully proofed and approved
Final copy, directions, and approvals are the responsibility of the requesting person/department.
Designers will provide proofs for review throughout the process. Changes in copy or information once the design process has begun will cause delays. In-house clients are responsible for promptly and carefully reviewing proofs and obtaining departmental approvals. Designs are subject to the college’s graphic standards.
Graphic Design and Production Timelines
In-house design and production time depends on the complexity and scale of the project; whether outside vendors, competitive bids, or purchase orders are required; the number of people involved for review/approval; and the condition and accuracy of materials submitted.
Concept and copy should be approved by the requesting department before submission to Communications and Marketing for design. All proofs sent to the requesting department for review should be returned promptly.
Please note that unexpected factors can impact estimated timelines, such as:
- Extra internal services (editing/proofing; photography)
- Multiple reviewers
- Multiple proofs
- Project expense
- Printing supply chain challenges
- Pre-Design Timelines
-
Type of request
Time
Editing or proofing + 3–5 days Original photography
+ 3–10 days
Competitive print bids (for projects under $5K)
+ 2–4 days
Competitive print bids (for projects over $5K)
+ 10–15 days
- Design Timelines
-
Type of request Time Digital artwork
1–2 days
Departmental branding graphics
3–4 days
Basic flyer or poster
5–7 days
Original print or digital graphic
5–15 days
Folder brochure (multi-panel)
5–10 days
Multi-page booklet or report (multi-panel) 10–15 days - Basic Print Production Timelines
-
Type of request Time Central Duplicating
1–2 days
Outside printer (basic job)
5–10 days
Print proof changes
+ 2–3 days
Extra services (die-cutting, foil stamping, embossing, etc.)
+ 3–7 days
Mail services (include time for internal acquisition/generation of mailing list)
+ 5–10 days
Mail house upfront payment of postage
+ 1–2 days
- Basic Signage/Banner/Display Timelines
-
Type of request Time Central Duplicating
2–3 days
Outside vendor
10–15 days
Installation time
+ 3–10 days
Requests for Digital Logo Files
If you need a digital logo file of one of the college’s identity marks, either to use internally or send to an outside vendor, please include the following information in your request:
- Is the artwork for print or web use?
- Is there a preferred file format? (.eps, .ai., .pdf, .jpg or .png are the most common)
- Will the artwork be used in a particular computer program?
- In what size will the artwork be reproduced?
- On what color or background will the logo be used?
If the logo request in is conjunction with the request for imprinted products, the department also needs to fill out an Artwork Approval form. More information on the college’s licensing program is available on the purchasing website.
Printed Stationery Items
Letterhead, envelopes, and business cards can be created and ordered online.
Departmental Branding
The Office of College Communications and Marketing has developed customized identifiers for use by departments and offices. These specific departmental graphics can be used for newsletters, posters, imprinted items etc. Departments and offices may also request customized electronic letterhead and PowerPoint templates.