Print / Packaging
Across my 20+ year career as a Production Designer, I’ve worked with all types of printed matter. Below is a case study highlighting one of my major projects while working at Block, Inc. – Square Register. While I am focusing on the most important printed items (retail sleeve, getting started guide, decal and legal label), I also helped develop the black corrugated retail box, the kraft corrugated shipper box, the screen cling, the protective wraps, the security seals, and toolkit box.
RETAIL SLEEVE
IMAGES
• Worked with Imaging team to create a CMYK rich black color for background
• Set up reviews with designer and imager to review color, shadows, and contrast
• Created match prints for color targets to send to print vendor
• In person for press checks to ensure color quality
SCREENS
• Worked with Imaging team to create CMYK conversion of blue PANTONE
• Partnered with program manager and localization team for copy, currency, item names, tax, personal names, icons, and credit card acceptance logos
GETTING STARTED GUIDES
DESIGNER HANDOFF
• Converted Illustrator file to InDesign
• Created type & paragraphs styles, tables, guides, and grids
• Confirmed margins are within vendor QC standards
• Cleaned up illustrations – stroke weights and consolidated swatches
• If page count was not divisible by 4, worked with designer to rejigger content
LOCALIZATION/COPY
• Worked in tandem with copy writers to flow in copy and suggest trimming where needed
• Designed region specific charging plug & outlet
• Confirmed line breaks for Japanese copy
DECAL SHEETS
DESIGNER HANDOFF
• Converted Illustrator file to InDesign
• Reworked layout to incorporate legal language (if necessary)
• Compared decal sizes to match other programs
MECHANICALIZATION
• Carefully space each logo, following designer’s rules for kerning
• Set up mirrored backside for double-sided window sticker
• Different layout and credit card logos for each country
LEGAL LABELS
MECHANICALIZATION
• Worked with Logistics on minimum barcode size, scanability, and minimum font size for legibility
• Black text printed at print supplier - blue is variable, printed on packout line
• Helped consolidate number of labels by combining languages in similar regions
LOCALIZATION
• Worked with regulatory team on certification marks and copyright information specific to country