Sheila Frazier
Production Manager, Designer
Communications & Marketing Integration
Boston College, Office of University Advancement
Brian MacIsaac
Sales Representative
Kirkwood Printing
www.kirkwoodprinting.com
Presented by the Print
Management Team of BC
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Representatives from areas throughout the
University
Provide specific print suppliers to meet the
university needs, know our policies and
requirements
Educate the Community on ways to reduce
print costs
Identify where the University can improve
print related processes
www.bc.edu/printmanagement
It all begins with…
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Basic parameters required to get your message across
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Reason for the Publication – result expected
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Audience
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Timeframe
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Quantity range
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Budget
Timing is everything
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Plan ahead– start discussing
options early
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Review University requirements,
Graphic Identity, Print Management
Program and Bid Policy
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Plan for the unexpected
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Communicate using actual dates
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Communicate changes to
expectations
Digital vs. Offset
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Consider digital work for smaller
quantities
○ Consider variable data opportunities
○ Consider templates
○ Can only go to 11 x 17 inches
○ Consider shorter runs if the information may
change
○ Limited to 4-color process, (no gold 874)
Size matters
Map out dimensions
before going to design
 Consider “standard”
sizes and finishing
options
 Look for templates
 Provide your designer
or printer with a plan for
the piece
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Avoid Changes on Proofs/Press
Review all copy before submitting it
 Check the layout for proper spacing
 Review color separately from the full job
 Have a second or third reader who is not
as familiar with the project.
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It’s easy being green
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The FSC is the fastest growing
certification system
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Talk to your printer or xpedx about FSC
papers that might suit your projects
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Boston College has a Direct Buy paper
program with xpedx, used by all our
Print Management approved printers.
This program provides alternate stocks
for your consideration and can make
samples for you to determine look, feel
and weights for postage.
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If you want to use the FSC logo, plan for
it and communicate in advance to your
printer
Going postal
Share the specs of your piece with the
mailhouse prior to printing
 Some of the PM printers have in house mail
services. Others will use the BC designated
mail service provider: JLS Mail Services.
They will help you with your mail requirements
in advance of your final design to provide
opportunities for savings
 Watch for changes to postal regulations
 Size and weight matter
 Indicia placement and orientation
 Other restrictions or requirements
 Consider presorting to save money on
postage. Be sure to run your list through
NCOA to be sure all addresses are accurate
and obtain the most efficient postage.
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Getting creative with a budget
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Communicate early and often
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If the project has been done
before, get the results!!!!
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Make changes to increase the
VALUE of the Printed piece or
rethink the plan
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Look for new ideas. Ask others.
Be ready and willing to adapt
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Plan ahead and map out your
design and production
schedule in advance
It’s Not Over
Once your publication has been printed
and distributed, it is not over.
 Be sure you are reviewing the feedback
on your publication
 Did you reach your intended audience
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 How can you tell?
 Did you meet your goal or expectations?
 What can you do better next time?
Sheila Frazier
Project Manager, Designer
Communications & Marketing Integration
Boston College, Office of University Advancement
Brian MacIsaac
Sales Representative
Kirkwood Printing
www.kirkwoodprinting.com