Studio Managers, What Could Go Wrong After Client Approval?

So you are at the tail-end of the ad production workflow for a print ad. You export a low-resolution PDF and send it to the client for approval. After some back-and-forth, the ad is finally approved.

Now it’s time to make a high-resolution PDF that will be sent to the final destination for printing. What can go wrong at this stage, and how can you prevent mistakes here?

Errors that happen during this late, post-approval stage are usually caused by one of three things:

1. Operators may have neglected to apply the correct color profiles during export

2. They may have failed to preflight the files

3. Or, they failed to check and select the correct options during export – especially an issue if they have left some of the settings used for the low-resolution client proof in place when exporting the high-resolution publication-ready PDF

Stay Ahead With Presets

Issues like these can be easily resolved ahead of time.

By creating PDF export presets that have all the settings and the relevant color profiles in place, your studio operators can work more efficiently.

When it comes time to export the files, they simply select and upload the correct preset – no more rummaging around in the options and dialogue boxes for the correct boxes to tick and the correct color profiles to load up.

Automate Your Workflow

The studio workflow can be extended and made even easier and more foolproof by using simple automation technologies like hot folders and Adobe Acrobat’s Droplets.

For example, some automation systems allow studio managers to create hot folders. Under this workflow, artworkers simply:

1) Export their PDF using presets and purpose-built color profiles

2) Name the PDF according to the job ticket number or booking number

3) Drag and drop the properly named PDF into the hot folder

The automation system will then take the file, run it through any additional preflight and approval workflows, and upload it against the relevant job ticket, update the status of the job, and alert the relevant managers and stakeholders about the delivery status of the file.

Conclusion

It is hard to stand over each studio operator to ensure that everything has been applied correctly. But you can create a system of working, and tools that minimize the risk of mistakes, while streamlining your workflow and your studio’s efficiency.

Read our eBook for further information on efficiency in the studio.

Studio Managers, What Could Go Wrong After Client Approval?