Project-Based Video Series

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Real-World Print Projects

Learn through complete project workflows. Each video follows a real design from concept through final delivery, showing every decision, technique, and quality check along the way.

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Project Series Overview

These tutorials show complete workflows for real-world projects, including client communication, design decisions, technical setup, and final delivery.

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Project 1: Restaurant Menu

Complete Menu Design Workflow

Duration: 45 minutesProject overview: Design and produce print-ready tri-fold menu for upscale restaurant, including food photography, brand colors, and special finishes.What you’ll learn:

• Client brief interpretation
• Food photography preparation for print
• Tri-fold layout and panel sizing
• Spot varnish for logo
• Paper stock considerations
• Complete workflow from concept to delivery

Project specifications:

• Size: 11” × 8.5” tri-fold (3.67” panels)
• Paper: Heavy coated stock (14pt)
• Color: Full CMYK + spot varnish
• Finish: Matte with spot gloss varnish on logo
• Quantity: 1000 menus

Workflow covered:

1. Planning & Setup (10 min)
   • Client requirements analysis
   • Frame setup for tri-fold
   • Panel layout and fold considerations
   • Grid system for alignment
2. Design & Content (15 min)
   • Food photo optimization (300 DPI)
   • Typography hierarchy for readability
   • Brand color implementation (Pantone spot)
   • Balance and white space
3. Technical Preparation (10 min)
   • Spot varnish layer setup
   • CMYK conversion with ISO Coated v2
   • Bleed setup for all panels
   • Preflight checks
4. Export & Quality Control (5 min)
   • Export settings (spot color preservation)
   • PDF verification
   • Proof review
   • File delivery
5. Printer Communication (5 min)
   • Specifications document
   • Spot varnish instructions
   • Paper stock confirmation
   • Press check discussion

Files included: Restaurant brand guidelines, food photos, completed menu file

Key lessons:

• Tri-fold panels require precise sizing (11” ÷ 3 = 3.67” each)
• Food photography must be vibrant (boost saturation 10-15%)
• Spot varnish adds luxury without full cost of spot color
• Heavy stock (14pt) feels premium but costs more
• Clear printer communication prevents expensive mistakes

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Project 2: Corporate Brochure

8-Page Brochure Production

Duration: 55 minutesProject overview: Design professional 8-page saddle-stitched brochure for tech company, including data visualization, product photography, and brand compliance.What you’ll learn:

• Multi-page document organization
• Saddle-stitch binding considerations
• Page order and spreads
• Consistent branding across pages
• Data visualization for print
• Corporate color matching

Project specifications:

• Size: 8.5” × 11” finished, 8 pages
• Binding: Saddle-stitch (center staple)
• Paper: Premium coated (100 lb text)
• Color: CMYK process
• Quantity: 500 brochures

Workflow covered:

1. Project Planning (8 min)
   • Content organization (8 pages)
   • Page order for saddle-stitch
   • Spread layout vs single pages
   • Master page elements (headers, footers)
2. Page Setup (10 min)
   • Frame organization in Figma
   • Naming convention (Page_01, Page_02, etc.)
   • Gutter margins for binding
   • Bleed and safety zones
3. Design Execution (20 min)
   • Cover design (impact and branding)
   • Interior spreads (pages 2-3, 4-5, 6-7)
   • Data charts and infographics (vector for sharp)
   • Product photography (optimized 300 DPI)
   • Typography consistency
   • Color palette application
4. Technical Refinement (10 min)
   • Brand color accuracy (match corporate guide)
   • Image optimization for file size
   • Vector graphics for charts (crisp at any size)
   • Preflight all pages
5. Export Strategy (7 min)
   • Export all 8 pages as single PDF
   • Page order verification
   • File size check (< 50 MB target)
   • Proof print and review

Files included: Company brand guide, product photos, charts/data, completed brochure

Key lessons:

• Saddle-stitch page order: Cover (page 1, 8), inside (2-3, 4-5, 6-7)
• Spreads: Design pages 2-3 together (reader sees both)
• Gutter: Add 0.25” margin on bound edge
• File organization: Critical for multi-page efficiency
• Consistency: Templates and styles save time and ensure uniformity

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Project 3: Event Poster

Large-Format Poster Design

Duration: 35 minutesProject overview: Create eye-catching 24” × 36” event poster for music festival, balancing impact with file size, optimizing for large format printing.What you’ll learn:

• Large format design considerations
• Viewing distance and text sizing
• Image resolution for large prints
• File size management
• Special paper stock options

Project specifications:

• Size: 24” × 36” (medium poster)
• Paper: Satin finish poster stock
• Color: CMYK
• Viewing distance: 3-6 feet
• Quantity: 100 posters

Workflow covered:

1. Large Format Setup (5 min)
   • Frame size: 24” × 36”
   • Bleed: 0.125” all sides
   • DPI considerations (300 DPI still recommended)
   • Working at scale in Figma
2. Design for Distance (12 min)
   • Text sizing for 3-6 ft viewing (minimum 18pt body, 48pt+ headlines)
   • High contrast for visibility
   • Bold graphics over subtle details
   • Hierarchy: readable from distance
3. Image Strategy (8 min)
   • Calculate: 24” × 300 DPI = 7200px width (huge!)
   • Background: 150-200 DPI acceptable (viewed from distance)
   • Hero image/focal point: 300 DPI minimum
   • Textures and backgrounds: lower DPI OK
   • Vectors where possible (infinitely scalable)
4. File Size Management (6 min)
   • Selective image optimization
   • Compression settings: 75-85%
   • Downsampling background images
   • Final file: under 100 MB target
5. Export & Proof (4 min)
   • Export at 300 DPI
   • View PDF at 25% (simulates distance)
   • Small test print (8.5” × 11” scaled) to check colors
   • Verify text readable at scale

Files included: Festival assets, band photos, completed poster

Key lessons:

• Viewing distance affects minimum text size (farther = larger needed)
• Large format: Not all images need full 300 DPI
• File size grows exponentially with dimensions
• Test viewing at distance (or zoomed out)
• Vectors for logos/text = always sharp

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Project 4: Product Packaging

Custom Box Packaging Design

Duration: 60 minutesProject overview: Design retail product packaging for cosmetics brand, working with manufacturer dieline, managing multiple print techniques (offset + foil + emboss).What you’ll learn:

• Dieline workflow
• Multiple spot colors and processes
• Special finishes specification
• 3D mockup creation
• Technical packaging requirements

Project specifications:

• Product: Cosmetics box (2.5” × 3” × 5”)
• Substrate: 18pt SBS (paperboard)
• Print: CMYK offset + Pantone metallic gold + emboss
• Finishes: Matte lamination + spot UV
• Quantity: 5,000 units

Workflow covered:

1. Dieline Setup (12 min)
   • Importing manufacturer dieline
   • Understanding dieline layers (cut, crease, safe area)
   • Locking dieline layer
   • Setting up design layers
   • Safe area and fold considerations
2. Design Development (18 min)
   • Brand application within constraints
   • Product photography placement
   • Logo sizing and positioning
   • Information hierarchy (front panel priority)
   • Barcode placement (back panel, safe area)
   • Legal text and ingredients (minimum 6pt)
3. Special Finishes (15 min)
   • Spot color: Pantone 871 C (Metallic Gold)
   • Defining emboss area (logo)
   • Spot UV layer (gloss on matte)
   • Layer organization (CMYK, Spot Gold, Emboss, UV)
   • Communicating finishes to printer
4. Technical Specification (10 min)
   • Color callouts document
   • Pantone specifications
   • Emboss depth specification
   • Lamination notes
   • Assembly/glue flap notes
5. Mockup & Approval (5 min)
   • Physical mockup (paper fold test)
   • 3D render for client presentation
   • Flat proof vs folded mockup
   • Final approval process

Files included: Dieline template, brand assets, specification sheet, completed packaging file

Key lessons:

• Always use manufacturer’s exact dieline
• Each special finish = separate layer + cost
• Physical mockup catches design issues
• Detailed specification sheet essential
• Packaging requires precision (no room for error)

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Project 5: Magazine Layout

24-Page Magazine Production

Duration: 75 minutesProject overview: Design and produce 24-page perfect bound magazine including editorial layout, advertising integration, and efficient production workflow.What you’ll learn:

• Magazine page layout fundamentals
• Spreads and page flow
• Advertising page integration
• Editorial typography
• Perfect binding setup
• Large document optimization

Project specifications:

• Size: 8.5” × 11” trim, 24 pages
• Binding: Perfect bound (glued spine)
• Paper: Cover 100 lb gloss, interior 70 lb silk
• Color: CMYK
• Quantity: 2,500 copies

Workflow covered:

1. Project Setup (10 min)
   • Content mapping (24 pages)
   • Pagination plan
   • Ad placement strategy
   • Master page templates
   • Grid system (3-column)
2. Template Creation (12 min)
   • Master spread template
   • Header/footer design
   • Page numbers
   • Column grids
   • Margin and gutter setup (perfect binding)
3. Editorial Design (25 min)
   • Cover design (sell the magazine)
   • Table of contents (pages 2-3)
   • Feature article spreads (multi-page stories)
   • Photo essays and galleries
   • Sidebar and pull quotes
   • Department pages
4. Production Efficiency (15 min)
   • Reusing templates
   • Component-based design
   • Image optimization workflow
   • Managing 24 pages efficiently
   • Exporting in batches
5. Binding Considerations (8 min)
   • Spine width calculation (page count × paper thickness)
   • Gutter margins (extra margin on bind side)
   • Cover wrap (extends around spine)
   • Perfect bound vs saddle-stitch differences
6. Final Production (5 min)
   • Export all pages
   • Preflight check
   • File size optimization (target < 150 MB)
   • Delivery to printer with spine specifications

Files included: Content (articles, images), ad files, completed magazine

Key lessons:

• Templates save massive time on multi-page projects
• Perfect binding allows more pages than saddle-stitch
• Spine width calculation critical (pages × paper thickness ÷ 2)
• Gutter margins larger for perfect bound (0.375”-0.5”)
• Batch export workflow essential for 24+ pages

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Project 6: Business Card with Special Finish

Premium Business Cards with Spot UV

Duration: 30 minutesProject overview: Design luxury business cards with spot UV varnish, metallic ink, and thick stock, balancing impact with budget.What you’ll learn:

• Premium business card techniques
• Spot UV setup and effects
• Metallic ink specifications
• Thick stock considerations
• Cost vs impact decisions

Project specifications:

• Size: 3.5” × 2” (US standard)
• Stock: 32pt ultra-thick with silk lamination
• Print: CMYK + Pantone 8003 C (Pale Gold) + Spot UV
• Quantity: 500 cards
• Budget: Premium tier

Workflow covered:

1. Premium Planning (5 min)
   • Client expectations (luxury brand)
   • Budget allocation (stock vs finishes)
   • Design strategy (subtle luxury)
   • Printer capabilities verification
2. Design Execution (12 min)
   • Minimalist design approach
   • Metallic accent color (logo only)
   • Typography (elegant, readable)
   • Front and back design
   • White space as luxury element
3. Special Finish Setup (8 min)
   • Spot UV layer (logo and name)
   • Metallic ink layer (separate)
   • Layer naming (CMYK, PMS 8003, Spot UV)
   • Spot UV creates tactile contrast on silk lamination
4. Technical Specifications (5 min)
   • Color callouts document
   • Pantone swatch references
   • Stock specification (32pt C2S with silk lam)
   • Spot UV areas clearly marked
   • Rounded corners specification (1/8” radius)

Files included: Brand guide, specification template, completed card file

Key lessons:

• Premium doesn’t mean busy (often opposite: minimalist)
• Each special technique adds $0.25-1.00 per card
• Thick stock (32pt) feels luxurious, costs 30-50% more
• Spot UV on matte/silk lamination = striking effect
• Sample proof essential before ordering 500+

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Multi-Project Series

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Series 1: Complete Brand Identity System

Brand Identity from Business Card to Packaging

Duration: 90 minutes (3 parts)Overview: Follow a complete brand launch from business cards through packaging, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all pieces.Projects included:

1. Business Cards (25 min)
   • Establishing brand colors (CMYK + Pantone)
   • Primary logo usage
   • Typography standards
2. Stationery Suite (30 min)
   • Letterhead (8.5” × 11”)
   • Envelope (#10)
   • Compliments slip (4” × 6”)
   • Consistent brand application
3. Packaging Labels (35 min)
   • Product labels with brand
   • Die-cut shape
   • Variable information
   • Brand consistency throughout

Key focus: Maintaining perfect brand consistency across different print applications and sizes

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Series 2: Marketing Campaign Materials

Integrated Campaign: Digital to Print

Duration: 70 minutes (3 parts)Overview: Design coordinated marketing campaign materials, adapting design from digital to print while maintaining consistency.Projects included:

1. Print Ads (20 min)
   • Magazine ad (8” × 10.75” with bleed)
   • Newspaper ad (different specs)
   • Adapting digital creative for print
2. Direct Mail Postcard (25 min)
   • 6” × 9” jumbo postcard
   • High-impact design
   • CTA and tracking
3. Point-of-Sale Display (25 min)
   • Tabletop display (11” × 17”)
   • Coordinated design
   • Die-cut easel back

Key focus: Adapting campaign creative across different print formats while maintaining brand impact

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Project Templates & Resources

Download project starter files:

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Before and After Reviews

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Analysis: Common Mistakes and Fixes

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Project Checklists

Use these checklists for your projects:

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Restaurant Menu Checklist

• Tri-fold panels sized correctly (3.67” each for 11” width)
• Food photos optimized (300 DPI, color-corrected)
• Text readable (minimum 8pt for descriptions)
• Prices aligned and consistent
• Spot varnish layer separate (if using)
• All panels have bleed
• Fold mockup created and tested
• Colors appetizing in CMYK

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Brochure Checklist (Multi-page)

• Page count correct and divisible by 4
• Pages in correct order for binding type
• Gutter margins appropriate for binding
• Master template used consistently
• All images 300 DPI minimum
• Page numbers present and correct
• Spreads designed as units
• File size optimized (< target)

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Poster Checklist

• Size correct with bleed
• Text sized for viewing distance
• High contrast for visibility
• Hero image 300 DPI
• CMYK conversion with color boost
• Critical info readable from distance
• Test viewing at scale (zoomed out)
• File size under printer limit

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Packaging Checklist

• Dieline from actual manufacturer
• Design within safe areas
• Barcode correctly placed and sized
• Legal text minimum 6pt
• Fold lines respected (no critical content)
• Special finishes specified in separate layers
• Physical mockup created and approved
• Complete specification document

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Next Steps After Project Series

You’ve completed project-based learning - now what?:

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