Collaborative Graphic Design
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30/05/2026
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By: Joe Cremona
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10
Collaborative Graphic Design
    “Get a helping hand with your first step”
Happy to design yourself but don’t know where to start? – No Problem. Â Intertype will help you get started with guidelines and templates to get you going in no time. Â
Where to begin
Take control of your print. We make it easy.
Our collaborative artwork service gives you everything you need to create professional, print-ready files from the comfort of your own desk — no guesswork, and no unexpected results when your job comes off the press.
We provide you with clearly marked artwork templates for every product we print, showing you exactly where your design needs to sit. Bleed areas, trim lines, and safe zones are all mapped out so you can build your artwork with total confidence, knowing your content will be positioned correctly and nothing important will be lost in the cut. Alongside the templates, our print specifications guide covers everything from colour mode and image resolution to font embedding and PDF export settings — written in plain language so it’s straightforward to follow, whatever software you’re designing in.
When you’re happy with your design, export your file as a print-ready PDF using the settings we recommend and upload it directly to us. Our team will run a preflight check to confirm everything is in order before we go to print — giving you an extra layer of assurance that your finished product will look exactly as intended.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you get started.
Common Errors In Graphic Design for Print
Understanding where things go wrong is the first step to preventing it. The most frequently encountered issues include:
Colour space errors
Print uses CMYK ink, not RGB light. Files built in RGB must be carefully converted with the correct colour profile. Without this, colours can shift dramatically between screen and print.
Insufficient image resolution
Images that look sharp on screen are often only 72 dpi — well below the 300 dpi required for quality print. Scaling a low-resolution image up doesn’t recover detail; it makes the problem worse.
Missing Bleed
Printed materials are trimmed after printing. Without bleed — artwork extended slightly beyond the trim line — cutting tolerances can leave unwanted white edges on the finished piece.
Non-compliant PDF files
The PDF/X-1a standard ensures files are self-contained, colour-managed, and consistently reproducible. Files that don’t comply introduce unpredictable variables into production.
Incorrect trim sizes and safe zones
Content placed too close to the trim edge risks being cut. Understanding the relationship between bleed, trim, gutters, printable areas (ie: safe zone) is essential for a print result that meets your graphical design intention.
Missing Fonts
When a print file uses a font that is not embedded or outlined, the printing press system will substitute to the nearest alternative it has available. The result is changed text spacing, unexpected line breaks, and a layout that no longer looks the way it was designed. To avoid this, fonts should always be embedded when exporting the PDF, or outlined in the design application before the file is sent.
We are here to Help
If you are in doubt or need some help, we are only a phone call or email away.  We offer three different levels of artwork design support, including DIY support, collaborative desig, full service artwork design and Advanced CMYK+ design.  Or simply reach out and have a chat with a publish and print expert. Â
How to Get Started
When you are ready, simply book a free consultation with Intertype to talk to a real person about your needs. Â You will receive a detailed proposal of relevant options so you can make an informed decision. Â And when you are ready, simply contact us and Intertype will guide you the rest of the way. Â Or if you know exactly what you want simply contact us and we will respond with a quick quote.
Step 1:
Free Consult
Book a Free Consultation to discuss your needs and explore the best options for you.
Step 2:
Proposal
We provide a detailed proposal based on our discussion for you to make an informed decision.
Step 3:
Begin
Contact us and Intertype will lead you through the process and bring your product to life.
EXCELLENT Based on 22 reviews Posted on Google Amber van SlotenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Joe and his team at Intertype did such a wonderful job producing quality hard cover books for me. I appreciate their care and patience throughout the whole process and the advice provided for best results. The outcome is really special and I know the books will brighten up my family too. Very reasonable price and top quality.Posted on Google Steph Deague-HallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am delighted with the way my memoir was produced by Intertype. The team at Intertype were friendly, prompt, professional and creative at every step of the process. The cost was very competitive compared to other printing and publishing companies that quoted for the production of 40 books. I love the color the Senior Designer chose for the front and back cover and the way she arranged and put together the whole book. The designer put together my story, illustrations and photos in a very creative way with the finished product that looks like a professional memoir of 397 pages. I would definitely use Intertype again and recommend them to anyone wanting to publish their books.Posted on Google Shane DarkeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Intertype are an excellent company that I would recommend to anyone trying to publish. The staff are courteous, professional and incredibly efficient. The entire process from initial discussion to the publishing of my book was seamless. The book itself looks wonderful. I will certainly publish with them again.Posted on Google Dee BrooksTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a hard deadline to launch at a conference and Joe, and his team, from Intertype made it happen! They were so fantastic to work with and ensured every step of the way of our self-publishing journey and our first book was understood, ease-full and took the time to (re)explain the process many times. Joe was available whenever we needed him and offered suggestions and next steps that we would not have thought of. The level of generosity, expertise and thoughtfulness was incredible and we will definitely be using Intertype again!Posted on Google Imogen GrisctiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the team at Intertype. I have used their services for many years. They are very responsive, always work hard to achieve a deadline and haven't disappointed me yet.Posted on Google Olivia RTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The binders turned out perfectly! Joe and Lyndal from the Intertype team were truly so wonderful, they helped us at each step of the way from design to final manufacture to make sure the colour, quality and look of our binders was perfect and exactly what we imagined! We were also working on a tight deadline and they went above and beyond to make sure we received the binders on time. Thank you!!Posted on Google Tessie dowlingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great customer service and attention to detail and quality on my book 👌Posted on Google carmelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From start to finish the communication , assistance and production was seamless and impeccable. Joe gave suggestions and was invested in the project. Would thoroughly recommend Joe and his team.Posted on Google Peter GerrandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Intertype provided outstanding help in converting my MS and photos into a well designed book (and e-book).Posted on Google Ziad ZakTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service and price. Ian was an absolute gentleman in helping with our needs
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