If you’re just starting out in your graphic design school, or if you’re fresh out of your graphic design classes, then there’s actually a chance that you will never have to design anything for print. That’s not the point though. The point is that if you do know how to design for print, then you have an edge over the thousands of graphic designers who don’t. And maintaining a degree of versatility is something that will land you a lot of work in your career.
Here are some difference between print and online media for designers:
Endless Canvas
On the web, you have an endless canvas. You can draw in any size, you can create in any number of colors, there are literally no real limitations. When working in print, you’re going to have to consider a few limitations. These may include the size of your design, you may be restricted to black and white or black with two colors. The point is that there are strict limitations on the size, resolution and color depth of your designs when they’re going to print in comparison to when you’re putting them online.
For this reason, many artists choose to have a print and online version of certain pieces, beginning with a simpler, print version of the piece and then adding to it to create a more elaborate online version. This allows people to see them at their best and to see them at their most refined.
Print is an Investment
Finding work in print media is a little trickier and self publishing in print is much trickier. This is because it costs money to print on paper with real ink. You can publish endless media on the web without spending a dime. There are people who make videos, comics or music on the web who have never spent a dime but who make a living on their work through ad revenue. Know that when designing for print, when chasing print clients, you’re going to be up against a more uphill battle than trying to find work on the web.
These two key points make a lot of difference, as minor as they may seem. The involvement of money and the limitations on size and color make a huge difference.