Released at the end of June, Adobe Acrobat 9 is the latest version of its primary application for creating and editing PDF files, the dominant platform-independant file format for delivering and archiving print jobs.

Acrobat 9 is already garnering an enthusiastic response from long-term and first-time users in segments including financial services, government, legal, manufacturing, and publishing. It also has the ability to unify a wide range of content into a single document with the new concept of PDF Portfolios. PDF Portfolios enable users to assemble multiple media types into one, compressed PDF file that can be customized with several professional layouts and specific branding.

Unless you have a particular arrangement with a particular printer, NEVER try to be helpful by supplying artwork for business cards - or any other items - in any form other than one-up on a page.

All printers will have their own system for laying up to the best fit on the printed sheet (imposition), and any effort you put into doing for your printer will almost certainly result in more work needed to undo your efforts and make the artwork usable.

If in any doubt - consult your print provider. He/she will never mind being asked by you how you can make the job go better; but if you impose the artwork without asking you are only going to make the job harder to do.

Linotype GmbH, a typeface foundry and a leading global provider of text imaging solutions, has introduced a new typeface family – Frutiger Serif. This new 20-font offering was designed by Akira Kobayashi, type director at Linotype, and Adrian Frutiger, whose original Frutiger sans serif design is among the bestselling fonts ever from the Linotype Library.

The Frutiger Serif design is based on the Meridien typeface, one of Frutiger’s first, released in 1957. Some of the earliest letterpress examples of the original Meridien design served as inspiration for the Frutiger Serif project. With the support of Frutiger, Kobayashi redrew and expanded the Meridien design to create Frutiger Serif. The new typeface incorporates elegant serifs, gentle curves and arcs from Meridien, while they added weights, widths, and styles that come close to the original Meridien.

The Frutiger Serif typeface family is available in five weights ranging from light to heavy and is all available in both regular and condensed versions. The fonts are available in the OpenType cross-platform format and include OpenType features such as ligatures, small caps, and several numerical figures.

Most designers will create at least two logo design variations, each would be very similar. Larger design companies would offer at least four or more options however this is not always necessary.

It is important for the designer to focus all efforts on the solution that is right for the clients business and there will be only one solution.
This is always achievable with a sound design brief and the right amount of research.

At this stage the designer will supply a PDF file with two finished designs, the designer will have good reasoning behind why each one works as a solution. There will also be a list of Pantone and typefaces used.

Once presented to the client the final stage will involve refining small areas discussed before creating a final PDF showing the corporate identity.

To make it easy for all you would-be designers, I’ve added templates below to be downloaded for business cards in PDF and Adobe InDesign format.

Download your business card template here:

• Business card PDF template
• Business card InDesign Template

You will notice on the InDesign file a text box which is illustrated in pink to give you a parameters to work your text within. The PDF includes the crop marks and 3mm bleed which you may also find useful.
A few helpful hints:

1) Keep your business card clean and uncluttered
2) make sure the text is easily read
3) Ensure the text and images balance or give equal width from their ends to the edge of the card. (Any slight movement will really show on a business card)
4) Do not place text or important graphics too close to the edge of the card, try to leave at least 6-8mm from the edge of the card.
5) If you want to use borders make them broad and not too thin as any slight deviation in cutting will show ten-fold
6) When using the InDesign file, don’t forget to add crop marks and 3mm bleed when saving as a print ready PDF (see PDF file).

Did you know?
Everydayprint will allow you to upload your own design via their website http://www.everydayprint.co.uk/backend/edouk/products.jsp?onlyUpload=true
or if you need any help contact Jamie, Mel or Debi on 0870 4430 551