Printmaking and Printing Processes Explained Simply

Every designer must understand precisely how their solutions will be implemented in production—on a specific paper stock, using a particular printing method, and with the requisite finishing.

Numerous questions arise during the design process: which technology to choose, how to prepare the file, what to clarify with the print house, and how to verify the finished product. Answering these often requires synthesizing instructions, vendor requirements, and both external and personal experience.

KOPIRKA+ compiles these questions in its media. We explain the logic of production in simple terms and show the actions required of the designer at every stage.

These could be students preparing their first printed publication, freelancers managing their own commissions, or studio designers experimenting with a new technology. They each possess diverse backgrounds, but share a common need to understand production requirements.

For example:
· which paper to choose for stickers
· white printing
· line thickness in printFurthermore, general knowledge necessary for various projects is also covered:
· knowledge base on printing
· what’s wrong with Figma mockups
· the dangers of bleeds in printing
and so on.

In what situation does this question arise? What is happening in production and why? How does this affect the mockup and the final product? What should the designer prepare or check? What must be approved with the typography department?

An educational project focused on printmaking and packaging for designers. It publishes articles on layout preparation, offers lectures, and maintains a paid knowledge base covering printing technologies, materials, and post-press finishing. It posts on Instagram and Threads*, manages a Telegram channel, has a personal website, and sells a course on printmaking.*Belonging to Meta, a company recognized as an extremist organization and prohibited in the Russian Federation.

Intersection Same classroom and theme. Knowledge about production that a designer can apply to their work.

Difference TMIN is a personal blog branch about design, so it is tied to the author’s persona and also involves course sales. COPYRITE+ is presented as a team project, not an individual one, featuring completely free materials.

A typography based in St. Petersburg that provides detailed instructions for file preparation: general requirements, recommendations for specific products and technologies, and a glossary of terms. There is material available on contour cutting, embossing, white toner printing, foiling, and lamination. Additionally, there is a paid product called the Lookbook, which details essential technical information along with a set of sample materials.

Intersection Helps the designer understand production requirements and prepare mockups correctly.

Distinction Primarily, Pomidor is a typography that maintains a personal blog. General information about printing and processes is more of a blog extension, running alongside personal projects and other features.

Online typography blog covering print products, materials, and technologies. It publishes comparisons of printing methods, recommendations for material selection, and layout design instructions. The site also features a materials catalog and templates.

Intersection
Practical explanations to help select a technology and prepare a print order.Distinction
The EnjoyPrint blog addresses various printing clients, resulting in a broader target audience. COPYRITE+ will focus specifically on the designer’s workflow.

Information on print design is already available in educational projects and in the materials of various print shops. TMIN Blog is closest to our media outlet in terms of topic and audience, while Pomidor and EnjoyPrint help readers understand printing within the context of their own services. For our media, we can utilize detailed visual explanations from TMIN and specific recommendations from print shops. The emphasis of KOPIRKA+ in open publications is on individual working issues—topics to which a designer can refer when preparing a project, regardless of the production chosen.