The Dos and Don’ts of Print Design: Common Mistakes to Avoid for Professional Results

chrissvp
2 hours ago
3 min read

You’ve got a great message, a striking logo, and a clear idea of what you want to say. But when it comes to print design, even small mistakes can lead to disappointing - and sometimes costly - results.

At Soar Valley Press, we’ve seen it all: stretched logos, missing bleeds, blurry images… But the good news? These mistakes are 100% avoidable with a little guidance.

So whether you’re creating your own artwork or working with a designer, here are the top dos and don’ts of print design to help you achieve professional results every time.

✅ DO: Use the Correct Colour Mode (CMYK)

Digital screens use RGB, but printers use CMYK. Designing in the wrong mode can result in dull, inaccurate colours when printed.

Pro Tip: Always set your design to CMYK from the start, so you’ll see colours as they’ll appear in print. Not sure how? We’re happy to check it for you.

❌ DON’T: Forget About Bleed and Safe Zones

One of the most common mistakes we see is artwork submitted without bleed or with text dangerously close to the edge.

Bleed (usually 3mm) allows for trimming without white borders.
Safe zones ensure nothing important gets cut off.

Need help setting this up? We provide free templates and expert guidance.

✅ DO: Use High-Resolution Images

For clean, sharp results in print, images must be 300dpi (dots per inch). Web images (usually 72dpi) will print fuzzy or pixelated.

Pro Tip: Use original image files - not screenshots - and avoid stretching small images to fit larger spaces.

❌ DON’T: Overuse Fonts or Colours

Less is more. Too many fonts or clashing colours can make your design feel chaotic and unprofessional.

Stick to:

2–3 complementary fonts
A cohesive brand colour palette

Need help? Our design team is happy to refine your layout and enhance readability.

✅ DO: Proofread Everything (Then Proofread Again)

Spelling mistakes might seem minor - until they’re printed on 5,000 leaflets or a 2-metre banner.

Double-check:

Spelling and grammar
Phone numbers, emails, and URLs
Dates, times, and prices

Pro Tip: Ask someone else to review your design, or request a pre-print proof from us. A fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference.

❌ DON’T: Ignore Your Audience

Your design should look great, but it should also speak directly to the people it’s meant for.

Ask yourself:

What will catch their attention?
What do I want them to do next?
Does this reflect our brand’s voice and values?

Remember: a flashy design is only effective if it connects with your audience.

✅ DO: Supply Print-Ready Files

To keep your project on track, supply your artwork in the correct format.

The best file types for print are:

Supply your final artwork in PDF (with embedded fonts and images)
Use AI / EPS / SVG for vector logos and linework. Avoid using low resolution jpegs.
Use hi-resolution JPEG files for any images in your artwork. Avoid using high-compression on your images which will degrade the quality.

We’ll always review your files and flag any issues - but supplying the right format from the start keeps your project moving smoothly.

📤 How to Export Print-Ready Files from Canva or Adobe Express

Using Canva:

Click ‘Share’ in the top-right corner.
Select ‘Download’.
Set the File Type to PDF Print.
Tick the box for ‘Crop marks and bleed’.
Click ‘Download’.

Using Adobe Express:

Click ‘Download’ in the top-right corner.
Choose ‘PDF (Print)’ as the format.
If prompted, enable bleed and crop marks.
Save your file and send it to us.

These settings ensure your design is exported with the correct resolution, bleed, and crop marks for professional printing.

We’re Here to Help (Even Before You Hit ‘Print’)

At Soar Valley Press, we don’t just print - we guide you through the process. Whether it’s a last-minute flyer, a premium brochure, or branded workwear, we’ll help you: