Even the most talented graphic designers can make mistakes—especially when working across both digital and print mediums. Here are five common (and costly) design mistakes that should be avoided to ensure your work remains polished and professional.
1. Using Web Graphics for Print Designs
Many new designers come from a web design background, and transitioning to print design can be tricky. Web images are typically 72 DPI, optimized for speed and screen clarity—but they are completely unsuitable for print. Print requires images at 300 DPI or higher to ensure sharpness and quality. Using low-res web images can lead to pixelation and blurry results in printed materials. Fortunately, there are many online resources offering high-resolution images—often free or very affordable.
2. Ignoring or Forgetting Print Bleed
A common printing error is neglecting to add bleed—the area that extends beyond the trim edge. Always include at least 3mm (or 1/8 inch) of bleed around every edge. Without it, printers can’t guarantee a clean edge, which can result in unwanted white borders or cropped content. Always submit files with bleed and, if possible, keep a layered PSD file on hand. This allows for quick adjustments if changes are needed.
3. Using Obscure Fonts Without Embedding or Outlining
We’ve all been there—using that perfect font, only to find out later that someone else can’t open your file correctly. If you’re sharing files or submitting final artwork, always embed or convert fonts to outlines to avoid substitution issues. This is especially important with older projects, where you might not have access to those original fonts anymore. Packaging all fonts and assets with your file is best practice.
4. Submitting RGB or Spot Colors Instead of CMYK
Unless you’re working on a special project with Pantone or metallic inks, your files should be in CMYK color mode, not RGB. RGB is ideal for screens but not for print, and what looks vibrant on your monitor may appear dull in print. Similarly, avoid using spot colors unless specifically required for branding. Double-check color modes before sending any artwork to print.
5. Letting Non-Design Clients Control the Process
The client might always be “right,” but that doesn’t mean they’re a designer. Giving full creative control to clients unfamiliar with design can derail your vision. A common trick among seasoned designers is to include a few poor design options alongside the real concept. This can help steer the client toward choosing the design you actually want them to approve. Just be cautious—they might unexpectedly pick the worst mock-up!
Conclusion
Being a great designer isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about technical accuracy and communication. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your work is professional, printer-friendly, and true to your creative vision.