Are you ready to make your print materials stand out from the crowd? One of the most important steps in designing for print is calculating bleed and safety margins. But don't worry - it's easier than it sounds, and we're going to have some fun doing it!
First up, let's talk about business cards. These little guys may be small, but they pack a punch in terms of impact. To calculate bleed for a business card, add 0.125 inches (or 3mm) to each side of your design. So if your business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches, your design should be 3.75 x 2.25 inches. For safety margin, subtract 0.125 inches (or 3mm) from each side of your design. So your design for a 3.5 x 2 inch business card should be 3.25 x 1.75 inches.
Now, let's move on to flyers. Flyers are great for getting the word out about an event or promotion, and they come in a variety of sizes. For a 4x6 flyer, the bleed should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the design size 4.25 x 6.25 inches. The safety margin should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the safe area for your design 3.75 x 5.75 inches.
Brochures are a bit more complex, but the same principles apply. For an 8.5 x 11 inch brochure, the bleed should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the design size 8.75 x 11.25 inches. The safety margin should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the safe area for your design 8.25 x 10.75 inches.
And finally, let's talk stickers! Stickers are a fun way to promote your brand or message, and circular stickers are a popular choice. For a 2 inch circular sticker, the bleed should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the design size 2.25 inches in diameter. The safety margin should be 0.125 inches (or 3mm) on each side, making the safe area for your design 1.75 inches in diameter.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your print materials look polished and professional. And who knows - maybe you'll even have some fun doing it!