The Creative Services team is here to ensure that Catholic University's name and logo are used consistently and that messages to our many external audiences are uniformly high quality to solidify our identity and to raise our profile in a positive way.
That's why we review, design, or oversee the design of all printed materials before they're sent off campus.
The graphic designers, writer/editor, and photographer in Division of University Communications come together to design, edit, proofread, photograph, and oversee the printing of your brochures, posters, invitations, and advertisements. And when you want your written copy to sing (or speak more clearly), we can help with writing, too. We are also required to review all printed materials produced by any Catholic University office for off-campus audiences.
We do all this for free. All you pay for is printing and postage.
To give our clients our fullest attention, we adhere to a six-week schedule, from the time we meet with you and receive final copy and art — including any photography — until you receive the printed piece.
So, plan ahead!
Ideas about appropriate images are always welcome and will be carefully considered. Bring them to the meeting with publications, which is scheduled after we receive your Project Request Form.
You'll find the form here. Complete it as soon as you know you'll need materials. We'll contact you to set up a meeting.
Bring the following to the meeting:
The timeframe for producing and delivering your job assumes three proofs and includes up to 15 days for printing and delivery of the job. We like to allow at least six weeks for completion of the job.
The First Proof.
After the designer lays out the text and graphics, you will receive a hard copy of it for review. This is called the first proof.
The designer will correct editorial errors and make other minor changes to the first proof and then return it to you. This is the second proof. Three proofs are standard. If a job requires more than three proofs, additional production time may be required.
Jobs costing more than $2,500 must be bid out to three printers. A Request for Requisition form with written bids attached will be sent to you so that you can use this information to obtain a purchase order number from the Office of Purchasing.
Jobs costing more than $2,500 and being billed rather than paid by credit card (see below) can't be sent to the printer for production until a purchase order number has been obtained and the client has signed an approval form stating the job is ready to be printed.
Some jobs can be paid for with a Catholic University credit card, depending on the printing cost and credit limit for your Catholic University credit card. Those jobs do not require PO numbers. We can discuss this at your first meeting.
Allow eight to 15 business days to print and deliver your job.
This actual-size, color proof is your final opportunity to correct egregious errors before the publication is printed. Remember, corrections at this stage cost money, which comes out of your budget.
You are responsible for proofreading and approving the proof and your signature is required.
The University photographer is available to photograph official University events and individuals for University publications and publicity.
Photos are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the photographer can be quite busy. Please think ahead and schedule the photographer as far in advance as possible.
To reserve your place on the photographer's schedule, submit a Photo Request Form.
If the University photographer is unavailable for your job, we can recommend a freelance photographer for the work. In most cases, you are responsible for contacting that photographer and paying for his or her services.
The Creative Services team also maintains a stock photo library. Before scheduling new photography, check the library to see if something suitable for the project already exists.
Our graphic designers, photographer, and writer/editor collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. Working in the latest electronic media, we lay out the publication for your approval. The design team has been professionally trained to ensure that printed pieces communicate clearly. We welcome suggestions concerning design, typography, photo selection, and color to be sure that your vision is realized in the printed piece and is consonant with the University's visual identity. We look forward to working with you.