Working with Creative Services
These guidelines are a blueprint for the development and production of CMC publications, outlining how CMC’s Creative Services Department can use language and design to communicate effective, project-specific materials and steward clear, consistent messaging of the College—all the while leveraging cohesive, centralized vendor relationships to achieve excellent service and competitive pricing.
The Role of Creative Services
Creative Services will coordinate the development and production of:
- Communication campaigns and programs
- Newsletters
- Brochures
- Invitations, announcements, save-the-date postcards
- Advertisements
- Stationery, business cards, and
- Binders and folders
- Certificates and forms
- Name tags and place cards
- Signage/posters/tent cards
- Communication campaigns and programs
- More
Creative Services can assist with:
- Developing concepts
- Defining audiences
- Scheduling production and delivery
- Determining quantity
- Setting a budget
- Choosing a format
- Securing photography
- Negotiating contracts with external vendors
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
- Approving printer’s proofs
- Managing print production
- Tracking progress
- Accounting
Best Practices for Clients
- Choose a project manager.
- Set a realistic timeline with sufficient advance notification.
- Define and clearly communicate your expectations.
- Secure all the necessary approvals.
- Proofread for factual content.
- Ask questions.
- Stay in touch.
- Provide advance notice of upcoming jobs.
- Create consensus on priorities, goals, scope, and resources.
Questions to Consider
- Who should be involved in the planning process?
- Who has permission to give final approval for production?
- Who is the primary audience? Are there other audiences to reach?
- What’s the budget?
- What’s the deadline?
- What are the major content areas?
- How should the information be structured?
- How will the piece be used?
- How will the piece be distributed?
- What quantity will be needed?
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Katherine Griffiths, Director of Creative Services at kgriffiths@cmc.edu or x18321 or Kevin Bostwick, kevin.bostwick@cmc.edu x76128
Graphic Design Request Form
The Office of Public Affairs & Communications offers design, layout, and project management through the Creative Services department. To request graphic design services, please provide us with the information requested below. No work will begin until an initial planning/concept meeting has been scheduled.