Graphic Design and Printing

Think of the products you buy or the stores where you shop. Have you ever hesitated on a purchase because of the way it looked? What would you think if someone attended a gala in sweatpants and a t-shirt? It may not seem obvious but good design adds credibility. You get one chance to make an impression and in a culture where we are constantly bombarded with messages, it’s important that you get the attention and response you want in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Whether it’s recruiting students or promoting an event, University Communications is available to help you successfully communicate your message. Below are just a few examples, but not limited to what we can create for you.

PRINT

Brochure

Poster

Flyer

Sign/Banner

Publication

Postcard

Invitation

Newsletter

Rack Card

Variety of Specialty Items

T-shirts

Advertisement

ELECTRONIC

Electronic Invitation

Electronic Greeting

Brochure

Newsletter

How Do I Get Started?

From creative meeting to delivery of product, University Communications will guide you and ensure that the process of developing your project runs smoothly and efficiently.

1. Prepare for Creative Meeting - determine your budget, target audience, goals, distribution method and timeline.
2. Schedule a Creative Meeting - We'll discuss budget, target audience, goals, distribution methods and establish a schedule.
3. Submit your copy, photos, and budget string - Submit via e-mail, CD, or other media, a Microsoft Word document containing your text. Additionally a printed hard copy of text is required with your submission. The requirements for photos are 300dpi jpeg. All text will go through an approval process and a budget string for vendor charges is required before the design process can begin.
4. Print Procurement - We provide competitive pricing and quality printing by utilizing services from a group of qualified print vendors. Requesting quotes from licensed vendors is part of our process; therefore, once the specifications and quantities for your project are confirmed, the project will be sent out on bid, and you will receive quotes in approximately three (3) business days
5. Proofing - You will receive a proof as a hard copy or PDF. You approve or make proofing marks and return to University Communications.
6. Printing - Graphics will be sent to print by University Communications. Depending on the size of the project, allow 7-14 days to print.
7. Final product delivered. Job completed.*

*For quality control purposes, University Communications maintains control of native design files.

Approval of Printing, Advertising and Promotional Items

All communication materials representing the university must be proofread and approved by University Communications. University funds may not be used for designs that are not in compliance with graphic standards or content that has not been reviewed by our office. Procurement Services requires this approval from University Communications in order to process payment for all printed materials, advertising or promotional items representing the university.

If your communications materials require approval, e-mail gulfcoastpr@usm.edu. For questions concerning the approval process, contact our office at 228.865.4573.

How long will it take?

Each job is unique, and much of this depends on you. Depending on the complexity of the print job, we ask you to anticipate on average a minimum of 5 weeks from start to completion. Printing alone takes 7-14 days. More complex jobs and larger quantities will take more time. Please meet with us as soon as possible to provide plenty time for quality printing and design and ensure that your targeted deadline will be met

The following timelines below are a guide and will give you an estimate of production time, but this could vary depending on the number of projects currently in production at any given time. An actual timeline will be established in your initial creative meeting.

If you don’t see what you need listed, please feel free to contact us at gulfcoastpr@usm.edu.