How do I start with design for web + print

[frauenauge]

Hi everybody,

I'm new with Illustrator (used only Photoshop before) and just starting to develop a complete corporate design. We need a logo, business cards, flyer, website, etc.

I am starting with the logo, which I will use of course on everything   and since I never worked for printing purposes I wonder in which configuration I should start when I'm going to design the master-logo ...

Should I start with a file in CMYK or rather in RGB modus?

I thought of starting with a file in CMYK (format DinA4) and save it later for web in RGB - or will this do any damage to the colors?

Or maybe copy paste the whole graphic and open it in a new  web/RGB-Format?

Unfortunately I did'nt find any tutorial about this - do you know of any (pref. video) or can you help me with tips for a standard procedure?

Thank you very much, guys I appreciate your help in german or english.

Eva

[Om Nath Jha · Accepted solution]

Hi Eva,

There can be multiple approach to start, I am sharing a couple of tutorials, please check them, hope these helps. If you have questions, feel free to get back to us, we will be happy to help.

Design a logo |

How to design a crest logo | Adobe Illustrator CC tutorials

Regards,

Om

[frauenauge]

Thank you Om, I already listened to those fabulous tutorials. I just wasn't sure, if this is the professional way to go for it.

So you recommend to start out with the print profile in CMYK and then save the logo in the Library? Afterwards just drag this logo from the library into other files with different profiles for web, etc. ?

If this is the way to do it, sounds pretty simple

And I guess it would be as well ok, if I design the logo in RGB and then later import it into a print profile? One way is as good as the other, without any loss of quality?

Thanks so far :))

[Om Nath Jha]

Hi Eva,

I would suggest to start with a RGB profile itself. You certainly can change the document color mode later on (if required). It is also advisable to keep things as simple as possible when you are starting something.

Regards,

Om

[jdanek]

Most logos are originated using spot colors.  This allows consistency in an open loop work space.  The challenge then becomes creating a CMYK version where spot colors will not be used, and then keeping the logo consistent using an appropriate RGB profile.  If you are in the process of starting your marketing material's development, you might consider creating a branding guide first.

[Ray Yorkshire]

Here's a good free course, at least for the design / print side

of what you want to do ,and as jdanek suggests he also creates a branding guide first.

The course uses indesign, along with photoshop and illustrator, which might be a better tool for your flyer and business card.

Multimedia design course for print | Course overview & breakdown - YouTube

[frauenauge]

Thank you so much everybody for your useful links! The TastyTuts channel is amazing!! That's a way learning is pure fun I studied design for a few semesters a long time ago and just needed lots of updates, especially with the new programs. I have of course already a kind of corporate guide, colors, typo, etc.

With those tips of yours I will have food for ages

But I'm still not really sure, which is the best way to start with the logo if I need it for print & web : with a file in RGB or CMYK modus - or if it's six of one and half a dozen of  another (for the consistency and quality of the color!).

In fact I've started with some print products first and will later go on to the website, so my first choice now has been CMYK. A little strange is, that on some serious website with color-tables, the same number in RGB gave me back slightly different color-numbers in CMYK?? Mmmhhh ...

[Monika Gause]

Start with CMYK. It's the smaller color space.

[frauenauge]

Thank you Monika, that's a strong argument! So I'm on the right track