In-house editors and designers create print publications, and procure printing and mail services for Samford's print needs, including brochures, programs, newsletters, flyers, posters, postcards, invitations, specialty items, media guides, catalogs and booklets. Generally, a minimum of 20 business days is needed to meet most production needs, although schedules may vary depending on the scope of the project.
Publication Process
Step 1 Contact our office at (205) 726-2656.
Step 2 Send your text and any artwork you may have.
Step 3 We will edit and design your publication, and then send you a proof.
Step 4 You will review your publication, make necessary revisions, and then send the proof and proof approval form back to us.
Step 5 We will make your changes and continue the proofing process until you are satisfied and approve the publication.
Step 6 We will send your publication to a printer.
Step 7 The printer will either contact you when your publication is ready, or deliver the publication to you or to a mailer, depending on your specifications.
Creative Services Average Critical Path
This chart and information is designed to help you schedule and plan printed materials that will meet your required deadlines. It outlines timeframes for the various stages involved in production.
Please note that these are averages; your path and timeframe may be adjusted based on the complexity and specific needs of your particular project.
For more information, or if you have questions, please contact Creative Services.
Click here to download a PDF version of the "Creative Services Average Critical Path" chart.
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Text 5 business days |
Photography schedule depends upon client and photographer |
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Design 5 business days |
Initial Review (quality control step) 1 business day |
Proof 1 1 business day |
Revision 1 business day |
Revised Proof 1 business day |
Final Review (quality control step) 1 business day |
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Obtain 3 Printer Bids 3 business days |
Printer Estimate to Client 1 business day |
P.O. to Printer Banner Code to Print shop 1 business day |
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Press 5-10 business days |
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Obtain Mail House Bid(s) 3 business days |
Mail House Estimate to Client 1 business day |
P.O. to Mail House 1 business day |
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Request Data for Mail House 5 business days |
Mail House 5 business days |
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Post Office 3 calendar weeks (bulk nonprofit) 1 calendar week (1st class) |
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Timeline within control of Client |
This timeline assumes clients have prepared their own content and provide it in its entirety.
If clients need help developing their content with others in Communication,
additional time is needed before this path begins. Photography can be stock images or existing Samford images, but new images require the client and photographer(s) to coordinate schedules outside control of Creative Services. Two proof levels are built in for client review and approval, but clients may opt to take longer at these stages or request additional proof levels. Clients are informed at the start of the process that their proofing time is under their control and can increase the overall time of the project. |
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Timeline within control of Creative Services |
With 600+ projects annually and 248 business days in a year, Creative
Services averages 2.4 projects completed each day. Creative Services averages 50 active projects at any given time, more than 16 jobs per designer, and all 50 jobs are assigned to and reviewed by both the editor and the director. |
|
Timeline within control of Client |
This timeline assumes clients have prepared their own content and provide it in its entirety.
If clients need help developing their content with others in Communication,
additional time is needed before this path begins. Photography can be stock images or existing Samford images, but new images require the client and photographer(s) to coordinate schedules outside control of Creative Services. Two proof levels are built in for client review and approval, but clients may opt to take longer at these stages or request additional proof levels. Clients are informed at the start of the process that their proofing time is under their control and can increase the overall time of the project. |
* Average critical path from time Creative Services receives content to completion of distributed material (mailing first class): 25–30 business days + 7 calendar days (32–37)
* Average critical path from time Creative Services receives content to completion of distributed material (mailing bulk nonprofit): 25–30 business days + 21 calendar days (46–51)
For invitations that require a response, clients must choose how much response time they want before a response deadline (often set by caterers). For example, add two weeks to the overall schedule if the piece is to arrive three weeks before the event, giving recipients approximately two weeks to respond and catering a week to prepare.