One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is seeing how it all comes together for my clients and the tangible impact it has. That sense of purpose was especially present in a recent project for BRAID (Bridging Responsible AI Divides), whose ‘Community Gathering’ at the Lowry in Manchester, 18th June, was a true celebration of connection and creativity.
READ BRAID'S REPORT SUMMARY
Beyond the Brief
The initial great brief is the first step. What transforms a good project into a great one is listening, really listening, to understand the full scope and the potential. That’s when clients start to see the rewards of a fully joined-up, strategic design approach.
With decades of experience in both print and production, I’ve learned how important it is to ask the right questions and, just as crucially, to know who to ask.
Understanding the output
This project involved a diverse range of outputs, each requiring its own production approach. From the outset, it is clear that understanding the technical side of things is just as important as the creative.
The project included:
- Design and artwork of 64-page report for launch in print and as an accessible PDF
- 4 page event programme
- Brand development – design and artwork for the stage and podium
- The 7 artists panels for the ‘Tipping Point‘ exhibition plus an introduction panel.
- Data-merge artwork templates for name badges.
This meant creating the right artwork for different production types:
- Digital print for the report and programme
- Digital accessibility PDF
- Large format print, including a CutContour, for the Xanita sustainable event panels
- Artwork for Vinyl production and install for stage and podium elements
Understanding the production processes and materials ahead of time is absolutely essential. It saves you time in the long run, reduces confusion, and ensures the final result is both beautiful and functional.
I have a golden rule of never assume and always ask right from the start. Printers and installers will thank you for getting them involved from the start and your attention to detail.
Getting the Details Right
One crucial detail is bleed and it’s often misunderstood or underestimated. While 3mm is standard for most print, large format (especially vinyl) is a different beast entirely. Installers need that extra bleed to line things up precisely on site.
For example for this event’s assets:
- The stage and podium designs required a 100mm bleed on all sides. Yes, that sounds excessive but it’s what’s needed to ensure a clean, accurate install.
- Colour management is a key consideration. BRAID’s brand identity had been developed with digital applications in mind, so part of the job was converting those colours to a robust CMYK palette suitable for print. In addition, vector versions of brand assets were created to ensure crisp results at any size which is especially important for large format print production.
Final Thoughts
Although important, designing for events is never just about making things look good – there’s plenty ‘done for you’ templates out there to do that.
It’s more about reflecting a brand and creating an impactful visual with no clutter. This makes a design solution work effortlessly in the real world.
This project for BRAID UK was a brilliant example of how thoughtful design, production knowledge, and open collaboration can bring an event to life.
It’s always a pleasure to see the results of that work captured in action.
Thank you BRAID for the opportunity, entrusting me with this project, and to Ryan Warburton for the beautiful photography capturing the event..
Let’s Make It Happen
If you’re planning an event, publishing a report, or need expertly crafted print design that considers every production detail from the start, let’s talk.
I bring decades of experience, a love for print, and a sharp eye for both aesthetics and logistics. Whether you’re a higher education institution, a cultural organisation, or a brand with a message to share, I can help bring your vision to life – beautifully and practically.
