Office of Marketing Communications

Working with Marcom

FAQs

FAQ
FAQs Sections

Printed Pieces

Photography and Artwork

Web

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  PRINTED PIECES

  What are the steps to getting a piece printed through the marketing communications office?
  1. Client and MCM agree on strategy and tactics.
  2. Client submits final approved copy and photos to MCM.
  3. Copy is edited.
  4. Edited copy and photos are submitted for design.
  5. First proof of design is shown to client. Designer prepares as complete a proof as possible so that the client and MCM can judge how the piece will look when printed. The client should make all necessary changes to copy, photos, or layout at this stage.
  6. MCM submits first-proof changes to design.
  7. Second proof is given to MCM. Unless significant design or editorial changes were requested, MCM manages the project from here to completion, and the client will not see the piece again until it is printed. The MCM will determine if changes to the first proof warrant a second look by the client. Talk with your MCM if you have questions about this stage of the process.
  8. Printed piece is delivered to client.
  Who will write the copy?

You are expected to provide what you and your office deem as final copy to your MCM. If you require writing services, we can recommend reliable freelance writers. You should be prepared to pay for such services.

Please note: The copy you provide will be edited for grammar and College style. With a few exceptions, we will not check for factual inaccuracies (e.g., whether Thursday really is the 4th of the month, whether your special guest speaker spells her name that way, or whether that's her correct title). So be sure to check your facts carefully!

  Do I have to pay for writing and editing?

You should always plan to pay for writing services, should you require them. Our office does not have copywriters on staff.

You should budget for editing services as well. While we do have professional editors in marketing communications, we regularly need to outsource jobs for editing. When we do, you will be informed and should plan to pay for those services. Discuss payment concerns with your MCM.

  Who will design my project?

The College's limited in-house design resources are in high demand, so we regularly use freelance designers to complete projects for clients. You should budget for freelance design services for your projects.

  How will I know if my job will be sent to a freelance designer?

Your MCM will inform you of the quote given by a freelance designer to complete your project. You may always discuss any concerns with your MCM about the cost and discuss possible courses of action.

  Do I have to pay for design?

If we need to send your job to a freelance designer, as is probable, you will have to pay for those design services. Your best bet is to budget for design.

  Do I pay for printing?

You will always be expected to pay for printing. Whether the job is finished on campus (at the print shop or duplicating center) or off campus, you are responsible for paying printing costs.

  Will my jobs be printed on campus?

Whenever possible, we use campus resources, the print shop and the duplicating center -- although they do not fall under the purview of our office and we do not have any involvement in their priciong structure. But certain projects, because of either timing or production needs, cannot be done on campus. In those cases, our printing manager will find the best outside vendor for the job. Please discuss any concerns about timeliness and cost with your MCM.

  Once I submit the copy and photos for my job, how long will it be until I get the finished product?

You should plan on 4 to 6 weeks of production time for jobs such as posters, ads, and postcards. If you are developing a larger piece such as a newsletter or brochure, expect at least 8 to 10 weeks of production time. Your MCM will work with you to determine a reasonable production schedule for your job.

  If I'm creating a piece to be mailed, will you coordinate the mailing?

We will develop the printed piece and ensure that it is delivered to the mailroom or other mailing vendor you designate -- but you are responsible for delivering the mailing list to the appropriate service provider in the format the provider specifies and confirming that the pieces have been mailed.

 

  PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARTWORK

  What format works best for submitted photos?

We prefer that you send us electronic images in TIFF (.tif) format -- preferable because the image maintains its integrity no matter how many times it is resaved -- or RAW (.raw) format.

We also accept JPEG (.jpg) format. However, these files must not be altered in any way before you submit them. Any change to the dimensions (number of pixels) of the image or the resolution (dots per inch) will degrade the photo and make it unusable.

For print purposes, the files will be large -- and should be 300 dpi or better at the print size (see "What type of photo . . .?" below).

  Do I need to provide photos for my job?

Not all publications or websites need photography. If you wish to use it, however, review our three basic scenarios for photo use in publications:

  1. You do not have a photo. 
    We would be happy to select appropriate photos from our photo library on your behalf. You may also want to search our image database: Image Database
     
  2. You have a photo you would like us to use in designing your piece. 
    We would be happy to use the photo, provided the quality is appropriate.
     
  3. You are developing a piece for a speaker who is coming to campus and want to use his/her photo in your piece. 
    You must procure publicity photos for visitors. We will not contact speakers or their agents for you.
  What type of photo is acceptable for a printed piece?

Specifications for photos vary according to the photo source and publication medium. If you are unsure whether the image you have will work, send it to your MCM, who will check the usability of the image with our graphics team.

Electronic Files

Acceptable
 A high-resolution .tif or .raw or .jpg file is preferable. The minimum size for most print purposes, unless the photo is intended to run across a large poster, is 5 inches wide at 300 dpi (1500 x 2100 pixels). This is equivalent to a file 21 inches by 29 inches at 72 dpi, the size that comes from most nonprofessional digital cameras. It will be a big file, 1 MG or larger. 

Prints

Acceptable
 An original glossy photograph

Unacceptable
 Prints from a laser printer

 WEB

How can I get help with a new website or a redesign of my existing website?

For all web-related inquiries, contact your MCM to discuss the best available options. After talking with you, your MCM will meet with our web team to discuss the project; together they will develop tactics for moving forward. Your MCM will then contact you to discuss specific recommendations, as well as an outline of the budget and time needed to complete the project. This meeting will produce an action plan that you and your MCM will execute together. Be aware that there are many competing needs across campus but only limited resources. You may have to wait some time before the on-campus web team can help with major projects such as redesigning an office or department site.

What is the Ithaca College Web Profile Manager, and how can I access it?

The Web Profile Manager is a content management system for the College website that allows all faculty members to create and maintain their own sites. Delegated users from academic departments can also create, edit, and manage content on their departments' sites -- while maintaining the College's brand identity. If you are not sure whether you are a delegate for your department's site, contact your MCM. Access the Web Profile Manager by following this link:

Ithaca College Web Profile Manager

Will I be expected to pay for writing, editing, design, programming, or development help with my website?

The Office of Marketing Communications provides on-staff web production, but because services are in very high demand we may need to send your project to an outside vendor. You should, therefore, budget for freelance web work.

Will you post a story about my upcoming event to Intercom for me?

No. Intercom is a vehicle for members of the Ithaca College community to communicate with one another, and so it is important that you submit your own stories to Intercom. If you have questions about whether a story is appropriate for Intercom, feel free to contact your MCM for advice.