Creative Services
CMU’s award-winning staff produces thousands of CMU publications every year - from posters and flyers to viewbooks and magazines, billboards, newspaper advertisements and more.
Our creative and energetic team includes graphic designers, writers, editors and photographers who work alongside our clients to create print pieces that we can all be proud to stamp with our university name.
Publications job journey
Kickoff
1. Service Request Form
We start by getting to know your project needs with the Service Request form,
available online.
2. Start-up meeting
A creative team, which normally includes a project manager, writer, photographer, designer, a marketing representative and a public relations representative meets with you to determine strategic objectives, budget, and timelines.
3. Research and strategy
In order to help you maximize your return on investment, we may recommend some formal or informal research on your audience. This research may include focus groups, surveys, statistical analysis, and other methods to help us advise you on a communication strategy.
4. Communication letter
The job is officially opened upon your approval of the commitment letter, which will outline a summary of the project and goals, an estimated timeline, and the roles and responsibilities of each person on the team.
Completing the job
5. Content stage
Our creative team will get to work on high-quality content for your project. Development of content may include photography, writing, editing and producing design concepts and associated cost estimates. You’ll get involved at the level that makes the most sense for you, including providing timely feedback on the content before we design your publication.
6. First draft
We’ll deliver a designed first draft of your project in hard copy or electronic form for your review. Sharing the results of our work with you is one of the most exciting parts of the publications process!
7. Proofing stage
You should plan to spend adequate time with each draft, making sure all information is accurate. Return any changes to us in a timely manner so that we can deliver your project on time. Depending on the complexity of the project, there may be several drafts to review.
Delivery
8. Off to press
The project goes to press once we have your final approval. One benefit of working with CMU’s creative services team is our seamless process from strategy to concept to press. We work closely with CMU Printing Services to ensure that your final publication is beautifully executed.
9. Press proofs
During the two-week printing process, you will have one final opportunity to review your publication with press proofs. If changes occur at this stage, there may be additional charges.
10. Evaluation
Delivery of your project isn’t the end of our involvement. We’ll follow up to make sure you’re happy with the end result and help you track the effectiveness of your publication if you choose. We will appreciate your feedback and look forward to working with you again soon!
