Custom CD or DVD project ahead? Here is the scoop on graphics details

We-know-who’s in the details, right? Since custom CDs and DVDs are our business, we can help you keep your disk projects above water, safely committed to safer sources than you-know-who. Because it really is all in the details.
Most custom CD and DVD companies are reputable businesses that can do a good job for you. Let’s delve a little deeper to learn about CD or DVD services available so you know what to ask when choosing a company. In this article we list a few of the more popular graphics services available for your projects.

Photo Enhancement
You think you have the perfect photo for your CD’s cover – well, almost perfect. Except for, well, the slightly blurry background or a too-dark picture or fuzzy, undefined lines or why-did-she-wear-that-color? Ask your prospective vendors what kind of photo adjustments they can make. Can they turn your near-perfect photo into the perfect photo?
You want a service provider that can handle color changes, make lines sharper and do brightness adjustments and saturation enhancements. And that’s what a better custom CD or DVD company can do to make your photos work.

Illustration & Graphics
If you don’t have the photos or artwork for your CD or DVD project, you’ll need a service provider that can find what you need. What illustration and graphics resources does the company have at its disposal? As a general rule of thumb, the longer a company’s been around, the bigger their illustration and graphics library.
And don’t dismiss a company that talks about buying your custom CD\DVD illustrations or graphics from a commercial source. If they don’t have a perfect fit for you, it’s a good sign when they’re willing to search for it.

Color Correction
Color correction is an easily-overlooked detail, but it can make or break your CD or DVD project. Just a slightly incorrect color combo will steal the potential “feel-good” from a product and leave clients, customers or fans with a less-than-professional impression of you.
The colors must match, but that sounds easier than it sometimes is. A good service provider will know when the colors need tweaking to provide a perfect blend for your CD or DVD graphics and artwork. They will use universal Pantone colors for your job too. All this is easy for the right company.
Color corrections require a trained eye and should really be left to the pros. Ask if the company does color correction and how much experience the staff has before you commit your CD or DVD project.

Typesetting
Remember the cartoons of old typesetters, sitting in front of a board with wooden cubes to set type? Today we use some pretty cool and sophisticated software for typesetting your custom CD or DVD print. Do you want a specific type font, or are you looking for something unique?
You’re in luck because today’s options are truly awesome with our industry’s software. Just beware: not all CD/DVD companies have dished out the money for better software, so if your custom CD or DVDs type requirements are anywhere out of norm, ask if your prospective company can handle the job to your satisfaction.

Preflight Inspections
Wow – you’ve finished the planning, and you’re ready to step away from the drawing board and onto the runway. Congratulations – you’re almost done! Just one more very important step: before you take off down the runway, have a professional scrutinize your work because once those wheels are off the ground it’s too late for changes.
Does your company offer preflight inspections, or are your eyes the final project review? Good question – be sure to ask.

There you have it, more about the important details that make your custom CD or DVD project successful, and enough information to ask the right questions. If your project is important enough to commit the time and finances to complete, it’s just as important to follow up with these details. You’ll be half-way to a successful CD/ DVD project when you do, so congratulations to you!