VI Compose a plan and write a short summary of the text.

Unit 2 Origination

Text 1 Originals for reproduction

The term 'origination' describes the operations which convert original photographs or illustrations into the printing surface; the word is also sometimes used to embrace typesetting.

The careful selection and preparation of illustrations prior to reproduction is vital if good quality is to be achieved at a reasonable cost.

Line originals These are often specially commissioned, in which case whoever is briefing the artist can ensure that they are prepared in the right way.

The original should be black, and may be drawn larger than the finished size, as reduction can help to minimize any slight inaccuracies in the artwork. It should be mounted on stable board and should include trim marks and indications of 'bleed' (where the picture is to be trimmed off at the edge of the page). Tints can be laid on by the artist or inserted by the reproduction house — the latter is more expensive, but gives a much cleaner result.

The reproduction size can be indicated either by a linear measurement or in terms of a percentage reduction or enlargement. If the work is to be reproduced at the same size it should be marked simply 's/s^r.

Halftones Photographs to be reproduced as halftones should have good contrast and detail and be free from blemishes. It is possible to retouch photographs, either to remove blemishes or to improve contrast or detail, but this is expensive and should be avoided if possible, Sizing will normally be done by the designer and, in the case of photographs, the area to be used needs to be indicated (cropping) as well as the reduction or enlargement. Cropping is normally indicated on a tracing paper overlay or by marking with a soft pencil on the back of the picture.

Colour photographs These originals can be either trans­parencies or colour prints; the former give a brighter, sharper result. The original should have reasonable contrast. There should not be an overall colour cast. Excessive grain (normally from fast films) should be avoided as this will reproduce, particularly if the picture is enlarged.

Colour flat artwork Ideally, the board used by the artist should be flexible, as most colour reproduction is done on a scanner and the artwork should be able to be wrapped around the scanner's drum. If rigid board is used, either the artwork has to be reproduced conventionally using a camera or the top surface of the board has to be stripped off so that it can go around the drum — this can cause cracking and other damage and is to be avoided wherever possible unless the board is made for stripping.

Exercises:

I. Read the sentences and say if they are true or false. If they are false, correct them.

1. The operations which convert original photographs or illustrations into the printing surface are called typesetting.

2. There is no need to select and prepare the illustrations before reproduction.

3. If the original is black and large any slight inaccuracies in the artwork becomes invisible.

4. The term “bleed” means that the picture is larger than the paper.

5. Photographs to be reproduced as halftones should have blemishes.

6. We should retouch photographs although it is expensive.

7. The original should have a high contrast or be transparent.

8. If you enlarge the picture you will see grains.

9. You can use scanner to reproduce color artwork.

10. The board for artwork should be flexible and soft.