Graphic Design
The graphics team strives for quality service in design and production of MSU promotional materials. The office produces a variety of publications each year, including brochures, posters, newsletters, flyers, postcards, advertisements and much, much more.
We want to ensure that your publication is accurate, well-written and well-designed. We can provide all the services required to produce a publication in one stop. Our design services are free. The only costs a client is expected to pay are for printing and shipping.
Our Work
What We Do
- Advertisements
- Annual Reports
- Banner/Displays
- Brochures (tri-fold, specialty, multi-paged)
- Business Card
- Cards (fold over, panel, etc.)
- Certificates
- Event Programs
- Graphics for Apparel and Promotional Items
- Logos
- Magazines
- Newsletters
- Postcards & Mailers
- Posters or Flyers
- Rack Cards
- Signage
- Social Media Graphic Support
- And much more
Many of the major publications for the university are produced by the Office of Public Affairs. The graphic design team offers its services to university schools, departments and offices who need assistance.
Our staff is available to help assess publication and promotional needs, and to contact commercial printers to obtain estimates and prices. We also can help you find licensed vendors to produce specialty items such as T-shirts and writing pens. We can help with scheduling your publications to ensure prompt production.
How to Start
Submit a project request form and one of our designers will be assigned to help you with your promotional needs.
WHAT WE NEED
Submit the text for your publication via email or by direct upload to our DropBox link we provide our clients via email after they submit their request.
We can accommodate text copy prepared using the following file formats: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .txt, .rtf.
File formats we do not accept include: .pub - Publisher files, we are unable to open and use these files.
Files created in other applications, like Publisher or Canva, should be exported as a PDF and also have their text of the piece copied and pasted into a Word document to share with OPA.
In preparing your text document with your content it is best to avoid using italic, boldface, centering or underlining in this document. In fact, there is no need to format your text at all. Our editors and designers will format it while preparing it for publication.
Also let us know your budget. Our designers are adept at working within budget constraints.
PAPERWORK AND PROOFS
You will be able to correct errors or make changes in your publication before it is sent to the printer. You also can request a hard copy proof for approval. However, changes at this stage can result in extra charges for your publication. Normally, your publication will be printed by the printer that submits the lowest quote, based on specifications provided.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST
There is no charge for editorial or design services. Billing for printing is sent directly from our office to your office, college, department or school.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Each publication is tailor-made to serve your specific area of the campus community. Therefore, allow ample time for the many production steps to minimize chances of error and ensure quality design. Also consider and allow for production time with the print vendor when placing your request. This timeline can vary, but it is typically 10-14 business days from receiving files to the delivery of the printed product – depending on the size and quantity of the piece.
UNIVERSITY SYMBOLS
Our office also can help you in matters involving the university symbols. We can provide electronic versions of these symbols. For correct usage of these symbols, take a look at our Visual Identity Manual.
WHY DO I NEED HELP DESIGNING?
Graphic design is crucial to the success of your publication. It can attract attention and help focus readers on the publication's message. Your message is competing with countless other written communications for the reader’s attention. No matter how important your message, it may not be received if your publication is not packaged effectively. The publications group takes pride in professionally designed publications, which not only have won awards in national competitions, but also the praise of campus clients and their constituents.
WHY DO I NEED HELP EDITING?
Editors not only perform copy editing; they also review a publication for structure and organization. Good editing organizes the written material for unity, coherence and emphasis. Our editors have vast experience in explaining what is important about Mississippi State University. They know what areas should be emphasized in a particular publication and have the most up-to-date facts and figures at their fingertips.
WHAT IF I NEED PHOTOGRAPHS?
Contact photographic services for questions and information regarding your photography needs. Visit their request form to inquire about photos for your promotional communications.
