The Manufacturing Guides: Graphics and Packaging Production

Have you ever looked at a design by another agency or designer and wondered “how was that made?” If so, Rob Thompson’s ‘Graphics and Packaging Production’ is for you.

It might not be the prettiest thing to look at, but is probably one of the most useful production resource’s you can have on your studio shelf. The book gives a basic overview to manufacturing techniques typically used in graphic design objects, and over these 200 pages, you can learn about the process or materials behind the production of posters, boxes, packaging, invitations, labelling, tins and bottles. Each process is explained, illustrated with a diagram, and analysed in terms of the visual quality, speed, set up costs, unit cost and environmental impacts.

It is broken into three sections:

1. Forming and Construction - including processes such as paper pulp molding, EPS molding, blow molding, machine stitching, vacuum forming, machine glassblowing, press folding, die cutting etc


2. Graphics Production - including processes such as engraving, water jet cutting, risograph, letterpress, screen printing, vinyl cutting, photo etching etc


3. Finishing Techniques - including processes such as embossing and debossing, foil blocking, binding etc

Why is it useful?

The book is written in layman’s terms, and with graphic designers (both professional and students) in mind. This means it is particularly useful to dip into when you are in the middle of designing a piece and need to get quotes for something -  or are about to go on a factory visit, and need to make sure you understand any production terms correctly.

We’ve also used it for reference in the early stages of the design process, when you are filled with an overwhelming number of potential processes to choose. The fact that each process or technique will also list related production processes next to it makes it particularly useful for this. We are also fans of the featured case studies, where step by step photography shows the process of how a recognisable product is made, and gives practical insight on how to use it.

Related titles

Making it - Chris Lefteri

The Manufacturing Guide for Design Professionals - Rob Thompson