Binding is the final stage of the print production process. Done right, it’s icing on the cake. But if not carefully planned and carried out, it can be a budget buster and deadline derailer.

For the most part, the fastener that holds the pages of a book or brochure together is utilitarian. Binding—whether stitched, glued, mechanical, or some hybrid—keeps everything organized. But binding can also be a design element in its own right. It can attract attention, enhance a printed product, and even underscore a point. When it’s well executed, creative finishing and binding is its own art form.

The secret to using a unique binding process is to not let the binding overpower the piece. We’ve all seen overdone invitations, booklets, and even annual reports where an impractical binding technique includes a sharp or unreasonable object, or makes the pages hard to open or to read. The best unusual bindings are those where the finishing method seems like it was planned in tandem with the rest of the design, not added on as an afterthought.

An additional trick of the trade is to know your intended outcome and to work strategically to make your vision a reality. This requires advance planning, and in some cases, research.

Step 1: Decide what is important.
Some printed items absolutely must be designed to lie flat, while for others it’s more important to grab initial attention. Some items need to be easily updated, while others have a very short shelf life. Be thoughtful about how the finishing and binding can affect the usability of your publication.

Step 2: Make a full-size dummy.
A mock-up of any printed piece is helpful in trouble-shooting and heading off potential problems, but when an unusual binding method is added into the mix, a working model becomes essential. In addition to allowing you to see possible problem areas, a dummy may also inspire you to look at different ways of executing your idea. You may find yourself modifying and improving upon your concept as you examine it in a physical form.

Step 3: Share the dummy with your entire production team.
After you’ve satisfied yourself that the design is workable, make sure it can be produced within your time frame and budget constraints. The best way to assess this is to show not only the printer, but also—if the finishing work is being done by a third party and not in-house by your print vendor—the trade bindery’s staff. Making a dummy will help you determine whether your idea will translate well in the actual production phase, as well as facilitate understanding among the members of the production team.

Step 4: Match the method with the quantity.
On small print runs—typically 1,000 or less—it is feasible to specify a variety of unique or laborintensive finishing processes. As the quantity increases, however, the practicality of using involved collating and binding methods diminishes. Seek advice from the professionals you’ve chosen to work with. Ask if some of the processes you’ve envisioned can be modifi ed slightly so more work can be done in-line rather than by hand.

Step 5: Think about mailing and handling.
If the product you’ve designed will be going through the mail, it is essential to test it for durability. By reviewing a prototype of the mailing, you’ll also be able to discover if your proposed design will cause you or your client to incur handling charges from your fulfillment or mailing house.

Step 6: Consider storage and transit.
Often an unusual binding will add bulk to the finished product. The printed matter may simply take up more room, and thus require special cartons or handling. If the materials are going to be shipped, it’s a good idea to plan the packing and transit method ahead of time to avoid delays and cost overruns. Be specific about your expectations for shipping. Materials should be tightly packed to prevent sliding and scratching.

Step 7: Account for spoilage.
In any printing project, there is spoilage or waste. Typically, the printer will figure this into the bid and order sufficient materials to account for inevitable waste. The greater the number of processes— and especially the more suppliers involved—the greater the spoilage factor will be. Be sure to discuss with the bindery and others involved in the final phases of your project how much shrinkage will typically occur in a project such as yours.

Mistakes made at any point in the printing process are disappointing, but errors in the finishing and binding phase can be disastrous. A project that has been beautifully designed and printed can be ruined by a short trim or crooked fold. For that reason, it is imperative to take bindery requirements into account while the project is being planned. A little extra effort can ensure a final product that exhibits harmony among all aspects of design.