In an interesting article today in Before and After magazine. The discussion was of the price constraints and budget limitations of adding a bleed to your piece.

 

Just to make sure everyone is up to speed, adding a "bleed" to a page means the ink will run off the edge of the page. This normally means you include anywhere from an 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the actual page. Now, unfortunately this means for most printers that your work will be trimmed down to the crop marks.

 

Now, let's suppose you are on a tight budget. How can you achieve a "bleed" feel without a bleed budget?

 

Before and After had a great alternative. Pull your background in to create a nice white margin. Once this is done, you can arrange one of your elements to expand beyond the image, this not only creates a classic feel to your piece, but also gives you a nice "popping" element.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try this out on your next budget piece! I think you'll be pleased with the results.