PARAMUS, N.J., May 29, 2002 – Given the ongoing and rapid advancements in prepress technology, effective prepress design now, more than ever, requires a high degree of technical know-how, microscopic attention to detail, and the ability to adjust a design to each printer’s capabilities. Indeed, today’s graphic designer must be both an artist and a technician.  In the Designer’s Prepress Companion, published this month by the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), graphic artist professionals and design students have an invaluable teaching aid and step-by-step tutorial to guide them through the traditional and digital prepress design process.  Written by Jessica Berlin, Christina Kim, and Jennifer Talcott, with Prof. Frank J. Romano, chair, School of Printing Management and Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, the Designer’s Prepress Companion provides the information designers need to ensure their designs are printable as well as pleasing. In clear language and an easy-to-follow format, the volume outlines every phase of today’s printing process, from preparing files and managing fonts to navigating software options and selecting finishing processes.  Designer’s Prepress Companion (NP346) is priced at $22.95 for NAPL members ($29.95, non-members). To order, call (800) 642-6275, Option #3; email [email protected]; or go online to NAPL’s electronic bookstore at http://store.napl.org. NAPL is committed to helping the graphic arts community succeed within today’s highly competitive communications environment. The level of information provided in Designer’s Prepress Companion is a prime example of that commitment. About the Authors: Jessica Berlin received both a BFA in Photographic Illustration and an MS in Graphic Arts Publishing from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She has worked in the Creative Design Department at Fossil and is currently a prepress manager at Hasbro Inc. Jessica continues to work in graphic design and photography as a freelance artist. Christina Kim worked as a graphic designer for three years before getting her MS in Graphic Arts Publishing from the Rochester Institute of Technology.  While working as in-house designer for Flower City Printing, she continues her work as a freelance designer, photographer, illustrator, and web designer. She received a Fine Arts degree from Hampshire College. Jennifer Talcott received her BA degree in Communication Studies from the State University of New York College at Cortland and an MS from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she studied Graphic Arts Publishing. Frank J. Romano is chair, School of Printing Management and Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology. CONTACT: Richard S. Papale (407) 898-3049 [email protected] About NAPL: Chartered in 1933, the National Association for Printing Leadership is a not-for-profit trade association representing the $88 billion commercial printing industry. NAPL’s mission is “To enable the printing community to profit from change” through a full range of management and educational services to its membership, including conferences, seminars, periodicals, books, consulting, and economic information.