General BYO Artwork Rules:
* all files must have 3mm bleed  * all files must be in CMYK   * all pics must be at least 300dpi  * all fonts must be flattened or converted to outlines

ABOUT COLOURS 

The only way you can be sure you are using the correct colours is to use a PANTONE COLOUR GUIDE BOOK.
Callibrating your screen will also ensure you are looking at colours that may be close to your selection.
Microsoft programs do not show CMYK colours and you should consider using safe colours. Adobe programs give you the flexibility to choose.

this is how you see colours on your screen (RGB)
funky printing and design
this is how colours actually print out (CMYK)

As you can see from the diagram above it is very important you have your colours set to the correct modes

RGB - is the primary color model used by electronic display devices (e.g., monitors).

CMYK - is the primary color model used by color printers and press machines.

ABOUT FONTS

Fonts in your artwork need to be "converted to outlines" or "flattened" into a graphic.
Failure to do so means that during the transition from artwork development to press machine your fonts may alter without warning.
If you are using microsoft products, you will need to 'embed' the fonts: 

  • Microsoft Word and Powerpoint - "Tools > Options > Save tab" and select "Embed TrueTypeFonts".
  • Microsoft Publisher - "Tools > Commercial Printing Tools > Fonts"