A print designer creates visual designs for labels, brochures, business cards, and other products. They conceptualize designs and prepare mockups before sending the final design to the printer. In-house designers also check the dimensions and technical requirements of the project to prevent print delays, maintain product consistency, and boost your brand’s appearance. Here are some tips to help you choose a print shop for your next project:
Explore the Printing Services
Look for a reliable print shop that offers a range of in-house design and print services, like digital, offset, and large-format printing. This saves you time and money when locating a new print service provider. Comprehensive print companies may offer bundled services at discounted costs. If you need several services for your print project, these print packages help you avoid visiting different vendors for each service. Partnering with a shop with a range of printing services promotes consistency in your messaging and branding. When you work with various providers, there is a risk of notable variations in the printing results, which may reflect your brand image.
Look for a Partner
Artists, authors, and businesses should find a printing partner, not just a vendor. A vendor gets the job done but keeps your business at a distance. They may view your print project as a job that they must complete within a set deadline. That means they will likely simplify the decision-making process and deliver products with minimal customer feedback. A printing partner works closely with you to bring your vision to life and offers products personalized to your needs.
Look for a printing team that will walk you through the kind of equipment they use and their printing processes. These service providers will help you draft a timeline, review your work, and assign professionals to oversee the project. Printing partners offer in-person meetings during business hours, allowing you to stop by and check the progress of your project. These providers maintain open communication with you during projects and build lasting professional relationships.
Check Delivery Speed and Efficiency
High-quality print and design shops are known for delivering products according to estimated timelines. Ask your designer how long it may take to finalize designs, print the materials, and deliver the products. If the print company has many printers on site, the production phase may be more efficient. The type and availability of printers determine whether the shop can deliver large orders of high-quality materials and meet tight deadlines.
Ask About Customization Methods
Print companies offer customizable services for projects like digital printing for banners, signage, and brochures. Offset printing is suitable for creating large, custom materials that won’t fit in a digital printer. This method is also recommended when you want the final product to have rich, true colors for graphics and text. Foil stamping is another custom printing method for plastic, vinyl, and leather substrates. Ask your designer if their shop uses custom dies and hot foil stamping. This method makes the foil more durable on your final products. Print shops should also provide various finishing options, like matte, gloss, and holographic, for products like stickers and business cards.
Work With a Reliable Print Shop
The quality of your print products depends on the experience and reliability of the print shop you work with. Look for a designer for your print project who produces high-quality work at a reasonable price and meets the deadlines. Whether you need printing services for your business or personal project, look for a print company that will work with you to create custom products that meet your expectations. Contact a print shop today to schedule a meeting with one of their designers.