Posted by: Catherine Morley
Category: Designers Working With
Bookmark on: del.icio.us

When I choose a tomato, I don’t select the biggest and reddest of the bunch. And I don’t grab a bag marked Del Monte either.

Nope. I stick my face right into the fruit. I poke a hole in the package when no one is looking. I crush a few leaves if I can.

Why? Because with tomato picking, smell is a taste indicator.

Is tomato sniffing a 100% sure winner? No. But it’s the easiest way to choose a decent tomato.

Picking a good printer or prepress specialist is a lot like choosing a good tomato.

That’s right. Go ahead and bypass the wrappings. Poke a few holes if you have to. Dig in to see how they work.

Dig into “WHAT?”

Glad you asked. The printers and prepress specialists from the series came to my rescue when answering the question, “How should a company or individual in your profession be chosen?”

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Alex

A company should look for someone with an eye for detail who has a solid understanding of design software and methods designers use to create projects. Who has at least a basic knowledge of the printing process from computer to plate to press, and knowledge of the types of presses out there.

Alex Noguera | Prepress Operator
www.bowne.com

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Chris

As printers we ’should’ be chosen according to our deliverables and service to the customer/client - not solely on price. If I as a printer can give you the quality you desire and treat you not as a number but a partner in business, then price should take a back seat to a decision. Is price an issue? Absolutely, but don’t make it the sole reason for your choice.

Chris Tomlinson | Owner: Gonink - Design & Print
Gonink - Design & Print | A Designer’s Journey | USA

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Derald

Printing has become a price driven industry and a compression of the time customers allow for delivery, but there are several other areas to consider when selecting a printer.

Price:
First would be price, but the lowest price will not always be the printer with the most value. Use the cost of job as a good indicator of their price structure compared to other printers. Look for a “trade printer” as this type of printer does not include a mark up for their sales force. They also tend to be better with complex jobs.

Service:
A good printer will have knowledgeable staff to guide you. They can make recommendations on paper, specialty processes and better ways produce your project to produce the printed piece.

Look for a printer who is consistent in making their deadlines. You may need a referral from another designer to find this out. And ask yourself if you are comfortable working with them…are they pleasant and informative? Do they return your calls promptly?

Capability:
Find out the range of jobs they can produce. Some printers are better at smaller quantities and sheet sizes such as digital printers, while others are more competitive on quantities over 1000. Most printers have developed a niche for a specific size and quantity, so ask them what they are the most competitive at. Over time, you should have 3-6 printers that you can go to for quotes and you’ll know who to send them out to.

Location:
If press checks are a frequent necessity it’s a good idea to find ones that are within driving distance. This also helps develop a “face to face” relationship with them.

Derald Schultz | Atlanta Graphic Design + Web Design + Printing
Mediarail Design, Inc. | USA

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Genie

According to qualifications and ability to learn and troubleshoot.

Genie Ho | Prepress and design
PDQ Print | New Zealand

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John

Choose someone with experience and responsibility. I hear so many stories about clients being neglected by their previous designer or agency. Manage people’s expectations, and keep in mind that the goal is not to make a pretty picture, it’s to improve your client’s public perception and profitability. As a designer / printer I am integral in helping a client achieve that goal with their marketing.

John Carvalho | Owner/Graphic Designer
Mixed Media: Design & Printing Services | USA

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Matt

I think forming a good relationship between a printer and a designer is paramount. My suggestions would be to call and ask to meet the manager/owner of the printer and essentially see what they can do/can’t do for you. Look around the place; is it organized? Are people running around chasing their tales? I think you need to get a “feel” for the place that is right for you and that can only be obtained through an actual visit/sit-down. Perhaps the most important asset to a solid printer/designer relationship is consistency. Consistency in the quality of the output (printer), consistency in the quality of how the file is prepared (designer). Cutting corners and complacency equals mistakes.

The worst way of making a choice for a printer is basing your decision solely on price. If you want a cheap looking product, then by all means, go that route. If you want to have a quality job, done by quality people who care/take pride in their work….you are going to have pay for it!! The design on your screen is one thing, the tangible finished product in your clients hands is entirely differe

Matt Beazley | Printer
www.eyemean.com | Canada

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PrintDriver

A wide format printer should be chosen carefully. A referral is the best thing. Or get references from other clients. If at all possible, visit the shop and get a tour. That way you can see actual production work rather than just samples. Check samples for color, print head resolution and head banding. Check any finishing work samples on banners and panels, etc to see the quality of the stitching and grommet webbings, the quality and cleanliness of the mounting and overlamming. See the machines to learn what the limitations are. TAKE NOTES! When talking to a sales rep, prefer the one who says, “I’ll have to ask the tech” rather than one that gives you a wavering answer to a question. Is the rep just a salesman or has he actually worked in the industry? Run a few small jobs before giving large ones to get used to the vendor’s work flow. The print industry is truly a “get what you pay for” deal. Low cost, Quality, or Fast. Pick any two.

PrintDriver | Print Consultant | USA

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Tom

The most valuable skill I have is being able to troubleshoot and fix jobs. If somebody isn’t able to adapt with technology and constant upgrades on both the Windows and OS X platforms they will find their job increasingly more difficult and cumbersome.

Tom Stege | Lead Prepress Operator - Seattle Location
Print Time Online | USA

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Happy printer / prepress picking. And I’ll see you this same time next week. Or close enough.

until the next
Designers WW,
cat