Once your print design project is ready to go, how long should it take to produce? If your design firm has strong relationships with printers, the answer will be: when do you need it? Your project may take just a few hours to set up and print, but the printer is probably scheduling multiple jobs simultaneously.
Here are some tips to help your printer meet your deadlines:
- Communicate! Printers don’t like surprises, so ask your design firm to share project specifications and schedule as far ahead as possible. The printer will want to know: when the artwork is coming to them; what the delivery date is; any unusual specifications, such as exotic paper stocks or unusual folds (they may need to involve a third party vendor, adding time)
- Allow for delivery, mailing house and shipping time. Any of these can add days to your schedule
- Allow your personnel enough time to proof the project thoroughly before it goes to the printer.
- Avoid making changes when you get a printer’s proof. The changes can be expensive, and disrupt their scheduling
- Allow extra time just before and during holiday season — that’s when printers are busiest
- Website printers may be less expensive, but we don’t recommend using them if you have a tight deadline or unusual specifications — they are just not set up to give that kind of service
We often say: printing is a commodity until something goes wrong — then it is an art form. Part of a graphic design firm’s job is to maintain strong relationships with trusted printers. That way, if there is a crunch, the printer will find a way to come through.
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FACT OF THE MONTH
The doll Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.