A professor once said to me, "It is extremely important as a Graphic Designer to form a good relationship with a printer." At that time I didn't fully understand why it was so important. Of course now I know it's about respect and teamwork. Let me explain.

When first starting out in the field you may assume that all you need to do to get something printed is save your file to a disk or attach it to an email and get it to a printer, right? If something doesn't output the way you expected it to, you will without doubt blame your printer because you believe that once it is in their hands, it is their responsibility to output the job correctly. See where I am going with this?

We as designers should want to get in contact with our service bureau and learn how they need us to prepare our files for print. This helps insure that the job is done accurately and with as few flaws as possible. This will help you in many ways. For instance, you send a file to be printed and the printer is having font issues. Instead of assuming it is something that they should be able to fix, realize that the problem could be on your end and try to help troubleshoot the file to help find where the problem lies. In the end, your printer wants the same as you do - a job well done!

The better relationship you have with your printer, the smoother your job will run. Not because the printer likes you, but because you have taken the time to learn what they need from you. You will work together as a team and that will make all the difference in the world when you are having your job output. Here are some things that we as designers can do to form a better relationship with our printers.

1.) Communicate. Don't be afraid to ask when you don't understand what your service bureau needs from you. Ask the printer to explain instead of just nodding as if you understand what they are talking about. The more you understand the printing process, the better off you are in this field.

2.) Learn to prep your files before sending them to your printer. Ask them before you do a job what specifications they have or ask them for a spec sheet. If they have a website, more than likely they will have a spec sheet available online that will list all of the file formats and requirements for those that they accept. Read this spec sheet and follow it. It will make the road much less bumpy for you and they will truly appreciate you for it!

3.) Become familiar with some of the dialogue your printer may use in talking to you. This means understanding the different types of binding, paper and weights, different printing processes, file formats, working with color separations, etc.

4.) Don't shop every job you receive around to every printer in town. Printers hate it when people do this and they will find out. When you need an emergency job done they will remember and may not "squeeze" you in the next time.

5.) Remember that price isn't everything. Printers need to give good service to compete. Finding one that does and paying a bit more will pay off in the long run.

6.) Form a relationship with the pre-press person. This has many advantages. When they know that you are working hard to get your files prepped and ready to print properly, they will be more willing to go the extra mile for you as well.

7.) Have enough working capital to pay for the job yourself. Don't make the printer wait for your client to pay. He has already done his job and if the client isn't paying that is your problem, not his.

There are many more things that we as designers can do to help form a successful relationship with our printers. I have only listed a few. I hope you take to heart the words of my professor, and use the suggestions listed above to help you begin building that relationship.

Copyright 2004 Leanne McNutt, All Rights Reserved