Design firms have a vested interest in making your print project the best it can be, and they can be a great resource for your printing if they have the right experience or equipment. A number of businesses prefer to use their own printer, so let's look at the graphic design and printing industries.

Experience and Relationships
Design firms without their own equipment still offer some great advantages. Many independent designers and design firms have staff members with a background in printing. It can be a great resource in the design production area, and in supervising your print project. They also may have long-standing relationships with several types of printers and finishers, and they can select the vendor(s) that fit your needs. Finally, they have the ability to work with printers who are not available to the general public or businesses.

Because of this, they have a greater ability to avoid additional costs, and receive preferential treatment in getting your project done on time. The volume of work they bring gives them leverage you couldn't get on your own.

Bringing the Equipment In-house
Many firms are bringing printing equipment in-house. Typically, they use digital presses, which are producing a level of quality equal to offset printing. They also offer digital proofing systems, which is becoming a standard of the printing industry. Another advantage is the direct communication between the designer and printer. It can translate into a time-savings in production and expense, since many adjustments prior to printing are absorbed by the printer.

Conclusion
Even if you're comfortable with your current printer, it’s worth the effort to consider all your options and compare pricing. If you're already using a design firm for printing services, be aware that some may shift a portion of the design cost to their printing estimate in order to be awarded the project. Always ask for both estimates to ensure you're getting the most for your money.

About the Author
Derald Schultz is the founder and principal of Mediarail Design, Inc. His company provides creative services for print and web media to clients across the country. Mediarail Design also provides prepress and printing services. He can be contacted at 678-985-9981 or via email.

Derald is also the contributing news and articles editor at Creative Latitude.

© 2006 Derald Schultz, Mediarail Design, Inc.