Have you ever looked at a printed image and thought it looked incredibly real? The secrets to printing images that practically pop off the paper start with a printer that understands the intricacies of taking an image and producing it on the desired substrate.
Anyone that you hire if you plan on printing images must be able to create graphics and images that pop and dazzle for your business advertising needs. However, this may be easier said than done if you do not do some research and ask certain questions during the process. Compare a number of printers, looking at the important factors and questions, to ensure that you get the best results possible with your material.
Printing Images that Make an Impression
1. Experience Matters
How much experience does the company have when it comes to printing images? If you have a printer in mind who usually works with business forms or other materials that do not have a lot of high quality images and visual aspects then you may want to pick another printer instead. This could result in you ending up with less than desirable images due to the printers inexperience and lack of the proper printing equipment.
2. Reputation Counts
Don’t trust your business advertising with a printer who has a reputation for problems or shady behavior. This advertising is an investment and you want to get a good return, and that means insisting on only the best and a company that is reputable and known for exceptional quality. Anything less and you are risking your reputation and livelihood on a questionable printing business.
3. Image Resolution
Before you have a company begin printing images, ask for their professional advice on the resolution and other image specifications. This will help you separate the experts from those who may not have as much knowledge and experience when it comes to the printing process. Low-resolution images that are stretched may not be as crisp and clear as you want them to be.
4. Ask to see Samples
Always ask to see a sample of business advertising that is similar to what you want created. This will help you see for yourself what the company produces and what type of quality you should expect. If a printer cannot provide a sample then this can be a sign that the business is not the right choice. Any reputable printer will keep samples on hand to show what they can do.
5. Advanced Printing Technology
When you hire someone who will be printing images on your marketing materials, you need to make sure that the company uses the latest and most advanced printing technology. Ask about which methods and processes the company used, and whether they can provide any specialized inks, papers, or techniques that you may want to add to your items in the future.
6. Variable Imaging
Before you place an order that involves printing images, find out if variable imaging is offered. This can be a fantastic way to create advertising materials that have a personal touch while still using graphics that will pop and appeal to your readers. You can use various colors, pictures, graphics, and blocks of text to individualize each piece produced.
7. Offset Printing
If you plan on printing images where the finest quality is a must then digital printing may not be sufficient. You may need to find a professional who specializes in offset printing instead. If you are designing a simple postcard then digital can be the way to go, but for an art reproduction or other fine quality representation digital may be a big mistake.
The pros of traditional offset printing are clear. It remains the best quality type of printing available for graphic designers, particularly when image quality is concerned.
Source: JustCreative.com
8. How long has the Printer been in Business?
Before you pick a company to trust your business advertising to, look at how long each printer has been in business. A minimum of five years in the printing industry should be seen, if not then the printer is probably not the right choice. Even better is a printer who has a decade or more of experience and a large number of positive reviews from previous clients.
9. Special Inks and Paper Stock
Can the printer responsible for printing images on your marketing items provide any special inks and paper stock that you need? Ask about special orders, because most printers can order a certain ink or a special paper stock if they do not have it on hand. If a professional does not offer to find out about a special order then you are not a priority for the company.
Many different variables are involved and each aspect of the paper stock that you finally choose is important.
From our article, What Are Your Paper Stock Choices for Printing Brochures? Find the whole article here.
10. Don’t Settle for Less
Evaluate the cost of printing images on your business advertising to compare prices, but never make a decision just because someone offers the lowest price. Sometimes budget printers can give you decent results, but you will not get the pop and dazzle factor that you are looking for if you try to cut corners in every way possible.
Las Vegas Color Graphics has been printing images for both large and small businesses since 1978 and has countless satisfied customers. Contact us today to start printing your images!
What do you look for in a printer when you need to start printing images and marketing materials? Why?
