- [Instructor] I think it's a good idea to think
of printing as a partnership.
It's a partnership between designers and printers,
but what are the roles and responsibilities?
Who does what?
The designer or design firm,
that's who conceptualizes ideas.
They bring the design to life.
Essentially, they make something out of nothing.
They create artwork or they curate artwork
that's supplied by other content creators.
They create the layout files
in Illustrator or InDesign or QuarkXPress.
And then they deliver print-ready files to the printer.
They need to meet all those required deadlines,
art submission, being in meetings and so forth.
They need to make any requested corrections
when the job goes to the printer.
If there's something a little bit wrong,
the printer will say, "Do you want to fix this
or do you want us to fix it?"
It's more cost-effective for the designer to fix it.
And then the designer needs
to attend any project-related meetings and press checks
so they stay informed on the progress of the job.
Now, as for the printer,
it's a good idea for the printer to advise designers
on stock and ink choices.
They need to know how the job's going to print
to make the best choice of stock.
The printer informs designers of printing options.
Do you want to run it on an offset press?
Do you want to run it on a digital press?
And the printer's going to tell you
what's the most cost effective way to accomplish your job.
The printer informs the designer of print requirements,
and that can dictate how page layouts are created
and how art is generated.
The printer ideally provides PDF specifications
to the designer so that they can make the correct kind
of PDF for the printer's particular workflow.
When the job goes to the printer,
the files are analyzed to make sure
that they're going to result in successful print.
The printer is going to provide a cost estimate
and a schedule estimate to the designer
so they know what the life of the job's going to be.
And the printer then maintains that agreed
upon manufacturing schedule.
And also, the printer agrees
to match any approved proofs on press.
Some printers provide what are called fulfillment services
for work that's going to be repeatedly mailed out.
For example, if you're creating documentation,
let's say for an insurance company,
and it only goes out when there are new sign-ups,
sometimes the printer will offer to provide storage services
and even mailing services.
This is optional.
This isn't available at every printer,
but it's something that you should take advantage
of if your printer offers it.
So again, keep in mind that what you're doing
as a designer is just part of the process,
the printer's the other half of the equation,
and both halves have to work together for successful print.