Richard6

Thinking of offering graphic design services to local screen printers in my area. Should I focus on a niche such as cars or bike designs or offer a specific service such as film out-put? I really want to know the best way to start providing such services to the industry on a local level. Any input from artist already in the industry would be greatly appreciated.

 

Reply With Quote

MoustacheKC

Almost all of the printers we've worked with have someone internally that does design/image prep/etc. We do our own stuff, but they still have to tweak it to get it in their digitizer, etc. for production. You might try targeting smaller or start-up printers that can't afford the staff, but might be willing to refer people to you (or even work for them on contract).

And in my opinion, having a niche is always best. Just make sure the market is big enough to support you.

Good luck.

__________________
Moustache Clothing Co.
www.moustacheclothing.com

 

Reply With Quote

Unik Ink

I would provide all of the services that you can. Why limit yourself to a specified service? It would be more money for you to provide multiple services, and it would save your customer the trouble of finding someone for the services that you don't provide. I would contact every screen printer, ad specialty, embroidery shop, sign shop, etc. in your area.

__________________
Unik Ink Specialty Printing-oversize & all over printing

 

Reply With Quote

endo199

Can you tell me, how you set the price for your design ? is it pay once and the screen printers can print as many as they want or fee based on how many your design sold ?

 

Reply With Quote

Unik Ink

It depends. Regarding freelance design, I have an hourly rate for t-shirt design and other design work (1 hr minimum), and I bill a minimum of 3 hours for logo work. Logos would be sold to the customer, and in most cases as a freelance designer, tshirt designs also. As a printer, if I create a custom design for a customer that's using my print services, I retain all copyright privileges. If they want to go somewhere else to have their shirts printed, I will usually sell them the rights to the design. If it is a big account, I would probably not sell it to them, and make them use my services, or go have someone make new artwork for them. I do this because I made a design for a customer, didn't charge art fees only print fees, and she ran off after the first order to the cheaper printer. She basically got a free design by purchasing a small t-shirt order. I make them sign off on the copyright agreement now. It's ridiculous around here. There are printers that will print for $.50 profit a shirt, so my artwork is my only leverage.

__________________
Unik Ink Specialty Printing-oversize & all over printing

 

Reply With Quote