You mention an interesting idea, “digital glut.” Yes, I would guess this will become problematic in some markets. There’s also the question of the wide variation in suitable applications, depending on the type and limitations of the digital equipment one has. When I printed event materials for a major Seattle hospital last year, I used an offset press for invitations, a Canon digital press for postcards on untreated stock and an iGen that could print on slightly bigger stock for posters. One press definitely does not fit all. ~Nani

I often think some of the problem comes down to trying to communicate with clients who are not trained visualizers. It’s unfortunate when we have to deal with “I’ll know it when I see it and I haven’t seen it yet,” or the client has something in mind, but can’t articulate it. When we’re lucky, they’re open to receiving some education from their designer during the project.

I hope my blog stories will be helpful to you in your educational campaign! Stop by again and let me know how it all turns out.

Some of the issues you list were traditionally addressed by having alternate versions of the logo for use in 1-color applications or at small sizes. I still think it’s wise to deliver these alternate versions as part of a comprehensive logo package, as long as you’re compensated for the extra work. Too bad that doesn’t sound like that’s the case here.

Cheers, ~Nani

So I’m composing an email to that effect, and I’m trying to provide a little friendly advice (as opposed to just going off on him and calling him a self-absorbed, know-it-all brat, which might make me feel a little better, but certainly won’t productively accomplish anything) and I’m trying to explain to him the “how am I gonna print that?” consideration. I’m linking this blog post, in hopes that it will help him (as a business owner unrelated to the graphic design industry) to understand some of the things that just won’t work.

As I’m explaining to him, things like form blanks, business cards, and so forth are a lot easier these days than they were when I first got in the business more than 20 years ago, of course, but still, embroidered emblems on shirts, for example, still (and always will, I guess) require an additional needle for each “spot” color (and ONLY can use “spot” colors), advertising specialties like pens and match covers are often still “stamped” with older letter-press technology, and so forth… so it still really does matter “how am I gonna print that?”

I only have a nickel. Can I get change back?

That said, there are lots of quality printers that I haven’t worked with. I had a preference for those whose locations were convenient to my office locations in central Seattle. My preferences varied depending on the project requirements and challenges. (In fact, one of my top skills was artful discernment of which printer was the best fit for a particular project.) ColorGraphics, McCallum Print Group, and C-K Graphics are all in-Seattle-proper offset printers who are just terrific. Great reps, great creativity and resourcefulness, superior pre-press abilities for their size of shop. For letterpress, Evolution Press is the best.

I was sad when The Allied Printers and ArtCraft changed ownership and MC Lile closed its doors. Those three printers were great for different kinds of technical challenges in their heyday, and we produced some beautiful work together.

Lastly, one’s feelings about a vendor can be marred by a bad experience. (The one who delivered an annual report LATE never got its foot in the door again, no matter what!) I’ve had some awful experiences at some good printers (such as the one where I suspect you work) that disinclined me to work with them again. To me, trust and partnership are key. That said, changes of personnel and ownership can be good reasons to give a vendor new opportunities to show how they have changed. ~Nani

I am grateful for your kind comments, and do hope that your blogging and networking efforts will help you find the job fit you’re looking for. I feel very fortunate that my journey has led to where it has.

I question the idea that corporate America is the perfect place for most of us. I’ve always done better in smaller businesses and agencies where I can have a good (and direct) working relationship with folks at every level of the company, and where I can more quickly take action and see the results of my efforts. Many of my friends in the printing industries sorely miss those aspects of their former work lives, now that so many independently owned printing companies have been gobbled up by “Big Brother Printing, Incorporated.” Best of luck to you! ~Nani