Streamlining the process of graphics collection of large format graphics is a desirable curatorial practice. Finding a vendor of all types of turnkey graphics created from one location can be a challenge. The benefits are obvious, providing less of a drain on your budget and resources. Here are some indicators for what to look for when searching for a vendor who produces a diverse palette of services under one roof.
A well-equipped large format graphics provider or print service provider (PSP)…
- always pre-flights your digital art files to make certain they are ‘production-ready.‘ (Your ideal large graphics PSP has a graphic designer on staff who will review your files and make or request corrections.) The PSP should always provide a proof for your approval, and get your signature before moving forward.
- offers a meaningful roster of services which are typically employed for your design exhibits. The roster should be composed of valued older processes, and newer printing technologies. All printing services should be performed at their location with little to no outsourcing. (Why older processes, you might ask? The old laser imagesetters, such as the Durst Lambda or Cymbolic Sciences Lightjet, remain unmatched for attaining an apparent resolution of 4000 DPI.) An average list of printing equipment used for large format graphics production might include: a UV flatbed printer, a dye sublimation fabric printer, inkjet printers of widths to cover large and medium formats, the laser photo printer (as mentioned), a laser engraver or etcher for sign making, a vinyl plotter, a CNC router for cutting out custom designs, hot and cold lamination capability, framing solutions, and a fully stocked workshop ready to offer you customized solutions. Diversity at a single location has value because it translates simplifies the lines of communication. It also provides the obvious time savings and lower cost benefits.
- is technically competent, preferably having the capability of an engineer, a designer, an auto mechanic, and a general contractor. A large format graphics PSP with such aptitude would have the competency level to fix most roadblocks to your project. To discern if they qualify here, you could inquire by reviewing past disasters and how they would have handled the situation. Or you could just inquire about their talent on staff and their qualifications.
- can produce your project from A to Z. An ideal situation would be image creation or image stock access, ability to manage or create your digital graphic files, produce the various types of printing required for your job, including the finish out and the installation.
A print service provider (PSP) of large format graphics with all of these qualifications are likely not going to be your lowest bidder. The value of a turnkey provider is the ready pool of talent and resources offered from one central hub, available to meet all your large format graphics exhibition print requirements. Ultimately, this centralized source saves you time and money, due to ease of acquisition. You have more control over your exhibit. When last minute changes occur or problems arise, you’ll have confidence in your ability to discuss and review the adjustments. Time wasted when one vendor holds up another in a project, or having to contact several involved parties to make change can drain your resources. Skilled labor with diverse production capability (on-site) alleviates the challenge in coordinating several providers and reduces your energy output.
Locating a large format graphics provider with the right talent, professionalism, and on-site equipment can be found initially through refined keyword research and then the interview process. Just like hiring any other professional, you need to express what your expectations are your organization.
Having good ‘continuity of care’ with your vendor gives you control and peace of mind with each project. If you’d like to begin discussing the needs of your next project with us, give Geoff a call @ 1-800-829-4562
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