Printing Company Logos
There are three distinct technologies available for printing company logos on everything from stationary, business cards and brochures to T-shirts, cars, trucks and billboards. They are traditional commercial printing (or lithography), screen printing and digital imaging. With the revolutionary developments in printing technology, digital imaging is a fast growing and exciting part of the printing picture.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with vector graphics or image editing Software, such as Illustrator or Photoshop.
- Laser jet or laser printer.
Instructions
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Create a company logo or, if you already have one, save it in a digital file format. Determine how you will use the logo, if it will appear on stationary, or T-shirts or some other element. The use of the logo typically determines which printing process is ideal for reproducing it. Preparing the graphics file to the printer's specification will save you money on art or graphics time. It is fair for a printer to charge a modest fee for preparing a file for the best possible outcome on the equipment.
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Research printers. For example, if the company logo will be used in a commercial printing (lithography) project where it will be printed on paper, talk to at least three printers about the project. Be sure to see samples of their work. Ask them how you can best prepare the Illustrator or Photoshop file for them to use. Secure written quotes on the job from all three.
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Write a purchase order for the printer, with the details of the job spelled out. List the quantity of the printed piece, the ink colors, the price, the payment terms and the proof and delivery dates. Most printers will ask for 50 percent down on a first order, although you may be allowed to apply for credit terms.
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Ask to see a proof piece before the whole job is run. Some people skip this step if they have worked with the printer in the past, but this can be a mistake because there is always room for miscommunication about a job. Check the proof carefully. If it does not meet your standards, ask for changes.
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Pick up the completed job. If you are operating on a tight deadline, call the day before to check progress on the job and ensure that it will be done in time. When you collect the job, check to see that it is acceptable before paying the balance. Count the sizes or variations to make sure you have the entire inventory. Pay the balance and get a receipt for tax purposes.
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Tips & Warnings
A recommendation from a trusted colleague can lead you to a competent, trustworthy printer.
For some jobs, you will need to choose the type of printing. For example, T-shirts can be screen-printed or digitally imaged.
Do not pay more than 50 percent in advance for a printing project.
Don't jump at the lowest bid without seeing some samples.
