Its no mystery, Graphic design is changing. We all know the tidal wave of artists flooding into the budding world of internet connected devices has had a profound impact on the opportunities that present themselves to graphic designers. As publications move online and big media shifts away from the original information technology, printing, a flood of new designers begin a career in this new landscape and the old dogs quickly shifting into new tricks.
As the talent pool swells with excitement bordering on hysteria, similar to a group of 13 years old girls at a Justin Bieber concert, the opportunities actually dwindle rapidly. If you're hiring what’s better than a massive talent pool to pick and choose from? If you’re a job seeker the field is fiercely competitive. But, there is is a lurking and rapidly forgotten element to the artistic world of graphic design. Printing is alive and well in its new short run, quick turnaround manifestation of the communication arts.
Short Run Printing? Really?
Yes. Sure the days of long run offset jobs are dwindling now that everyone can easily obtain information on a device that fits in the palm of their hand. As offset printing declines digital is printing rising. Why? Companies still need printing, they just don’t need it in the quantities of the past. Business beseeches the need for small quantities produced quickly, inexpensively and at high quality to meet the demands of customers who are unwilling to expend effort in learning, searching or sharing personal contact info simply to learn more their company’s products or services. They need digital short-run printing.
Small businesses especially face unique challenges in the expanding shadow of the Internet. Imagine, walking into a local store when suddenly you are approached by the owner. He or she starts asking for your email address, phone number or to bump phones. I’m guessing that most of you are saying...uh...no...I’m not going to do that. It’s just plain awkward and a lot to ask of anyone.
Now imagine they approach you but this time with a colorful tri-folded brochure. The owner says something like “we are having specials next week, come on in and give it a try. Here is all the information” and then hand you the brochure.
You’re much more likely to take that physical printed brochure than give the “DNA” sample the owner from the first example wanted.
No divulging of contact info that will flood your inbox with emails 3 times a week. Plus its instant information that requires no more effort than looking down, opening it up and reading what’s inside.
As the talent pool swells with excitement bordering on hysteria, similar to a group of 13 years old girls at a Justin Bieber concert, the opportunities actually dwindle rapidly. If you're hiring what’s better than a massive talent pool to pick and choose from? If you’re a job seeker the field is fiercely competitive. But, there is is a lurking and rapidly forgotten element to the artistic world of graphic design. Printing is alive and well in its new short run, quick turnaround manifestation of the communication arts.
Short Run Printing? Really?
Yes. Sure the days of long run offset jobs are dwindling now that everyone can easily obtain information on a device that fits in the palm of their hand. As offset printing declines digital is printing rising. Why? Companies still need printing, they just don’t need it in the quantities of the past. Business beseeches the need for small quantities produced quickly, inexpensively and at high quality to meet the demands of customers who are unwilling to expend effort in learning, searching or sharing personal contact info simply to learn more their company’s products or services. They need digital short-run printing.
Small businesses especially face unique challenges in the expanding shadow of the Internet. Imagine, walking into a local store when suddenly you are approached by the owner. He or she starts asking for your email address, phone number or to bump phones. I’m guessing that most of you are saying...uh...no...I’m not going to do that. It’s just plain awkward and a lot to ask of anyone.
Now imagine they approach you but this time with a colorful tri-folded brochure. The owner says something like “we are having specials next week, come on in and give it a try. Here is all the information” and then hand you the brochure.
You’re much more likely to take that physical printed brochure than give the “DNA” sample the owner from the first example wanted.
No divulging of contact info that will flood your inbox with emails 3 times a week. Plus its instant information that requires no more effort than looking down, opening it up and reading what’s inside.
Opportunity for
Graphic Designers
Two words, “market size”. According to the US Dept. of Commerce, 78.6% of all employer firms in the United States are businesses with 1 to 9 employees.
If you add in firms up to 99 employees the number rises to 98.2% of all employer firms. That’s market that still needs print, its a market that still looks you in the eye and shakes your hand. So many of these businesses are desparate need of high quality artistic design that can only be provided by a talented graphic designer. They know that a great looking print design that competes with the giant box retailer across town is crucial to their survival and the survival of the people that they employ.
The best thing is these are customers that are not difficult to find. You walk into their stores every day to buy your morning cup-o-joe, grab some lunch midday, get your clothes dry cleaned or fix your car. They may make a great sandwich or fast oil changes but you can make them the a great take-out menu or a promotional flyer.
Bring it all back to the beginning of this article and you can see how short-run high quality digital printing coupled with a great design can really be profitable for you, for the small business and can provide the customers they service with the barrierless information they are willing to accept.
Find yourself a great print partner, walk into your favorite store and expand your graphic design opportunities today.
What Small Businesses mean to the Economy
Graphic Designers
Two words, “market size”. According to the US Dept. of Commerce, 78.6% of all employer firms in the United States are businesses with 1 to 9 employees.
If you add in firms up to 99 employees the number rises to 98.2% of all employer firms. That’s market that still needs print, its a market that still looks you in the eye and shakes your hand. So many of these businesses are desparate need of high quality artistic design that can only be provided by a talented graphic designer. They know that a great looking print design that competes with the giant box retailer across town is crucial to their survival and the survival of the people that they employ.
The best thing is these are customers that are not difficult to find. You walk into their stores every day to buy your morning cup-o-joe, grab some lunch midday, get your clothes dry cleaned or fix your car. They may make a great sandwich or fast oil changes but you can make them the a great take-out menu or a promotional flyer.
Bring it all back to the beginning of this article and you can see how short-run high quality digital printing coupled with a great design can really be profitable for you, for the small business and can provide the customers they service with the barrierless information they are willing to accept.
Find yourself a great print partner, walk into your favorite store and expand your graphic design opportunities today.
What Small Businesses mean to the Economy
RSS Feed