Printing and framers

[stcstc]

I came at framing from doing photographic printing and mounting

And reading on the grumble it seems in the states it's very common for framers to do printing.

But in Ireland and the uk it doesn't seem as popular

Do many people here offer professional printing services?

[CanvasChris]

I started with canvas printing, Jo Public upload your own with my USP being using really good materials, not like the cheap sh*t off ebay.

Trouble is people don't perceive quality with the price and prefer to pay less and get a crap product.

I was getting pro togs coming back for more and this prompted me to expand to offer a one stop solution... hence getting into framing.

Everything I offer I print so it's a major part of my business so guess the same route as you Steve.

I have even printed for other framers

[JohnMcafee]

We just took delivery of a 44in printer last week, hoping to capitalise on the trend for people decorating their homes with enlargements of their own digital images.

We are hoping also that customers will be attracted by the idea of a one stop shop - no need to have their work printed at one location and framed at another.

I'm aware that it is much more common, and a more natural progression, for printers to add a framing service than for framers to add a printing service to their existing business. But even so, I believe that this new string to our bow has great potential.

[AllFramed]

I would love to do it the other way round and be a framer who moves into printing. Agree with John that there is still lots of potential especially as a camera enthusiast being interested in the subject too. However, still small and a little step away from the investment required just yet.

[birdman]

We're framers but have invested in a second hand Epson Stylus Pro 7800, which allows us to print 24"/600mm/A1 wide. This has allowed us to offer print and frame and the printing side is slowly starting to grow. It also offers the opportunity to produce poster and banner prints for our own use and possibly for other local shops. It also allows us to print directly onto mount board, be it text or image. We shall see where it leads.

It can be expensive to start with and obtaining the proper training is very important. If you can use Photoshop well that is a bonus and is probably essential.

There is a lot to think about as Steve will tell you. You need to calibrate your printer and screen (haven't done that yet) and you may need to invest in a "proper" screen and a graphics tablet to produce the best results. Ink can be an expensive outlay, my printer has 8 cartridges that can cost £80 each. Rolls of paper are maybe £60-80. You also have to find a clean space for the printer, with room for the prints to fall. You'll also need storage space for your spare rolls of paper and ink cartridges.

I'm not saying this to put anyone off but to help you make an informed decision. The more experienced printer/framers may well have other advice they would like to pass on.

I think for me having gone through the process, the most difficult thing has been working out what prices to charge, especially when up against online competition. If anyone has tips on that, it would be something I'd be glad of advice on.

Rolf

[stcstc]

my instant response is DONT compete with online, you not offering the same service

your offering a walk in services as such and you should price accordingly

I have over time learned not to try and get every job, if someone comes to me with a job where price is the main issue at some point i just send them elsewhere

I did it friday, guy who does stuff with me, wanted posters, cheap and in a hurry. i sent him to the local graphics printing place.

it will however pay off in the long run as he now trusts me to give him straight advice and knows i am not gonna rip him off

[birdman]

Hi Steve,

I wasn't intending on competing on price I was just saying the competition is there. What I was trying to say is that because it's new it is difficult for a beginner to cost what they are doing and price accordingly.

Rolf

[stcstc]

well you need to keep an eye. there is something for pricing in the pipeline


but a simple explanation of how to do it is

work out sq inch price of paper
work out how much ink used per sq ft or so
add a running cost multiplier
add a wastage
then multiply by markup

you should find your margin is bigger than your framing margin


s

[birdman]

Is there an App for that?

[stcstc]

as i said, watch this space

[Framerpicture]

We're framers who Giclee print and also offer short run digitally printed greetings cards.

The majority of our customers for printing are self publishing artists, although we do also print for publishers, photographers and the general public.
We often sell mounting, and or framing to go with these prints or stretching if its printed on canvas.

Printing is a good addition to any framers but does require finacial outlay, some space, time and its a relatively steep learning curve .


.

[Jonny2morsos]

Steve - How about doing a Printing for Framers seminar at FFL Live 2012? I am sure there would be plenty of interest.

[AllFramed]

Thanks Rolf, I think you summed that up quite well regarding start up, not something to be taken lightly if you want to do it properly. Same as starting framing really.

Steve, will be watching this space with interest. Agree with J2M, I'm sure you would have an attentive audience.

[stcstc]

thanks guys


there way more knowledgable people than me about this stufff

[birdman]

Steve doing a talk at FF Live 2012, well what a good idea. However they are only short talks, so we might have to find a way to stop him talking. I suppose we could tell him the bar is open?

Seriously though Steve you really must consider it if time and space permit.

Alternatively, you could provide us all with an App for that!

[Jb1]

Hi

I'm considering starting Giclee printing and will need to scan pictures as well. Any recommendations on a scanner?

Jack

[stcstc]

depends how big you need

a4 ish, the epson v750 pro(which is what i have ius very good)

there is an A3 epson, cant remeber the number

and bigger it becomes easier to photograph

[CanvasChris]

Ditto to Steve.... I have the V750 too. It's the nuts for an A4 scanner.

Anything bigger and I photograph with a Sony A900 and Zeiss glass

[stcstc]

ya i tend to use my 5d with tse-24 l

or if its big and posh, mate has a cambo with 40meg hassy back

[Jb1]

I was thinking of a3 or perhaps bit bigger