WAHM Forums

Hi all,
Sorry if this isn't an exact fit - this was the closest to my work as I could
find. This is my first post - I've been searching for a network and I'd seen
WAHM.com years ago. Just rediscovering it. Well, now I'm a single mom
to two boys (8 & 4) and the rubber's about to hit the road. I have
experience in a number of graphics programs: InDesign, Photoshop, etc.
and have just bought an offset press which is sitting out in my shop. I'm
going to give printing a go at it. About 15 years ago, BC, I ran a press
and loved it, but the chemicals didn't go with pregnancy so I quit.
So here's my question: How many people actually USE an offset press
service anymore? Can I really make a living doing layout/paste-up and
small press runs? You in web design see a lot of people who want their
name known - is it all going digital, in your opinions? It's do or die here,
or at least it feels that way. If I can WAH, I could save hundreds and
hundreds on childcare expenses. Staying home for 9 years and the
divorce have done a number on my self esteem and any encouragement
would probably go a long way. smileys/smiley1.gif

Thanks,
~Lisa AKA art.mom

Hi Lisa,


I don't think there are very many on here that are in the print industry.


I am a graphic designer. I design ads for and do the layout and production for a monthly magazine. I also update the website for the mag and for our local newspaper.


For the mag andthe newspaper we send our work to a web press but very often we use an offset printer to print inserts and fliers. I think there is definitely a market out there but I might suggest adding a color copier to your shop as your budget allows. It is much less expensive to run copies if someone only needs a few hundredand clients may be more attracted to copies because of the difference in price.


I had thought at one time about buying a press but I really don't have any place I could do that kind of work.


I think it would be a great business. Be sure and get your name out there and advertise.


I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted on what you decide and how everything goes.


jace

Hi Lisa,


I'm sorry, I don't know much about the print industry, but I did want to welcome you back to wahm! :)


Teresa

Lisa,


I do short runs, but digitally. I'm not that familiar with the financial side of offset printing, but I would think that doing short runs wouldn't be cost effective for you...would it? Offset printing is awesome, and some people really do need it, but I typically outsource it to my local print shop, and even then tell my clients that they will most likely have to do a large order.


Color laser printers and photo printers are so economical when it comes to most (small business) print jobs these days.


I'm not trying to be a downer at all....and I may be completely off the mark due to my unfamiliarity with offset printing costs.

Thanks everyone, for the welcome! My understanding is that there is a
"sweet spot" of cost effectiveness between very short run, digital jobs and
very long run, webfed jobs, where a small sheetfed press is ideal. I need to
do a bit more research on pricing, but initially it looks like over 100 pages
and under 5000. I've got a way to go in that regard, but am busy putting
the plans together.

Well, to stay on topic, I have done quite a few web pages as well, dating back
to the late 90s. I'm currently learning Flash and am having a blast. Just for
fun though. I seemed to always find the web clients who had no idea what
they wanted, but they sure knew what they DIDN'T want once I made it. I
decided I wasn't cut out for it and opted for a more technical-leaning career.

I am on a contract basis with a gentleman that uses offset printing. Everything is created in Illustrator for that purpose...so it is not quite a dying breed.


However, I agree that you should look out for what is most cost effective, and we all know that screen/digital print is just that.


Something to consider, and good luck to you :)