Making the pens turned out to be the easiest part

[Jjartwood]

Ok,so now I'm working on this years booth presentation,on the advice of a very good friend and who has alot of show experience, I'm having some display material made up.
1. The sign shop for the posters,What I got back looked like a photograph that
had been photoshopped and pasted to a foam board,so after a few directional and self pleasuring instructions from me to him he said "if you want a professional job you should have said that" it cost more,I wasn't under the impression I was getting it for free!!!
2. The printer,I designed a card and brought a rough sketch to a print shop.
The graphic dept.bills out at $60 per hr. I don't have a problem with that ,
The proof that was submitted to me looked less than done well.
When I questioned the "art" part of the Graphic Art dept. I was told that his computer generated card picture was what his equipment is capable of because he is more of a wedding card printer.(using some of my very best French that I have picked up over the years,I am bilingual after all )I expressed my displeasure. Now I have a problem with the $60 per for the "Graphic Arts Dept ".Am I the last person on earth that believes if you take a job you do the best YOU can and not the computer?
Sorry just venting,but where have all the true craftsmen gone?
Mark

 

[Carl Fisher]

Always do some research with the company you intend to use for graphics or printing. There are so many that do terrible jobs it's not even funny. Ask for references and samples of their work so you can determine the quality for yourself before ever putting money down.

I've learned that having a true graphics designer in your contact list is a must have. Luckily I used to work with one and I've been able to barter his work for some nice pens. I'd be happy to pass along his info to you if you're interested. He is always happy to take on jobs.

The graphics quality aside, from a printing standpoint I've done alright with VistaPrint on banners and business cards. Just had to make sure and upgrade to the better cards when I placed my last order. Don't use them for embroidery or clothing though. I wasn't happy with that side of their business and found a good local company to take care of those needs for me.

I do agree that if they can't do the job, they should politely pass and explain that they can't do the job.

 

[plantman]

Mark; I think the " Satisfaction Guaranty " only apples to the person making your order. He or she is satisfied that this is the best they could do with the equipment they have, there knowledge of PCs, or the time they alloted. If you realy want a good job it's going to cost you extra, because they have to move into the " Customer Satisfaction " area. You have to realize that they are doing you a favor by taking your money for so-so work. If you want to see craftsmanship, look at craft people that take pride in the product they put out, not people pushing buttons and letting machines do their crafts. Hands, brains, and heart make an artist. I feel your dissatisfaction with some trades out there !! If I need something special done, I call my grand kids. Hope things turn out better for you. Jim S

 

[thewishman]

"if you want a professional job you should have said that"

his computer generated card picture was what his equipment is capable of

Ouch!! Sounds like people that got into their work to make money, rather than providing professional services to make money. I hope you didn't end up paying for those posters and cards...

 

[mredburn]

THE computer can only generate as much as the operator can input. If the operator has no design skills he cant make the computer design it for him.