In-House Design vs Using Your Own Designer: What to Expect from a Printer’s Design Service
For some companies, the answer is straightforward. They may already have an established designer or agency that manages all their branding and artwork. For others, especially when working to a deadline or producing commercial print for the first time, using a printer’s design service can be a simpler, faster, and more reliable option.
Understanding the differences between the two approaches can help you choose the right solution for your project, budget, and timescale.
An in-house print design service is a design team that works directly within a printing company. Rather than outsourcing artwork preparation or relying entirely on customer-supplied files, the printer can manage both the creative and production side of the project.
This means the design team understands exactly how artwork needs to be prepared for print, including:
An in-house print design team can help with everything from simple artwork amends to complete design projects, including:
Because the design and print teams work closely together, projects often move more smoothly from concept to final production.
Using your own designer can be an excellent option, particularly if your business already has established branding guidelines or ongoing creative support.
An external designer or agency may already understand your brand identity, tone of voice, and wider marketing strategy. This can be especially useful for larger campaigns or highly creative projects.
There are several advantages to using your own designer:
However, there can also be practical considerations when preparing artwork for commercial print.
Designers who mainly work in digital media may not always be familiar with print production requirements. Issues such as incorrect bleed settings, low-resolution images, RGB colour files, or unsuitable file formats can lead to delays, additional costs, or disappointing print results.
In these situations, the printer may need to adjust artwork before production can begin.
For many businesses, using a printer’s in-house design team offers a more streamlined and practical solution.
One of the biggest benefits is that the designers already understand the technical side of print production. They know how to create artwork that works effectively with the chosen print method, paper stock, finishes, and binding options.
This can significantly reduce the likelihood of production issues.
When design and print are handled by the same company, communication is often faster and more efficient.
If a specification changes or a technical issue is identified, the design and production teams can resolve it internally without long delays between multiple suppliers.
This can be particularly valuable for:
An experienced print design team understands how artwork will translate onto the final printed product.
This includes considerations such as:
The result is often a smoother production process and a more reliable final outcome.
Not every business has access to a designer.
In-house print design services are often ideal for companies that:
Rather than coordinating between separate suppliers, everything can be managed in one place.
While both options can work well, there are certain situations where using a printer’s design team is particularly beneficial.
If you do not already work with a designer or agency, using your printer’s in-house team can save significant time and simplify the process.
Minor changes to existing artwork are often faster and easier when handled directly by the printer.
This might include:
A printer’s design team can ensure artwork is prepared correctly from the start, reducing the risk of delays or unexpected production problems.
For larger commercial print projects involving brochures, folders, stationery, signage, or exhibition materials, using one integrated design and print team can help maintain consistency throughout.
At Lanes Printers, our in-house design service is designed to make commercial print projects straightforward, collaborative, and efficient.
We begin by asking clients to submit their information, images (where applicable), and any relevant instructions for the project via email. We are also happy to discuss the design in person or over the phone to fully understand the brief and intended outcome.
Our experienced design team will then create the artwork and provide a proof for review.
Clients can review the design and request any required amendments before approving the final version. We will continue to revise and reproof the artwork until the client is happy with the design.
Where required, we can also provide printed proofs and, in many cases, single printed samples on the proposed stock for an additional fee. This helps ensure the specification, paper choice, and finish are correct before full production begins.
Once the proof has been approved in writing, the project moves into production.
If further changes are requested after approval, any work already carried out may incur charges. For example, if printing plates have already been produced, those specific costs would be chargeable, although we would not charge for the entire print run unnecessarily.
Small artwork amendments are usually carried out free of charge.
However, completely new designs, major redesigns, or more substantial artwork changes would normally incur a design fee. Lanes Printers can provide quotations in advance so clients understand the costs before work begins.
This flexible approach allows businesses to benefit from professional design support while keeping control over budgets and project scope.
There is no single right answer when deciding between using your own designer and working with a printer’s in-house design team.
If your business already has an established creative partner and fully print-ready artwork, supplying your own files may be the best fit.
However, if you value convenience, faster turnaround times, technical print expertise, and a more integrated production process, using an in-house print design service can offer significant advantages.
At Lanes Printers, our commercial print and design teams work closely together to help businesses produce high-quality printed materials efficiently and professionally.
Whether you need simple artwork amends, support preparing files for print, or a complete design and print service, our team can guide you through the process from initial concept to final production.
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