Citizen Printer

Questions on starting a small home-based graphic design and printing biz?

My husband and his brother are both restaurateurs and over the past couple of years I have designed menus for both of their establishments. I know many other people in the restaurant industry and people with other small businesses that could use a local printer to handle smaller jobs in logo design, menu layout and design, business cards, etc. What I need to know is what kind of equipment would be good for printing (for example) somewhat glossy larger pages, such as those used for to-go menus, and how do printing companies make those embossed, raised-image business cards? What equipment would be good for a small business like the one I am thinking of putting together? I already have a separate computer that I use for my designing and whatnot, along with a drawing tablet and inkjet printer. What I need is printing equipment. I am getting ready to go back to school to study graphic design next fall and am ready to get started professionally in this field. If I am better off still taking my product to a printer, I understand that if I am being paid by the client, most printers will give you a discount (commission) for brokering their services. I have a 12'x13' spare bedroom that I can dedicate to any equipment I may need, but would rather keep it as small as possible. Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Public Comments

Hi HP have a very good 13 x 19 printer that prints amazingly without using too much ink. You need a deskjet ( not too expensive like the 9650) I own my printing shop and use EPSON proofers which are higher end. But, I use the HP 9650 for all formats from letters to 13 x 19 high gloss menues. If you intend to print like 500 menus or something, then you will have to invest in a Color Laser printer. Now, for small jobs, you are better off doing it yourself. As for a jobbers' price. Yes. I allow discounts but sometimes, you can make good money if you print on your own equipment and supervise it. As for embossing etc.... Forget it. I have a high-end unit to emboss but paid $20,000 and did my own modification. The process is simple. You print the 4 colors first. Then , we make a separate black and white negative to reprint over the 4 colors except, we use foil paper, gold or silver or copper colored and emboss over the printed card.
To start, outsource your printing output to a local printer. Your 1st desire is to put on equipment but not always the best idea. Equipment is capital depleting and requires maintenance. Work on your design business first and develop your customer base. Who knows, you may do 10 to 20 jobs and say "Dang I hate this". If you have focused on the design business and client building if you should change your mind the money spent is much less. If you are good at it and the business does well, there is always time to put on equipment later. To start I'd advise you design the product and then send it electronically to your preferred local printer for output. One consideration to remember - ALWAYS have a non-compete / non-disclosure agreement signed prior to releasing the clients work to the printer.