Study Shows Print Popular with Designers

A recent annual survey of leading American creative professionals conducted by New York-based Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) and sponsored by MAN Roland, Westmont, Ill., revealed the percentage of designers working in print is increasing. In fact, GDUSA readers who responded to the poll said 75 percent of their projects are stand-alone print or involve the creation of at least one printed piece, and 70 percent of their total work time is spent designing for print.

“Print feels more trustworthy and credible than other media, and its very tangibility and permanence suffuses the content—and the content creator—with a sense of authenticity,” said Gordon Kaye, GDUSA publisher. “A well-designed and well-executed printed piece can be a special experience, one with resonance and impact ... that moves beyond the digital cacophony.”

The survey also found that 88 percent of respondents buy printing, and price headed the study’s list of top 10 factors designers consider when selecting a facility to run their jobs. Quality, trust, reputation and environmentally friendly practices also made the list. “As new, alternative media battle it out for mindshare, print continues to demonstrate its strength as the leading choice for marketers, publishers and educators,” said Vince Lapinski, CEO of MAN Roland. “One reason is that new pressroom technology makes print more cost effective, more attractive and more interactive than ever. But, print users need to know how to activate [these] advantages.”

For more information and a PDF download of the study, visit www.gdusa.com.