What will you do?
You take in the order, check the conditions for carrying it out and draw up a quote. You design the execution file, decide when subcontracting is needed and follow the order all the way through. You stay in contact with the client, control the proof and adjust where necessary.
- Take in the client order
- Check the conditions for carrying out the order
- Draw up a quote
- Design the execution file
- Identify the need for subcontracting
- Follow the order through to delivery
- Control the proof and adjust where needed
Skills to develop
- Technical insight into graphic production
- Accuracy in quotes and execution files
- Clear communication with clients and suppliers
- A structured, overview keeping way of working
- Feeling for planning and deadlines
Your foundation for this occupation
Print coordination connects a customer request to a workable production plan. It requires printing, stock, finishing and costing knowledge. Prepress, print-floor or graphics administration experience can provide a foundation. Ask whether the role also involves quotations and suppliers or mainly existing orders.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Turn a request into a complete job file: size, quantity, stock, printing, finishing, artwork and delivery. Identify choices affecting cost and schedule. Resolve vague expectations before reserving production. Subcontractors also need clear specifications and approval stages.
Check your work
Track the approved proof and revisions throughout the order. Confirm content corrections, additional charges and delivery arrangements through the company process. Check quantities and execution against the file at handover. Coordination fails if different people use different final versions.
How can you grow?
Progression includes technical account management, scheduling, estimating and production responsibility. Learn to balance capacity, margin and customer expectations. Practical print and finishing knowledge helps propose feasible alternatives when the requested schedule or specification cannot be met.
Frequently asked questions
Must a coordinator operate a printing press?
Not always, but you must understand the consequences of technical choices and discuss them with production. Knowing how material, quantity and finishing affect lead time matters more than operating every machine. Time observing prepress, printing and finishing is therefore valuable.