Is it possible to get prepress projects from US/UK print shops?

[onlinesameera]

Hi everyone,


I’m based outside the US/UK and work in prepress, mostly preparing client files for printing (fixing artwork, creating cut lines, making files print-ready, etc.).


I’m curious — is it realistic for someone like me to get prepress projects from small or medium print shops in the US/UK? And if yes, what would be the best way to reach printing press owners who might be open to outsourcing this kind of work?


I’d really appreciate any advice or ideas from people here who know the industry better.


Thanks in advance!

 

[EdwardB]

possible? yes... realistically... no

there is no way to remotely do proofs/press-checks, among a myriad of other hands one requirements of doing pre-press. you would have to be knowledgeable in that shops equipment, its capabilities, and intimately knowledgeable in its limitations. You would be 100% reliant on the press operator doing the local pre-press work, so why would someone outsource?

 

[onlinesameera]

Thanks for your reply — I understand what you mean about the traditional prepress role, especially press-checks and in-shop work. I’m actually not trying to replace the press operator’s local prepress. My focus is more on the remote file preparation side — fixing client artwork, creating cut/foiling lines, and delivering ready-to-print PDFs, so the shop’s operator just needs to run it on their system.


I’m also willing to study and adapt to each shop’s equipment and requirements, since I know every setup has its own capabilities and limitations. I’ve already done projects like this for a U.S. client: their team would send me all the files with instructions in the evening (U.S. time), and since it’s daytime here in Sri Lanka, I’d prepare everything overnight for them. By the time their press opened the next morning, the files were already press-ready.


That’s the kind of support I’d like to provide — saving the shop time and helping them focus on running the press, while I handle the prep work remotely.

 

[EdwardB]

build a business around fixing CANVA files, most pre-press people would happily outsource to you... hell, I'd consider paying out of pocket to let you/someone/anyone fix them for me LOL

 

[onlinesameera]

Haha, I completely understand what you mean about Canva files — I’ve had to fix plenty of them myself. In fact, a big part of my work has been taking Canva designs from clients and correcting them for proper bleed, margins, colors, and export so they’re actually print-ready.


That might be a good niche for me to highlight more — thanks for pointing it out! By the way, do you know of any websites or communities where I could find long-term projects with printing companies?