How This Print Shop Delivers High-Quality Custom Designs

In this interview, we speak with Juan Labra, CEO/Creative Director at New Gen Print and Design LLC, about his journey in the printing and design industry. From starting as a freelancer to building a full-service print shop, Juan shares insights on maintaining quality, leveraging new technologies, and adapting to customer trends. He also discusses the importance of community engagement, sustainability, and the key strategies that have helped his business grow.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a business owner looking to enhance your branding, this interview offers valuable takeaways.

Inspiration Behind New Gen Print and Design

What inspired you to start New Gen Print and Design LLC, and how did you identify the need for such services in Arlington?

I grew up as a creative and had to find a career that was artistic. I went to school for graphic design and ventured into logos and branding as a freelancer while working a design job. I realized that when I made logos, people needed merchandise too, and I had trouble finding print shops. So I thought I could do it all in-house by offering both graphic services and branding.

Balancing Quality Across Multiple Services

With a wide array of services like screen printing, embroidery, and laser engraving, how do you manage and maintain quality across all offerings?

All our services are done in-house using our own equipment. We test and refine our skills on personal projects, experimenting with different inks and blanks before offering them to clients. We’re always exploring new techniques to improve our work and find more efficient ways to create high-quality products.

Effective Client Attraction and Retention Strategies

What strategies have been most effective in attracting and retaining clients for your diverse service portfolio?

Our customer service and graphic skills set us apart. We showcase our work on social media, using it as a powerful advertising tool when done right. I believe we do more than print—we interpret our clients’ ideas and bring them to life. We offer in-person consultations, custom quotes, and take full responsibility for any mistakes, making sure they’re fixed to guarantee client satisfaction.

Impact of New Technologies on Printing Services

How has the adoption of new technologies influenced your production processes and service quality?

New technologies like AI, faster internet, and social media have made it easier to connect with clients and expand our reach. We use social media, especially Instagram, to showcase our work and engage with customers, making it simple for them to reach us. Improved shipping methods also allow us to quickly deliver products to out-of-state clients.

Approach to Custom Graphic and Logo Design

Could you walk us through your approach to custom graphic and logo design, especially when working with clients who have a vague concept?

For custom graphics and logo designs, I like to understand how the client plans to use the design and what art styles they prefer. Since there are many ways to approach a design, I ask if they have any inspiration images they’ve collected online. This helps me create drafts, gather feedback, refine the design, create mock-ups, and finalize the final version.

Ensuring Consistency and Quality in Products

What measures are in place to ensure consistency and quality across different products and services?

We primarily follow standard placement measurements and common design layouts—for example, most work shirts feature a left chest logo and a large back print with company info. We use top-tier design software with an integrated ink matching system, allowing us to precisely match colors to inks and threads. Combined with our printing management software, we can store past jobs with production notes, making it easy to duplicate and replicate designs when needed.

Managing Turnaround Time and Deadlines

How do you manage to maintain a standard turnaround time of 12-14 business days, and what challenges do you face in meeting tight deadlines?

We maintain a standard turnaround time of 12-14 business days by managing our workload and setting realistic deadlines. We’re transparent with clients, keeping them updated on urgent requests and garment availability to ensure tighter deadlines are feasible. As a custom business, we often handle rush orders, which can be stressful, but delivering on time and seeing a satisfied client makes it all worth it.

How the Small Business Package Helps Local Brands

Your Small Business Package offers a variety of promotional materials. How has this package impacted local businesses, and what feedback have you received?

The Small Business Package simplifies the custom order process, eliminating the need for customers to overthink variations and options. It allows them to provide the design and sizes with ease, knowing exactly what to expect in their order—including the cost.

Emerging Trends in Custom Printing

Have you noticed any emerging trends in customer preferences for custom products?

We’ve noticed atrend toward thicker, oversized garments with large prints, which are popular in streetwear.

Sustainability Practices in Printing Operations

What steps have you taken to incorporate sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices into your operations?

Our printers use eco-friendly inks, and we recycle. We offer sustainable shirts with recycled materials when possible and keep our space clean.

Community Engagement and Business Growth

In what ways does New Gen Print and Design LLC engage with the local community, and how has this involvement benefited your business?

We engage with the local community by providing services and support, which has helped us build strong relationships. We also give back through sponsorship opportunities that benefit the community.

Additionally, we own a food park next door, where we host small markets to
showcase other businesses, giving them a space to promote themselves and sell their products. In turn, we offer our design services to help them maintain and enhance their branding.

Future Expansion Plans for New Gen Print

Are there any plans to expand your service offerings or physical presence beyond Arlington?

We don’t have plans to expand our physical location at the moment, but we’re focused on growing our customer base and investing in new machinery. Since shirts and hats aren’t perishable and are easy to package, we can ship nationwide, serving clients across multiple states.

Advice for Starting a Print and Design Business

What key piece of advice would you offer to someone looking to start their own print and design business?

Key advice: Prioritize design skills—they form the foundation for creating unique graphics that can be printed on hats, shirts, signs, stickers, cups, and more. Stay consistent, build strong client relationships, and always put customer satisfaction before profits.