Creative Services — Prequalified Vendors

The University at Buffalo offers an approved pool of prequalified vendors to support units with creative services, which can expand to include new vendors. Each vendor was required to submit extensive applications materials, which were rigorously scrutinized, and complete yearly training, ensuring quality, consistency and overall brand compliance. Request for quote for creative services may only be submitted to the vendors listed below, who have been reviewed extensively by University Communications.

Services Offered

The current prequalified vendors are available to support academic and administrative units with creative services:


These vendors collaborate with university units to develop and create communications materials that adhere to brand standards. Their role includes conceptual development, art direction and comprehensive graphic design support. Specific examples of communications materials that may be developed include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Brochures, booklets, reports and manuals.
  • Direct mail flyers, postcards and specialty print pieces.
  • Event materials (e.g., invitations, programs, award certificates).
  • Posters, banners and vehicle wraps.
  • Print, web-based, social media and outdoor advertisements.
  • Emails, web graphics and other e-marketing materials.
  • Tabletop displays and conference, open house and trade show exhibits.
  • Graphs, charts and other individual graphics and illustrations.
  • Short-form video, animated GIFs and other motion visuals.

Editorial Support

Some projects may also require editorial support such as writing, copyediting and/or proofreading. If your unit is in need of these services, a vendor may provide them at an additional fee. However, there is no requirement to use these vendors as an editorial resource. If copy is supplied directly by the UB unit, the vendor is not liable for any text errors. It is incumbent on the unit to proofread.

Getting Started

Once a project need arises, visit the vendor information page to review specialty areas, work samples and contact details. You will need to use your UBIT login to access this page. 

Depending on your funding type, follow the procurement process outlined. If you need multiple quotes to demonstrate price reasonableness, first determine which vendors best meet your project needs. Then you may use this form to gather quotes. Remember, when using state funds, you must select the lowest total cost vendor. 

Once you have quotes and have selected the vendor, use the ShopBlue system to request a purchase order (PO). Be sure to attach any quotes you received to the ShopBlue order. Once the PO is issued, you may begin working with the vendor. 

For any questions regarding procurement processes, please contact Bethany Scibetta.

New vendors can be added, but are required to go through the prequalification process.

Printing Considerations

  • The vendor will work with your unit to determine graphic design project printing specifications as required and to select paper, ink and any special production treatment(s) as needed, working within budgetary constraints. The vendor will provide written print specs to your unit. This should be discussed with the vendor early in the process.
  • Your unit will be responsible for selecting the printer and for print purchasing. Whenever possible, University Print Services should be utilized for printing. If you choose Print Services, you are not required to obtain competitive pricing and do not need to work through Purchasing and Contract Services. Only after you have received written confirmation that they cannot complete a job may you pursue an external print vendor. When bidding for an external print vendor, your unit must comply with all procurement guidelines, including competitive pricing. [Note: The contact in Purchasing and Contract Services for print buying is Bethany Scibetta (bmscibet@buffalo.edu)].
  • Print Services has many other capabilities that are not listed on their website, including design services for small-scale projects that can be printed directly with them, simple updates and production design. Please contact them to discuss whether they could be a good fit for your project.
  • The vendor will ensure that pre-press requirements are completed for all electronic files.
  • For print projects, the vendor will supply printer-ready files and upload them directly to Print Services or the contracted printer where applicable, and act as the main liaison with the chosen print vendor or fabricator.
  • The vendor will also provide a physical mock-up of the project (if applicable) to the selected printer or fabricator.
  • Files for print will be editable InDesign, Illustrator or Acrobat files. Files will include bleed (if applicable) and crop marks.