FAQs And Resources
FAQs
What are color separations?
The process of preparing artwork, photographs, transparencies, or computer-generated art for printing by separating into the four primary printing colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black).
If I have a color logo that looks like it is a 2-color logo, does that mean I will only need 2-color printing?
Not necessarily. If your logo is a scanned image, and is in a TIFF or JPEG file format, it usually will still need to be printed using a 4-color process. This is due to these kind of file formats only having a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) color profile. What typically needs to be done for these 2-color images, is to be recreated in a design program such as Adobe Illustrator or Freehand to create a true two-color logo.
What do I need to supply in order for my digital file to be printed correctly?
All fonts and images used in the file that is submitted would need to be provided as well. On most home computers, all fonts can be found in the Fonts folder that is located in the operating system's Windows folder. All images should be found where they are stored and placed into the file form. This insures that we are opening and using the exact same pieces that you used to build your document.
How can I submit my artwork?
Either on a CD-R, DVD-R, Zip Disk, over e-mail as an attachment, floppy disk, or uploading to our site directly.
How quickly can we have our job finished?
With most 1-color work, depending on finishing procedures and quantities, usually within one to two business days, if not the same day. With graphic design work, it depends on the scope of design. The artwork is produced first and then must be approved. Once approval is accepted, the print production is begun. With 4-color process work, generally 3 to 5 business days is the turnaround time.
What is a PDF and what are the advantages of submitting a file this way?
A PDF file stands for "Portable Document Format" and is rapidly becoming the way document are shared across the world. A PDF is primarily a snapshot of the document you created. The PDF format allows users to send their document to others, which will be viewed exactly as created, without issues of missing fonts or images. The file can be viewed on all formats of computers, whether they are PC- or Macintosh-based. PDFs are also much smaller (file-size wise) compared to the original document. This makes it a much easier and faster for documents to be sent and viewed. Adobe Acrobat Professional or Viewer will allow easy viewing of any PDF. Other programs like Adobe Distiller and Acrobat Capture can be used to create a PDF from any program that you are using. Visit www.adobe.com for more details.
Can I ask a question if this stuff is too confusing?
Of course you can. Don't hesitate at all in asking anything that you can not get a handle on or need help in getting to us, what you need printed.
What is your guys' process in creating artwork?
Well, one of our graphic artists will begin by talking to you to get a feel for the type of design you are looking for your project. Once we have all the info, we will begin with creation. We do not use templates or mock-ups where we just plug in your information. All of our designs are made from the information you have provided and are custom made to your liking. If there is an issue with anything regarding the design, we will work with you and change it till it is approved.
Resources
- graphicdesign.about.com - a site that can help with further information on creating your own artwork.
- www.adobe.com - Adobe is a leading creator of design programs and this is a good place to get a free down-loadable of Acrobat Reader and Distiller.
- www.winzip.com - WinZip is a leading program for creating compressed files that you can capture all pieces of a design file in one sendable file.
- www.stuffit.com - Stuffit is another leading program for compressing files together.
- www.myfonts.com - great site for downloading
