FAQ
How should I send you my files; FTP, e-mail, pony-express?
Since digital files come in all shapes and sizes we offer an array of options for their transfer. Our customer support department can go over the various options to find one that best matches your situation.
OK, I know how I’m going to transfer my files, is there anything special I should do to make sure they arrive correctly?
One of the best things you can do to guarantee a successful file transfer over the ‘net is to use a compression utility to shrink your files and combine them into one file. We recommend Aladdin Software’s “Stuff-It” on both PC and Macintosh.
I saw that you like Photoshop and Illustrator files, will you take anything else?
Absolutely. As much as we like Photoshop and Illustrator, we also know that they aren’t the only applications out there. We try to support all the major design applications including, but not limited to Freehand, Corel Draw, InDesign, and QuarkXPress.
I’ve heard you use the term “viewing distance” … What’s that all about?
Viewing distance is a term we use to describe the average distance a subject will be from a design when viewing it.
How big can you print without having a seam?
We are capable of providing completely seamless printing up to 16 feet wide and in excess of 75 feet long on several substrates.
I currently have 3 colors in my design, if I want to add a photo how much more will that cost?
Nothing, nada, zip! That’s the beauty of digital printing. We use the same printing process wither you use one color or thousands.
I received a proof for my job. Why doesn’t the color look like it did on my monitor/printer?
Great question! 99% of the computer monitors and printers sold today are basically designed to make whatever appears (/prints) on them look “pretty”. Sounds nice, but in reality “pretty” is a long way from “accurate”. Technologies like Apple Computer’s “ColorSync” go a long way in improving the situation, but it’s still not perfection. One of my favorite examples is the color that is made by mixing 100% magenta with 100% cyan. On most computer monitors and nearly all consumer/business grade printers this mix will appear as a nice dark blue. Consistency is nice, but not very helpful when it’s consistently wrong. When you mix equal parts of magenta ink and cyan ink together (which is essentially what we do in four color process printing) it creates dark purple. Probably not the color you wanted the sky in your image to be after all.
OK, I read the bit about monitors and printers not being color accurate. Now I’m really confused! What can I do to make sure I get the color I want the first time?
Wow! Another great question. You folks are really doing your homework!
The best way to insure the colors you want are the colors you get is to “go by the book.” Specifically the Pantone “solid to process guide” for coated stock. Most applications will let you use spec. Pantone colors right in the file. If you can’t spec them in the file, just use the four color mix provided in the book. You can also help us out by making sure you indicate these choices on your hard copy printout.
How quickly can I get my print?
While our standard quoted turnaround on most products is 5 to 10 business days, if you need it faster we can certainly accommodate. In fact, we have been known to pull off several “overnight miracles” for customers really fighting a deadline.
Can you guys do my design for me?
Certainly. Just give us what you have: logos, sketches, copy, etc. and our artists can come up with something individually tailored to your needs.
Where can I get photos to use in my design?
If you just need stock photography, a great resource is PhotoSearch http://www.fotosearch.com/ Their website references dozens of stock photography companies and has a very nice search engine. If you just need some simple photography taken and you are in the Louisville market, let your customer support agent know and we can arrange a “shoot”.
Can you help me with installation?
While we aren’t in the installation biz per se, if you are located in the Louisville market we should be able to help out. Just let your CSR know that you need help with installation.
What resolution is the final product?
Is either 300 or 720 dpi depending on the product. Input resolution will vary from job to job so please ask your customer support representative for more information if necessary.
Can you color match to paint chips?
As we don’t print with spot colors we can’t guarantee an exact match with paint, but thanks to our extremely wide gamut inks and color matching technology we should be able to provide a very close match.
