FAQ

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Print Design

• Can I use graphics created for the web in my printed publications?
• Can you make updates to existing brochures, magazine ads, postcards, etc.?
• Do you do custom illustration work?
• Why do you have to work in CMYK for print work, rather than RGB?
• How do we know what the colors will look like when they print?
• Can you create multiple file formats (.EPS, .TIF, etc.)?
• Can you scan and modify/enhance existing photographs?
• Do you create custom Logos?

Can I use graphics created for the web in my printed publications?

Most graphics created for the web (72dpi) are not suitable for print media which is usually 300dpi or higher. If we create the web graphics for you, make sure to let us know if you also intend to use them in print. That way we can create them initially as hi-res images (and reduce them as needed for the web).

Can you make updates to existing brochures, magazine ads, postcards, etc.?

If you can provide us with the original source materials for the art work (Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd), .tif, etc.), there is a good chance that we can make updates. Simply scanning and existing piece of artwork (like a brochure), will not result in a quality that is high enough for re-publication.

Do you do custom illustration work?

Yes, we use the most current version of Adobe Illustrator for this type of art work. Just bring us your ideas and we will create scalable vector graphics with the look you want, and a price you can afford.

Why do you have to work in CMYK for print work, rather than RGB?

We can't really go into detail about the differences between these two color modes in the space we have here, but I will give you a few basics.

Red, Green, and Blue are the "additive colors". When you combine red, green and blue light, you get white light. Cyan, Magenta and Yellow inks are "subtractive colors". If you print cyan, magenta and yellow inks on paper, they should absorb all the light shown on them. Your eye receives no reflected light from the paper, and perceives black... in theory.

In practice, printing inks contain impurities that prevent them from absorbing light perfectly. They do a pretty good job with light colors, but when you add them all together, they produce a murky brown rather than black. In order to get decent dark colors, black ink is also added (that's the K in CMYK).

An image that is in RGB mode is optimized for display on a computer monitor. In order to reproduce that very same image using ink on paper, it must be converted to the "CMYK" color mode."

How do we know what the colors will look like when they print?

That's actually a very good question...and the answer is that we can't tell with 100% certainty. Even if we do our job correctly, the purity of the printers ink, and the age, condition, and type of equipment used by the print shop, and the quality of the paper will all effect the final print color. However, to come as close as possible to knowing the end result, we use the industry standard Pantone Matching System (PMS). This allows us to use a color chart (that we can both look at) that will assign a color number and ink formulas so that your print shop can come as close as possible to the colors you want.

Can you create multiple file formats (.EPS, .TIF, etc.)?

Sure, depending upon your intended use of the art work, and also the requirements of your print shop, we can create what ever file format is needed. We will either e-mail your file(s), or create a CD, depending upon the size of the finished artwork (full color, 300dpi artwork can often exceed 2mb in file size).

Can you scan and modify/enhance existing photographs?

Yes, we have quality scanning equipment... and once we get your photos into Adobe Photoshop, almost anything can be modified or enhanced. Unwanted items can be removed, colors can be changed, and things that weren't there when the photo was taken can be added. Special effects can be applied, scratches/blemishes removed, and lighting can be changed.

Do you create custom Logos?

Yes we do, and it can often be quite a challenge. A logo is an important part of your business image, and as such, a great deal of thought should go into it's creation. How your logo will be used is also important. Will it just be used on the web, or also in print? If you intend to have your logo printed, will it be on a business card or huge sign over your place of business? How you intend to use your logo can also dictate how many colors will be used (having a 4 color logo on a business card can be very expensive to print, but works fine on a website or magazine ad). It is important that you put some thought into what you want your logo design to look like (the more input you provide, the quicker... and the less expensive, your logo will be).