Frequently Asked Questions
Design for Prints
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1. Do I need to provide my own design for my print order?
You can submit your own design or we can help create one for you. Whether refining your artwork or starting from scratch, we’ll work with you to ensure your print matches your vision.
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2. What file formats do you accept for artwork?
We accept high-resolution vector files like AI, EPS, or PDF. For digital, offset, and giclée printing, we also accept raster formats such as TIFF, PNG, or JPEG. Vector files are preferred for the best results.
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3. Why include bleed in my design?
Including bleed ensures edge-to-edge printing without any white borders. Extend your artwork 2mm beyond the artboard on all sides to allow for minor trimming shifts.
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4. How should I set my artboard?
Set your artboard to the exact final print size at 100% scale in units of length (imperial / metric) to avoid scaling issues and ensure your design looks correct at full print size.
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5. What resolution is best for print?
When using raster images, set to 300 dpi at the actual print size. This ensures your design remains sharp and clear without pixelation. Low resolution can cause your images to appear blurry or fuzzy, especially on larger prints.
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6. What color mode should I use?
Always use CMYK color mode for print designs to achieve accurate color reproduction on paper. RGB is used for screens and can result in color shifts when printed.
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7. How do I ensure proper margins?
To avoid cutting off essential elements, keep all important text and graphics at least 3-5mm away from the edge. This safety margin ensures that nothing crucial is lost during the trimming process.
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8. How do I check readability and scaling?
Zoom in to 100% and review your design at actual print size. This helps ensure that all text and intricate details are clear and legible. Small elements may look fine on screen but can become unclear when printed.
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9. How do I maintain alignment and consistency?
Ensure that all elements in your design are properly aligned and consistently spaced including typography, margins, and the overall layout. Misalignment may be subtle on screen, but it can be noticeable in the final print.
Letterpress, Hot Foil & Silkscreen
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1. Printing light colors on dark paper?
Letterpress ink is typically not 100% opaque, so printing light ink on dark paper may result in a faded appearance. For this, we recommend using hot foil, which provides a metallic finish that stands out clearly.
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2. Can I print multiple colors on one design?
Yes, you can print multiple colors, but each requires a separate print run. Each color in your design is printed separately with its own plate or screen, so make sure your artwork is organized in layers by colour / finishing.
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3. How can I achieve a deep impression?
For a deeper impression, we recommend using thicker papers, such as 450-600gsm. While 300-350gsm works well, the thicker the paper stock, the more pronounced and noticeable the deboss will be.
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4. Are solid areas of color ideal for letterpress printing?
Solid areas of color can lead to variations in ink density across the print run. Slight inconsistencies are expected, particularly in larger areas. For some designs, this variation is a desired, unique effect.
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5. Can I use multiple printing methods in one design?
Yes, you can combine letterpress, hot foil, and silkscreen printing to create a unique, multi-dimensional effect. It is crucial plan the design to ensure the methods complement each other without interfering.
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6. What is the recommended minimum quantity to print?
We typically recommend a minimum of 50 pieces due to setup costs. Printing fewer can significantly increase the cost per unit, and designs with more layers or finishes may require a higher quantity for cost efficiency.
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7. Can I do a sample/test print?
We can provide a sample however we can't do an exact ‘test print’ due to the setup and plates required for each print. We recommend scheduling a studio visit to explore which combination of paper and print technique works best.
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8. Can I print on both sides of the paper?
Yes, you can, but the depth of the impression may be reduced. We will control the pressure to minimize any marks, though some pressure may still be visible. We also recommend using thicker card stock for better results.
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9. Can I use my own paper?
Yes, you can. However, some papers are better suited for certain techniques. Let us know your paper choice, and we’ll advise on its suitability. We also recommend ordering 10-20% extra sheets to cover setup and print errors.