DESIGN?
I have already designed my artwork, can this be used?
Artwork provided by the customer can be used as long as it has been designed to our specifications using a professional design program such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw and saved as an
accepted file type.
Artwork created in any Microsoft program such as Word cannot be used, this will be the same response from all professional printers, however, it may still be possible to get your artwork print ready so get in touch.
What are your design specifications?
Artwork must be created in CMYK format at a minimum of 300dpi with a 3mm bleed on each edge of the artwork. Images, background images and fills which are intended to extend to the edge of the page must be extended 3mm beyond the cut line to give a bleed. Text and other images that you need on your finished job must sit 5mm in from the cut line. Multi page products such as booklets must be arranged in "Printers Spreads".
What is 300dpi?
300dpi (300 dots per inch) is the resolution that a design/image has been created or scanned at. When using or providing photographs and scanned images please ensure that photographs have been taken at the highest setting possible on a quality digital camera and that scanned images have been scanned at a minimum of 300dpi. We cannot take or use photographs/images from websites as these will only be 72dpi. Only accepting artwork created at a minimum of 300dpi ensures that the final print looks fantastic.
How do I create a Printers Spread?
Printers Spreads only apply to multi page products such as booklets. Please read the following example which will explain how to create a Printers Spread. EXAMPLE: You want to design an 8 page A4 Booklet, we require each file that you supply to contain 2 pages of the booklet side by side as one image, one page on the left and the other corresponding page on the right. The difficult part is for you to put the correct pages together, in order for you to get the pages in the correct order firstly get 2 sheets of A4 paper, stack them together and fold them in the middle. Flicking through the pages like a book, number the corners starting from the front page. Now separate the pages, each page is now numbered with its corresponding counterpart, if this has been done correctly then you should have:
8 + 1 (Back Cover & Front Cover) / 2 + 7 / 6 + 3 / 4 + 5
The pages should be designed exactly as the numbers are displayed eg, left handside of the artwork back cover (8), right handside of the artwork front cover (1) and so on. When we print, collate and wire stitch your pages they will now be in the correct reading order. This example works for any multi page product such as booklets, just ensure that you use the same quantity of pages as you need in your finished item. Although this explanation is helpful in understanding "Printers Spreads" it is better understood in conjunction with one of our free booklet templates.
I have no artwork, how much does design cost?
Please navigate to the print product of your choice using the links displayed at the top left handside of any page, select your product and click "View Prices". A pricing table will be displayed, beneath each pricing table is an option to add our professional design services, the design fee displayed will refer to the print product in question. Please note that our design fee is based on the customer providing all logos, images and text/copy (see below). If any additional work is required due to the customer not having any of the above then this will be charged for in addition to our standard design fee, any work that may incur additional charges will be fully explained to the customer prior to any work being carried out.
What do I need to provide?
In order for us to design your artwork ready for print you will need to provide a detailed design brief including the following: any specific design requirements, the text/copy that you wish to have displayed on your artwork eg, address and contact information etc, your logo (if you have one) and any photographs/images. Logos, photographs and images provided must be a minimum of 300dpi (explained above).
I have no photographs/images to use, can you help?
Of course, we can acquire suitable royalty free photographs/images from a number of sources, all photographs/images will be of high resolution and perfect for print, this service is priced on an individual basis depending on the customer's requirements. Typically prices are in the region of £5-£10 per photograph/image.
Can you design my logo?
If you require a logo then we can design one for you, logo design is priced on an individual basis depending on the customer's requirements.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Please take the time to read our accepted file types and bleed sections as they are very important.
If you have any questions or require any further information then do not hesitate to get in touch.