Graphic Design FAQ

All Your Graphic Design Questions Answered!

How can I tell if a photo is “print-ready”?
For an image to be “print ready” it needs to be a high enough resolution. Resolution, also referred to as DPI (dots per inch) in reference to printed media or PPI (pixels per inch) for digital media, can be understood as the number of dots/pixels of an image that fit vertically and horizontally within a one-inch space. The more dots/pixels per inch (higher the resolution), the more detail there is in the image making it sharper.

Print needs to be a resolution of 300 DPI or higher.

There are 2 easy ways to determine the resolution of your image (we are able to tell you if your image is high resolution or not so don’t stress if you are not tech savvy):

1. Photoshop: Open the image in Photoshop and select Image > Image Size. On this pop up you will see Resolution and a box displaying a number. This number needs to be no lower than 300 (300dpi) to print crisp and clear.

2. Adobe Acrobat: If you do not have Photoshop you can loosely tell if a file is print-ready within Adobe Acrobat (remember that we will double check it once we have received it).

Set your view to 300%. If your artwork looks pixelated (fuzzy or blocky) beyond this point, then your artwork is most-likely low resolution. If your artwork looks clear and sharp at 300%, then this is a good indication that your resolution is print ready.

How do you deliver my final logo files?
When we supply you with your final logo we put together what we call a “logo pack”. Within this pack we supply you with an editable working file called an .eps (for use in graphic design programs such as Adobe Illustrator), a .pdf file and varying sizes of .jpeg and .pngs. Should you need a specific file type or size outside of this logo pack simply let us know.
What is a scalable vector file?
Vector files are files created in specific software programs that work with vector artwork (as opposed to pixel based artwork which is called a Raster file) such as Abobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand or CorelDRAW. These programs use mathematical formulas to create imagery that allows the images to be resized, scaled, have colours and fonts changes without losing quality or resolution. Vector files are mostly used by professional designers and print shops as the highest quality is needed for your logo and other graphics. Common vector file formats include EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) and AI (Adobe Illustrator).
What are Pantone colours?
Pantone / (Pantone Matching System) or PMS are colours within a matching system where each of the multiple thousands of colours is made up of a specific formula of basic colours. This specification allows each Pantone colour to be consistent when produced from more than one printer/supplier. Clients normally specify a particular Pantone colour by the allocated number each one has (ie: PMS 023 Red).
Why does the colour of my artwork look different when I print it?
There is a significant difference in the way a monitor displays colour on screen (through light = RGB) and how your personal printer or printing press prints colour (through ink = CMYK). We match your designs between monitor and printed material as best we can by using colour coding but each monitor and printer may produce a slight variation in colour. Using Pantone Colours when printing through a print shop (where the ink is mixed specifically for the Pantone colours chosen) consistency in colour is far greater but is more costly.

In regards to logos you will also be provided with a version of your logo in RGB colours. To simulate how the final colour will accurately look coming off a press you will have to calibrate your printer with the screen.
Can you design my business cards, letter heads and envelopes along with my new logo design?
Yes, we can design your full logo branding and complete stationery package. Use our online Quote form or Contact us for a quote today.

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All Your Graphic Design Questions Answered!