Please read the following carefully. These guidelines are to avoid any delays.

 

Resolution

All artwork MUST be supplied at 100% scale at a high-resolution of 300dpi for litho and digital and 150dpi for large format. Anything lower decreases image quality and will not be usable. While your computer screen will display low resolution images well, when printed they will look rough, blurry and jagged. Files with lower resolution can be printed, but the results may be unsatisfactory.

 

Colour

Files that contain colour text, artwork, or images must be saved in four color "CMYK" (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) colour mode. Files submitted for process colour printing in the RGB or Pantone colour mode will need to be converted to CMYK. Note that converting RGB to CMYK will cause a colour shift as they are not the same color spectrum.

Define all colour modes as CMYK. No RGB or Pantone (PMS) files of any kind except for spot colour jobs. If you need an exact colour match, we advise you to purchase a PANTONE chart. This is very important, as it shows, realistically, what 'spot colour' converts to in 'CMYK' also it shows the CMYK breakdown. You cannot use your computer's monitor as a reference if it is not accurately calibrated.

 

Blacks

Black values for text should be BLACK only 0C 0M 0Y 100K. Remember to overprint black text. Black value for a prominent black background should be 30C 30M 30Y 100K. Files that are black and white must have all artwork or images in Greyscale mode, or should only contain Black and tints. Screens of Black in vector files.

 

Fonts

Please convert all text to outlines i.e. curves or paths to avoid missing fonts. Are you using vector-based software such CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or Freehand? For vector files such as these all text must be converted to outlines before creating the file (preferably PDF) you send us.

Are you using a bitmap-based (a.k.a. raster) software application such as Adobe Photoshop? For bitmap files such as these, simply flatten the image. Avoid font sizes smaller than 8pts or fonts that are very narrow as these may not print, or will lack crispness, or may not display well against dark backgrounds.

 

Accepted File Formats

We accept high-resolution print ready artwork in recognised design formats for MAC & PC. The following file formats are accepted:

PDF & EPS (all fonts embedded) Preffered.

Tiff or Jpeg (flattened)

Adobe Photoshop

Freehand MX or earlier

Illustrator CS5 or earlier

 

Bleed

Does your artwork contain images, text or graphics that extend to the very edge of the finished piece? This is called "bleeding off the edge" or simply "bleed". Files with bleed need to be built to the final trim size plus 3mm extra on each side for the bleed, depending on the template. Example, if you are ordering an 210mm x 148mm flyer, the graphic file's size should 216mm x 154mm, it will then be printed and trimmed to the size without bleed. When saving the file into the proper format (preferably PDF), do not use any crop or printer's marks. These will increase the dimensions of the file. Bleed past all edges, if necessary, is required as indicated on appropriate templates.

 

Text Safe Area

Does your artwork have text or other elements too close to the page edge? If too close, it may get cut off. Establish a no-go "safety zone" of at least 3-5mm from the edge of the final trim size. To avoid any images or text being cut off when the piece is trimmed, do not place them in the safety zone.

 

Artwork Submittal

We prefer that you upload all artwork and orders via our website, alternatively you can email or supply us with a disc. Please include full and clear instructions with each order.

 

Templates

A wide variety of templates are available on our site as PDF's . All measurements are in millimeters (mm). All templates indicate the appropriate size and bleed.

 

Paper Sizes

Templates and size specifications are available on our website. All artwork should be complete and set-up using the correct template for the services ordered.  The paper sizes are as follows:

A0 1188mm x 840mm

A1 840mm x 594mm

A2 594mm x 420mm

A3 420mm x 297mm

A4 297mm x 210mm

A5 210mm x 148mm

A6 148mm x 105mm

DL (Compslip/postcard) 210mm x 99mm

Std Postcard 150mm x 105mm

Business Card 90mm x 50mm

 

Warning About Borders

Borders on the edge of a flyer, card or other product, can sometimes give a classic look. But make sure the borders are a good few millimeters (mm) in from the trim edge... Due to the nature of printing, borders may not be accurately trimmed to the exact 10th of a millimeter (mm). This is why we ask for 2mm bleed. The blade could go either way. We cannot be held responsible if borders are slightly uneven.
 

Shared Products

We reserve the right to place our advert on the reverse side of any of our advertised shared products, the said ad may change without prior notice. 

All changes or and corrections to supplied artwork will be charged for at R300 excl. VAT per hour.

 

ARTWORK

Our rates for creating and editing artwork are as follows:

 

General Rate:                     R300 per hour.

Business Cards Layout:       R75 limited to 20min thereafter normal rates apply.

Business Card Design:        R150 limited to 30 minutes thereafter normal rates apply.

Flyer Layout:                       R100 limited to 25 minutes thereafter normal rates apply.

Flyer Design:                       R175 limited to 30 minutes thereafter normal rates apply.

Banner Design:                   R200 limited to 30 minutes thereafter normal rates apply.

 

For layout purposes high res images or vectors to be supplied with relevant content. Image searching will be an additional R75 per image required.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For any enquiries regarding artwork or the delivery of artwork, please phone us on 021 557 9123 or email via our website.

 

Ordering

You can either order online, via e-mail, per telephone or in person. To order online, simply go to our website and fill in the appropriate order form and attach the files you want printed. Upload one file for the front and one file for the back. When ordering via e-mail, attach the two files and, in the body of the e-mail, make it clear what you want, who you are and how we can get hold of you.
 

Turnaround Times

Our Litho flyers are batch printed, so your flyer will be 'ganged up' with up to 16 flyers. This is how we manage to offer such amazingly low prices. Our print runs go to press whenever we have a full run. You will never have to wait more than 7-10 business days for your special flyers or business cards. We do not let people down when we promise a delivery time. 
 

Delivery

Depending on the size of your order and your location, we charge a nominal delivery fee for orders within the immediate Cape Town Area. Orders outside this area are sent by counter to counter or if neccessary by courier either same or next day service. The relevant fee will apply.

 

Returns

On the rare occasion when something goes wrong, please speak to us, we want to know about problems. We will gladly offer either a rerun of your job or a FREE run on your next order, so that you need not go somewhere else for your products. We get things right. And if we do not, we will make sure we do the next time. To speak to one of our studio staff, phone 021 557 9123. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.