Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is CMYK?
- What is 4 Color Process Printing?
- What is a crop area?
- What is a bleed?
- What are your bleed requirements?
- Do you have any templates that I can download to help me with your guidelines?
- What is 4 / 4?
- What is 4 / 1?
- What is 4 / 0?
- What is Glossy UV Coating?
- What is Matte Coating?
- After I place an order online how long do I have to wait for a proof?
- Do you have specials?
- I’m an artist and I have my own clients do you offer bulk discounts?
- Do you offer rush processing and shipping?
CMYK stands for Cyan Magenta Yellow and Key which is Black. This is the standard color model for full color printing.
What is 4 Color Process Printing?
Four color process is the process of using CMYK color inks to create full color printed images. Printing microscopic halftone dots using only these four colors creates the illusion of millions of colors.
A crop area is the location of where the final artwork will be cut. The crop area can vary slightly, so the content of a print design should be kept within a text safe area.
A bleed is the amount of space that extends beyond the crop area of the item being printed. This extra printing area will allow the printed design to go all the way to the edges of the paper.
What are your bleed requirements?
If you’re setting up your own artwork please provide a bleed of at least 1/8th of an inch on all sides.
Do you have any templates that I can download to help me with your guidelines?
Yes, we have a template page that provides various sizes and file types for you to start creating your artwork.
4 / 4 means full color process printing (CMYK) on both sides of the printed paper. In literal terms it means 4 colors printed on the front, and 4 colors printed on the back.
4 / 1 means that one side features full color process printing (CMYK) and the other side features black.
4 / 0 means that one side features full color process printing (CMYK) and the other side is blank.
Glossy UV coating is a protective coating that gets applied to the item after it gets printed. This coating is generally slick or wet looking to the eye and smooth to the touch.
Matte Coating is just like Glossy coating in the sense that it gets applied to the item after it gets printed, however, it has a dull finish or silk finish.
After I place an order online how long do I have to wait for a proof?
Generally, proofs are generated within 24-48 hours. We do offer a self service feature where you can upload your own artwork if you would like. Orders that feature user submitted artwork generally get processed faster. If you need us to create a proof or design something original for you please note that a service fee may apply.
Absolutely, from time to time we will offer great cost-saving promotions. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive these great deals.
I’m an artist and I have my own clients do you offer bulk discounts?
We sure do! We are creating a site specifically for designers called artist direct. If you would like more information or to be notified when the site is live please contact us.
Do you offer rush processing and shipping?
We offer rush processing on most of our products. Rush shipping is available on all of our products, we use UPS exclusively so as long as expedited shipping is available in your area we can rush ship to you.