Digital Printing -- Process & Policies

PROCESS

1. IMAGE CAPTURE

   In order to produce high quality reproductions of an image – a high-resolution digital file must be obtained. This can be done by capturing the original artwork with a scan or digital photograph, scanning a slide, transparency or photo print of the original, or utilizing an existing digital file. Note: See the three quality levels indicated below for indications on capture requirements.

2. COLOUR CORRECTION

   Despite all best efforts to capture images accurately every image needs some amount of colour correction in order to match the output device (printer) that will be used to reproduce it. This can range from basic adjustments to extensive corrections that take several hours. The better the quality of the capture, the less costly this process becomes.

3. FILE PREPARATION

   Depending on the final product (ie: card, print, brochure etc.) the file preparation involves sizing and layout of the final product and can include adding text, logos, additional photos, special fonts etc.

4. PROOFING

   This is the stage that involves the client. We provide a proof of the final product, already printed on the paper or canvas that the final product will be on. The proof is usually a smaller version of the final (in the case of prints) or it may be a copy of the actual product – although it will not be scored, folded or trimmed. We are looking to have the client approve this copy and/or note any errors or changes that need to be made to move the project to the printing stage.
   
   Note: See the three quality levels indicated below for indications on proofing requirements.

5. PRINTING

   The approved proof is used as a final reference and the job is printed on the substrate requested and it is sent to finishing.

6. FINISHING

   The finishing stage involves trimming, scoring, folding, packaging and any other requirements such as drilling, laminating or binding in order to produce the final finished reproductions.

7. DELIVERY

   We make delivery via pick-up or shipment to the client.

QUALITY LEVELS

In order to accommodate various needs for all of our clients we have developed three quality levels that suit both the budget and end product requirements.

LEVEL 1 – PLEASING COLOUR QUALITY

This level is suitable for a client who wishes to reduce cost and produce a good quality reproduction for archiving, advertising, promotion or personal use. This level will provide for a single proof stage and basic correction without additional proofs.

LEVEL 2 – COMMERCIAL QUALITY

The commercial level provides a product that is suitable for re-sale and suits clients who desire to produce consistent products that are setup to be re-printed in future. This level provides for up to 3 proofs – the initial proof and 2 correction proofs and layout will take into account commercial concerns such as the need for stock control numbers, bar-codes and additional re-sale requirements.

LEVEL 3 – LIMITED EDITION – HIGHEST QUALITY

The Highest quality level does not differ from the commercial level except in the area of proofing. Here we are concerned with matching an original to the extent that we will do an indefinite number of proofs and colour correction to be assured that we will match the original to the best possible quality our printers are capable of producing. We guarantee a high quality limited edition reproduction at this level.

ARCHIVING

Storage and retrieval of your artwork for re-printing is a service privilege provided to our customers for convenience. Although we commit to doing our best to ensure that your image is kept safely and available for you – we are unable to guarantee this due to factors beyond our control . It is your responsibility to also keep a copy of your image on CD as provided to you by us at time of initial printing. After 3 years we will no longer store or archive your image. You are responsible to have a workable copy of the image available if required. The CD we provide you may need to be re-copied and archived every 3 years to ensure top quality. We are happy to provide that service and/or to re-archive your image in our file for a $50.00 charge.