Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What format and image resolution should my pictures be?

A: Jpg, tiff, eps and pdf files are all acceptable provided the images are 300 dpi (dots/pixels per inch) or higher at 100% print size. The most common formats for pictures used in print are jpg and tiff files. Images that are scaled up to 300dpi size from a lower resolution original image are destined to print poorly and pixelated/jagged and/or blurry. Remember also that pictures taken from websites are only 72dpi and will not print well at all. The designer will use the original hi-res images from the camera in the artwork when working on your order.

Here's what the typical image looks like on screen or from a website at 72dpi:

Here's what it would look like if we tried to scale it up to 300dpi from the low resolution image:

You can see the above image is very fuzzy. Here's a detailed, actual size zoomed view of a section of the above image and how it will look when printed below:

Q: I want to take my own pictures. What type of digital camera should I use?

A: Image resolution is VERY IMPORTANT (as discussed above). You should use a 4MP (4 Megapixel) digital camera or higher for optimum results. Set the camera at the highest quality setting. Your images should be approximately 2272 x 1704 pixels or higher. Jpeg (.jpg) images are fine, as well as tiff files. Jpeg's will be smaller file sizes for sending over the internet than tiff's due to using compression when saving the file, but will still retain a good quality image for printing. When sending your images, use the original jpeg files straight from the camera for best results. Note: Film camera prints are ok to scan, but must be scanned at least at 600dpi for optimum results. If you are not sure how to do this, take your prints to a photo lab or service bureau as most will know how to do this properly and will give you the digital images on a CD after scanning.

For portrait shots, remember to 1) Preferably have a plain white, non-reflective background behind the subject when shooting. This will enable the designer to extract the person cleanly before overlaying them over top of a new background when needed. Colored backgrounds sometimes can reflect onto the subject, so try to use neutral background colors when possible. There also must be good contrast between the head/hair areas and the background. Photo studio shots are usually ok even though they have a slightly textured background due to controlled lighting, etc. 2) Include the head and shoulders in the image. This is important because we'll be unable to add something that simply is not there after the fact.

Q: How long will my order take to print?

A: About 3-7 business days after you have approved the artwork. Artwork must be approved in writing by email or fax prior to sending the job for printing. Artwork is sent the same day or following business morning to print after approval. You may also inquire about the approximate total print & delivery time when ordering. Note: Certain items may require additional time due to product type ordered, etc. Printing turn around times are not guaranteed. Order at 1.877.757.4266

Q: How long is the graphic design process?

A: The graphic design process takes approximately 2-4 business days (depending on the complexity of the design) after the designer has ALL components. The artwork components usually include the following: text files, hi-res pictures, company logos, etc. The design process does not start until the designer has ALL the necessary components and the order has been placed with Icon Printing.

Q: I have some special ad text. How can I send that to you?

A: You may send your ad text to us: 1) Right within an email message to the designer. 2) Within a text file from MS Word or from your favorite text editor or 3) In a pdf file. Be sure to specify which side each part of your text will go on for double-sided artworks (i.e. Front or back side of postcards or business cards. The back side of a postcard is referred to as the "postage" side).

Q: What format should my company logo be? Is it ok to use MS Word?

A: For best results, your logo should be a vector graphic. The most common vector file types are: .ai, .eps and .pdf. A vector graphic is a "stretchable" resolution independent line art format that uses mathematics to calculate the size of a particular object or group of objects as opposed to pixel-based programs that are dependent upon resolution (see above for resolution information). The advantage is that vector graphics will look the same at ANY SIZE. Adobe Illustrator and Macromedia Freehand are among the most industry-standard/compliant applications for creating vector graphics. Microsoft Word is passable for basic shapes, but it cannot handle vector graphics natively and will rasterize or "pixelate" them when importing to Word and also when exporting from Word. Also, any custom fonts will be unavailable unless provided along with the Word file. For best results, stick to Illustrator or Freehand for creating vector graphics. Fonts should be "outlined" or in other words, made into objects so that the designer does not need to have the fonts at his/her end.

Q: I have some basic ideas. Can I prepare rough artwork ideas for the designer in MS Publisher?

A: No, we do not accept Microsoft Publisher files. You'll need to save the artwork ideas into an EPS or PDF file and send all the images, vector graphics & text separately so the designer can recreate it in a professional design application of their choice to better suit the project. Rough ideas can be done in Microsoft Word, but we won't be able to use the graphics from the Word file. They'll need to be sent separately.

Q: The proofs I received by email don't print too well. Am I doing something wrong?

A: The proofs sent to you by email are meant to be viewed on screen only. However, they should print ok provided you specify "fit to page" when printing if the artwork gets cut off at the margins, etc. Keep in mind that the proofs are only approximately 50% larger than web quality, but still only half of press quality..or roughly 150dpi. The original artwork that we send to print will be the high resolution 300dpi press quality version of the file.