We hope that you can find the information you are looking for within our website pages. The following frequently asked questions may also be of assistance.

Consultation

• Q: I have an idea of what I want but don’t know much about design or printing. Can you help?

  A: Give us a call for some free advice. With today’s digital technology many projects are not as complicated as you may fear. We offer limited design services and our production team is set up to assist you from start to finish.

• Q: Can you explain in simple terms the process involved to create something?

  A: Imagine– Design– Print

  • Step 1  Call us with your ideas of what you want. You may need assistance to bring it all together but try to do the initial steps and choices:  i.e. Pictures, colours, fonts, sizes, and what you want to say or do.

    Step 2  Create the design artwork on the computer, either yourself or with professional help. Depending on your requirements Media Marksmen does offer limited design service. Ask for the package details.

  • Step 3  Production. The artwork is then printed either directly to the final material such as photo or wallpaper, or printed and then applied to a substrate (ie. plastic or metal) as with most signs.

Design

• Q: I know what I want and have the artwork already. What format do you require it in?

  A: Convert your project to CMYK colour and save as TIFF with LZW compression.

  • Provide us with high-resolution digital files. For best results, make sure the resolution is at least 100dpi at 100% size or equivalent (200dpi at 50% or 400dpi at 25%).

  • Convert all the fonts and strokes to outline.

  • For logos, create a vector file and save as PDF.

  • Text and important images such as logos should be at least 1/4 to 1 inch away from edges of the design. For vinyl banners, allow a1.5 inch margin due to grommets and trimming.

  • For solid colours, specify Pantone numbers for the best match (up to 85% match to true colour).

  • Ensure all files include their appropriate extensions.

  • Send us your large files using https://www.wetransfer.com/

   

  Still Have Questions about Image File Formats?

  Watch this Video to Learn All About JPG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, EPS – How To Know What to Use?

• Q: What if I don’t have my own artwork/design?

  A: Although we specialize in custom printing and graphic design is not our focus, the nature of the work we do means that we can design our products to meet your exact requirements.  Ask for the design package matching your project. This service will be done in consultation with you, and always be confirmed with you prior to commencing production.

  How to find a good picture in google images

  

• Q: What is a vector file format?

  A Guide to Logo Vector Files: What is a Vector file format? And why should I use it?

  Countless times clients have asked in a panic, “Can you please send my logo over to our printer in a “vector’ format? I have no idea what this means!”” Or, we need to request a client’s existing logo for our design work, only to receive a rasterized file format that doesn’t allow us to use it with unlimited creativity.

  This article is a guide to vector formats (a.k.a. EPS files), explaining what they are and why you should use them for your firm or company logo. 
  

  What is the definition of Vector Graphic?

  According to Wikipedia: “Vector graphics files store the lines, shapes and colours that make up an image as mathematical formulae.” They are also known as EPS files.

  Have you heard of Adobe Illustrator? It’s the way to do it.

  A vector graphics program (like Adobe Illustrator) uses these mathematical formulae to construct the screen image, building the best quality image possible. The mathematical formulae determine where the dots that make up the image should be placed for the best results when displaying the image.

  Should you care about resizing your logo? Yes, all logos can be on a billboard.

  Since these formulae can produce an image scalable to any size and detail, the quality of the vector image is limited only by the resolution of the display. The file size of vector data generating the image stays the same.” For example, printing vector images on paper will usually give a sharper, higher resolution output than displaying them on a screen, but they use exactly the same vector data file.

  Why Should I have my Logo in Vector Format?

  • We can manipulate it better and have more creative options;

  • We can separate it from the background and pull apart elements;

  • We can edit the colours;

  • We can use it on stationery designs;

  • We can use it for other print materials, including brochures, direct-mail pieces, and other print materials;

  • The colours can be set up to be printed consistently from any commercial printer;

  • It can scale to fit a billboard and won’t lose quality; and

  • It can be created in outlines so the font never loads differently.

  

  
  

Placing an Order

• Q: How do I place an order?

  A: In person, by phone or email. We require the order in writing by email or in person to avoid mistakes and an initial deposit of 50%. Production will commence only after your confirmation of the design artwork.

• Q: How do I pay for it?

  A: Master Card, Visa, Debit and cheques, are all accepted forms of payment.

• Q: How long will my order take?

   A: This is dependent upon the product, design approval and production schedule. Typically a lead time of 4 to 10 days should be expected. We will always discuss this with you at the time of order and will accommodate your needs wherever possible.

Wallpaper Murals and Wall Decals 

• Q: How long does it last?

  A: We have choices in materials according to project requirements. Product lines are manufactured with this in mind.  Short term materials have adhesives that are easily removed without damage. Long term products are durable for up to 8 years or more, understanding there will be some variation with exposure to direct sunlight and weather extremes.

• Q: What’s it made of?

  A:  We work with adhesive vinyls & laminates with a range of options based on your application requirements. Graphics are digitally printed; full colour or black & white using only original inks. 

• Q: How can I get started?

  A: Call or email our office and we’ll provide a brief overview of the complete process including pricing. To give a cost estimate we will need the basic measurements of the wall (height and width).  

  The next step will be making a decision on the artwork. To help with this, as a fun perk we offer an advance look at your imagined mural. Send us a photo of the space, with an idea for the design (ie. picture or artwork file).  Free of charge we’ll superimpose it on your photo and email it back to you, giving you a realistic view of what you’re considering to do. 

  From there it’s a few steps with a firm quote, purchase order & deposit, and perhaps a week to 10 days for production and installation (within the GTA).