• There are two types of printing: Large Format Digital Printing and Offset Printing.
  • Large Format Digital Printing is used to print banners, posters, decals, vehicle graphics, trade show displays, artist canvas, window graphics, murals, and more.
  • Offset Printing is used to print business cards, postcards, brochures, flyers, and promotional items. To insure the best graphics and to understand what is best for your project please refer to the Artwork Guidelines section below.
• We recommend sending a PDF file. You may also send files in the following formats: JPG (high resolution), TIF, and EPS. Please send your files with outlined fonts and images embedded. Note: PDF files are easier to handle and will likely speed up the turn-around time. 

You may send files through our “SEND FILES” page. Links are also in the header and footer on every page. You may also email files HERE.

Always finish your artwork in CMYK color mode. If you send us an RGB file, there is a chance that a color shift may occur and you may not be satisfied with your project. This is most commonly true with photographs printing darker than anticipated. 

Bleeds will vary depending on the project. When an image is required to extend all the way to the edge, bleed is needed to preserve the finished look and the quality of the final product.

• Offset printing: business cards, brochures, flyers, etc. —  (1/8") .125” bleed
• Small format projects: posters and signs smaller than 24" x 36" — (1/4") .25" bleed
• Large format projects: banners and signs larger than 24" x 36" — 1" bleed

Low resolution files may be printed "as-is" or will be placed on hold until we receive new files, thus slowing your turn-around time. We prefer 300 dpi files for the best outcome.

• Any transparency issue can be resolved before saving your file. Flatten all transparencies within your software to prevent misprint issues.
• To prevent this, never use shadows, glows, or any other transparency (image or otherwise) on top of a spot color. Always convert your spot color to CMYK and flatten before sending.
• Feel free to call us at 805.545.8700 anytime and we are happy to guide you through this process.

• When exporting from any program such as InDesign or Illustrator, use these settings to make sure your .pdf files export correctly:
  • Adobe PDF Preset is set to: Press Quality
  • Compatibility is set to: Acrobat 4.0 (pdf 1.3)
  • Compress Text and Line Art is set to: Off
• Lola Red Design has a PDF preset that can be downloaded. Cool! DOWNLOAD PRESET.

Rick black formulas are used for offset printing only. For large format products use only 100% K (black).

• Rich black is an ink mixture of solid black, 100% K, with additional Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink values. This results in a darker tone than black ink alone. If you print black alone at 100%, the resulting black may not be as dark as you might like.  

• • Example of 100% black on-screen.
    
  • Example of 100% black after print. Avoid the muddy grey!
    
• We recommend using C-60 M-40 Y-40 K-100. This will give you a deep, dark, rich black.

Digital images can usually be divided into two categories: bitmap (or raster) files and vector files.

Bitmap files are images that are created using pixels. When bitmap files are enlarged they look blurry, grainy, and jagged; or in other words, pixelated. These are photographs or images created in programs such as Photoshop.

Bitmap image example:

Vector files are made from points and lines using a mathematical description which allows us to enlarge an image without losing any clarity which gives you much better graphics on your signs. These images are created in programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw. Vector files are necessary for most sign work so we may die-cut to the shape of your image.

Vector image example: 

An artwork proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type and images accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. We will always send a proof before proceeding to the production phase to make sure everything is 100% good to go!

Please know you can make any changes, revisions, or edits before we proceed with your project. We encourage you to thoroughly review your artwork proofs for a successful project.

We employ humans to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final artwork proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

Additionally, you are responsible for the final outcome of your project upon approval of the artwork proof. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We want your project to be as near perfect as humanly possible. 🙂

Turnaround times are approximate. They may be faster or slower depending on production volume, available supplies, and the status of your approval on the final artwork proof. If a project is time-sensitive, always call and let us know. We are good at doing the hustle (note: sometimes rush charges may apply if we gotta hustle hard).

• Banners and Posters: 2-3 business days
• Print Products: 2-8 business days depending on the product
• Decals • Stickers • Labels:
  • Quantities less than 1,000 — 3-5 business days
  • Quantities from 1,000-3,000 — 5-7 business days
  • Quantities over 3,000 — 7+ business days
• Event Displays: 2-4 business days depending on product. Canopy Tents may take 5-7 business days.
• Logo Development: A good logo along with brand development takes time! The process can take 3-6 weeks depending on your pace. Much of this time is research, fine-tuning, and ensuring you are getting a solid brand development. Don't rush the process. You'll thank us in years to come. 🙂
• Artist Canvas:
  • Prints only: 1-3 business days.
  • Prints wrapped on stretcher bars: 5-7 business days
• Large Format: Most products take 2-3 business days. Large quantities will take longer. Ask for a timeline with your order.
• Outdoor Signs: This can vary depending on the type of production needed for your sign. Some signs can be turned around in a week, others may take 6-8 weeks. Good communication and planning go a long way for a successful outcome. 
• Dimensional Letters and Custom Signs: Dimensional letters can take 3-5 weeks to produce, while custom signs may take longer. Again, communication and planning make for a good outcome. These crafted signs take time to make them look great! Give these projects time to work through the design process, permitting process, production, and finally, installation. 

If your project is time-sensitive, please reach out to us for an accurate turnaround time. We will be honest about what to expect and will strive to make it happen for you. 🙂

If your project is time-sensitive, please reach out to us for an accurate turnaround time. In many cases, we can rush your project.

Here are our general rush fees:

• 3-day rush fee, add 15%
• 2-day rush fee, add 25%
• 1-day rush, add 50%
• Same day rush, add 75%

We are pleased to offer a 15% discount to all non-profits, schools, and good causes!

Additionally, if your project needs to be reprinted because you accidentally messed it up, we offer a 35% off OOPS! discount. It happens, and we try to lessen that sting. 

If we mess something up, we will absolutely make it right at no cost!