All our products are printed in our purpose built Great Yarmouth based factory.
Supplying Artwork Is Easy...
From Your Artwork
You can supply your own artwork digitally by emailing it to us as an email attachment or if you have had the artwork professionally designed get your designer to email it to: studio@advantagedigitalmedia.co.uk please read the following guidance before submitting artwork.
File Too Big To Email?
If your file is too Big to email, use our file transfer solution: Maximum file size 2gb!
Your order number (at the top of your confirmation email) must accompany any files you send, if you do not clearly state this reference your order may be delayed.
If you are sending single sided artwork for a double sided job we will leave the reverse blank. If you require the same file to be printed both sides you will need to contact us by email when ordering (We will not accept notification by telephone).
File Preparation
1. A 3mm border containing no live area (mission critical text and graphics) MUST be allowed for trimming. (This is known as the bleed)
2. Front and Back of document should be setup as two separate pages, do not create both sides in a single file.
3. Files should be setup at a minimum of 250dpi resolution. If your file is at a lower resolution call Customer Service for advice on 08452 570 575.
4. Files MUST be saved in CMYK format. We can convert from RGB but please notify us if this required.
5. All solid Black areas should be composed as a combination of C 40%, M 20%, Y 20%, and K 100%.
6. We support the following file formats:
Adobe Photoshop .jpg for full colour flyer, leaflet or poster printing. & .tif files Adobe Photoshop PSD files have all text layers flattened.
Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps) - Fonts converted to outlines/curves
Corel Draw (must be saved as .ai for Illustrator files) - Fonts converted to curves
Adobe InDesign (.indd) Exported as a PDF (When exporting as a PDF please ensure the bleed is included)
Adobe PageMaker (.pmd) Exported as a PDF (When exporting as a PDF please ensure the bleed is included) Publisher (.pub) are acceptable but can be accepted if exported as a PDF (When exporting as a PDF please ensure the bleed is included).
We also accept the standard industry formats: .eps .pdf .tif .jpeg. We are unable to accept files from Powerpoint (Powerpoint is screen presentation software and is not designed for professional print use. Colour accuracy and image rendering cannot be ensured.
If you are sending single sided artwork for a double sided job we will leave the reverse blank. If you require the same file to be printed both sides you will need to contact us by email when ordering (We will not accept notification by telephone).
File Sizing
The size of the file prior to cutting or folding should be the same as the document size listed below. For example, an A6 postcard should be set up on a 150mmx110mm page not A4. The resolution should be set at 250dpi(ppi) minimum. You MUST allow a 3mm border containing no live area (important text and graphics) for cutting purposes. For business cards (That have images that bleed off the card), size them at 91mmx61mm. A 3mm border containing no text MUST be allowed for cutting. Please download the appropriate template below. If you have any questions regarding file size and setup call Customer Services on 08452 570 575.
A6 Postcard Templates for your download are available below. Our postcards are printed full colour 1 side (the front) and black and white to the reverse. The front is also gloss laminated. Send us you files after placing your order using your own black and white reverse or use one of our 2 back designs below. Once we have received and checked your files we will print a proof which will be posted to you 1st class, once you have received your proof and are happy with the proof email us "ORDER NUMBER: XXXX - approved" or fax back the signed approval sheet enclosed with the proof.
Click on the link below to download the required template.
Place the template in your image editing software, add your text in black only then once you have completed your artwork remove the template layer (important) and upload only the black text.
There are several software packages available (some freeware, some shareware and some commercial) we have listed below links to the software we recommend to creat your ticket artwork:
Graphic Converter - Apple photo software - Mac picture editor, photo editor, image editor, graphics conversion (30 Day Free Trial Software)
PhotoPlus 6.0 - Windows Photo Manipulation Software. (Freeware)
Adobe Photoshop - The Adobe® Photoshop® family The Industry Standard (from £569.88)
Setting Up Your Files In Adobe Photoshop CMYK
All scans should be converted to CMYK and be a minimum of 250 dpi. If you are creating your images in RGB please convert them to CMYK before sending. (We can convert your file for you, please notify us if this is required).
Setting Up Your Files In Adobe Illustrator
We accept all versions of Illustrator. Save all placed (embedded) images as 250dpi CMYK TIFF files (no LZW). If the files are linked and not embedded you need to send the linked files along with your Adobe Illustrator files.
Setting Up Your Files In Freehand or CorelDRAW
All files created in CorelDRAW & Freehand must be exported as .EPS files or Adobe Illustrator .AI files. Making sure to include all fonts that were used in the creation of the document. The only other option is to rasterize to a bitmapped image (TIFF or JPEG) all final artwork.
Setting Up Your Files In Other Applications
The application you are using must be able to export files in the following formats:
1. As a postscript file. (EPS or PDF)
2. As a vector image. (EPS or AI)
3. As a 250 DPI @ a 1:1 size ratio bitmapped image. (TIFF or JPEG) 4. Please note: If you are unable to supply artwork in one of the above files we are unable to print your artwork...please do not send us .WPS (Word Perfect) files, .PUB (Publisher) as the applications do not output print ready files...if this is the case please see I Have A PC, Can I Create PDFs Using Almost Any Application?
Proofs
By the time your job gets in our hands, all edits should be finalised, the copy (text) carefully proof read and all design issues should be settled. We are not responsible for proofing any submitted jobs and we will not take any responsibility for any copy or design errors committed on your part. Its for this reason we do not, as a rule, supply you with a proof of artwork that you have sent to us (it wastes valuable time) after all you have sent the artwork to us, you know what it looks like! If you still require a PDF proof (request one at the time of ordering and allow a further 24 hours turnaround time). If your job is colour critical please order a Sherpa proof (extra cost) for your approval (this will add at least 4 days to any turnaround times quoted).
We Can Design It For You!
Prices do not include artwork (with the exception of Eva Tuff Menu print). If you require artwork to be provided by us you can do this by adding "Artwork Required, Our Designers Will Create A Design For You" to your order. Once you complete payment email us your copy (text), images & instructions...only do this after checking the following criteria has been met:
Complete the order online selecting the "Artwork required, We will create a design for you" option at the bottom of the product screen, complete payment (we are unable to start any work until we have payment in full for the order).
Send us a detailed email with the following details:
Your required brief....describe in as much detail as possible what you require, how you require it to look and any preferred colour schemes. All The required text including numbers and dates (if applicable). Any Images & logos you require on your artwork.
Our designers have a limited time to work on your artwork because we charge a fixed price to carry it out. Whilst our designers will search for images they are restricted as to what type of images they can use. We suggest you search and send us the images that you think are most suitable. The best places to look are:
Please note: When ordering and agreeing to our Terms & Conditions you indemnify us against any copyright issues that may lie in your design, companies and individuals around the world take breaches that do occur very seriously so take care when searching and downloading images from the web....please ensure its either Royaly Free or that you have the copyright owners permission.
All information that will speed the designer along with the process.
Apply the following final checks before sending:
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How?
If your text ticks all of the above you stand a much better chance of the artwork being correct 1st time. If you have failed to meet the criteria your design time will be used up much quicker because of authors additions or amendments...it will cost you money!
The quicker you send us your instructions the quicker we can get to work!
VERY IMPORTANT Your artwork covers a maximum of 2hrs this includes ANY work carried out to create your artwork...once this time has been used we will notify you...in most circumstances the 2hrs is ample BUT authors amendments (changes to the original text and layout instructions) must be avoided as they are chargeable (at £45 per hour). To avoid any additional charges ensure the instructions and text are complete and correct at the outset. VERBAL CORRECTIONS Are NOT ACCEPTABLE....All Corrections MUST be advised in writing.
Our designers will send you an email .pdf proof. Check it VERY CAREFULLY and send us back any corrections by email. We will then resend a corrected proof.
VERY IMPORTANT Once you confirm by email "APPROVED" and it has been received we take no responsibility for errors appearing in the production process not corrected by yourself prior to approval...in most cases printing or platemaking happens within minutes of approval being received...Once approval is received, printing has started or plates made you are committed to your approved artwork...we consider written/emailed approval as FINAL...under absolutely no circumstances will we accept responsibility for errors, ommisions or issues raised from approved artwork.
VERY IMPORTANT Once we have started artwork and sent a .pdf proof your artwork fee is deemed non refundable...even if your artwork does not proceed to print.
Why Use A Professional 3rd Party Designer?
If you require a specific design, have an established corporate image or are just pedantic about the curve on the C. Our designers, while highly competant will not carry out artwork without an order and will provide only one design for the fee. If you require a choice its best to use a professional designer...they will be able to spend time getting things perfect.
Create Your Concept....Then Decide How It Will Work (Your Mechanic)
Decide on your message...it could be an offer, a service it could be an emotion! Once you have decided on your concept you will need to decide on the mechanic...how it will be actioned.
Be Creative...But Ensure It Can Be Understood By Your Audience!
The message must be as creative as possible but please...make sure your audience can understand it!. Avoid acronyms and industry "speak" unless you can be sure that your customers (potential or regular) can understand what it is you mean.
Identify Your Key Selling Points...Explain Them If Required
If your message or concept has key features that differenciate it from your competition make them heard and explain how your customers can benefit from these features....If its Available in Large or Small...explain it will fit any size...but dont forget to explain how they should order!
Your Text (copy) Is Important...Spend Alot Of Time On It!
Theres nothing worse than printing 5,000 useless flyers...not to mention its environmental impact! Ensure that the text is right...leave for a while then come back and read it again...then get someone else to "proof" read it.
Dont leave it to the last minute!
Theres enough stress in this world...whilst AdvantageMedia are the quickest in the industry try to leave some "breathing space" you will appreciate the time when you have the flyers ready 2 days before they are needed!
Above All...Enjoy The Creative Process...Be Creative & Objective...And Ask Any Questions, We Are Here To Help!