Q: What is the difference between a raster and a vector image?
A: A raster image is comprised of pixels, tiny cells that contain color information. A vector image is based on a mathematical equation. When you stretch a raster image out, the pixels can only fill in what they know, essentially adding cells around the existing cells with color information; resulting in blurry or "chunky" images. A vector image can be shrunken or stretched out while maintaining the integrity of the image precision; resulting in clean, crisp images. Photographs should be rasterized, while logos and other multipurpose artwork will work much, much better in a vector format.
Q: Is there a benefit to UV coating on print collateral?
A: In many cases, yes. UV coating provides a smooth, shiny surface that resists staining and makes the paper more durable, resulting in a longer lifespan of the collateral. UV coating is excellent for postcards (mailboxes are not always waterproof), business cards (which can get quite a beating), collectors cards (to preserve the color), and many more uses. UV coating is not recommended for collateral that will be written on.
Q: Why is the cost on short-run printing so close to larger quantities? If you only order 500 pieces, shouldn't it be half of the cost of 1000 pieces?
A: A large percentage of the cost of actually printing collateral goes towards the setup. Before an item can go to press, it must be checked and prepared by a number of people. Therefore, the cost of setting up the item for print would remain just about the same, but the smaller percentage - the actual supplies themselves (stock, ink, coating, binding, etc.) would not increase the price of the final product as drastically.
Q: I have a large amount of information that needs to be fit into a small document. What should I do?
A: Not fit a large amount of information into a small document! The best option is always to pare down your copy to the essentials. Good designers are trained to adjust text and spacing accordingly to squeeze in a little extra information, but trying to fit an elephant into a suitcase isn't usually a good idea. Aside from making the document visually unappealing, the text size will be reduced and therefore will reduce legibility. If you absolutely cannot condense your copy, talk with your designer about options available as far as stock dimensions, inserts, or other aids to keep your final cost down while maintaining the visual appeal of the project. SunSign also has a copywriter on-staff to assist in rewording or condensing your text to make your design a great success.
Q: When I started my company, someone designed our "logo" with clip-art in Microsoft Word. Now that my company is growing, we think it may be time for a new logo. What's the next step?
A: Call SunSign immediately! That jovial, bouncing paper clip is out to destroy your business! Never trust office supplies with shifty eyes that morph into completely irrelevant objects at odd intervals. A logo is the visual symbol for your company. Can you imagine if Nike chose a clip art sneaker for their logo? What if McDonalds chose a squiggly "fiesta" style hamburger for their logo? Or even worse... any logo on the face of the planet uses the font Comic Sans in fuschia, red and lime? Your logo is possibly the most important investment you will make for your company. Start out right from the beginning and allow the time, research, and creativity to grow an accurate, unique and unforgettable logo... and it's never too late to makeover an existing one! A small investment can have gigantic payoffs.
