Questions we get a lot
Frequently asked questions
File setup, quotes, turnaround, shipping, and what happens if something is not right. If your question is not here, call us at (775) 476-2003 or send it over and we will answer it.
File Setup & Design
Different types of printing have different file needs. Generally speaking, if you want something like flyers, t-shirts, or decals, a PDF is usually going to be best. For these types of production, you’ll want your files to be in CMYK (with Pantone spot colors where applicable). However, if you’re making photos or reproducing your artwork, the ideal format is a TIFF using Adobe RGB 1998 for your colorspace, though we can take your JPEG, PNG, or even PSD files.
Good question! You’re a smart cookie, aren’t you? For most of your smaller print marketing-type materials, you’ll want to include a 1/8″ bleed on all sides. Additionally, we recommend keeping any important information like text and logos at least 1/8″ away from any edge. For larger products like signage, move those numbers to at least 1/2″. We don’t require a bleed for your photos and artwork, though if you supply it, we’re just lopping it off anyway. In either case, if you are supplying us with a raster image, make sure it is at least 300dpi! And if you’re an overachiever, do your best to reel yourself back – no need to supply trim and registration marks.
You’re in luck – our artists are chomping at the bit to help you plan your dream postcard! While we are more than happy to take your print-ready files, we do also offer graphic design services. Whether you just need a business card layout or you want to develop a mascot for your brand, we’re here to help.
Ordering, Quotes, & Payment
Every project’s needs are different. We work really hard to make sure that what we offer you fits your goals as well as your budget. Just fill out the contact form on our website or send an email over to info@pitchblackprintingco.com and tell us all about your print needs: who you’re trying to reach, what impact you want to make, and your budget restrictions. Don’t forget to include details like size, quantity, if you want a particular kind of paper/beanie/coffee mug, etc. Then we can get to work to put together the best option for your specific needs.
While we don’t have a minimum quantity requirement, the price per each does go down as the quantity goes up in most situations. Be sure to tell us how many pieces you need, and we’re happy to offer you the next couple of quantity breaks on your estimate, if that’s helpful.
We’re so excited you want to move forward with us! All you have to do is let us know you’re ready to place your order. We’ll get an invoice sent your way that includes a link to pay online (you can use a credit or debit card, enter your bank info, or even digital payment methods). Once we receive that payment, we can get to work on a digital proof for you!
I’m going to give you a hard maybe on that one – it depends on when you catch it. Need to change the quantity or material? Is there a typo in the digital proof you approved? Give us a call as soon as you notice. If we haven’t gone through prepress or moved to that step in production, we may be able to make a change. If it’s too late, we can have a chat about where to stop it and how we can handle a reprint. Perhaps we can find a way to save you a little money if it’s still in the right step of production.
Turnaround, Deadlines, & Rush Jobs
Once we’ve received your payment, our team can get to work preparing your digital proofs. You’ll receive a link to view the proof, and in that portal you can provide any feedback, change requests, or simply click “approve”. Once we have that digital proof approval then we can get your order scheduled into our production timelines.
Generally speaking… I don’t know, what did you order? Was it something like art prints, photos, or smaller runs of paper goods? You’re looking at about 1-1.5 weeks from when you approve your digital proofs. For vinyl stickers, apparel, and other promotional items it could be more like 2-3 weeks. Are we just starting with art reproduction or design work? Depending on how complicated the project is, your first draft should arrive to you within 1-3 weeks. All that being said, if you’ve got a project that needs to be completed by a certain date, let’s talk! We’re always willing to see what we can do to make it happen.
Speak of the “rush” devil and he shall appear! Again, we’re always happy to chat. Let us know when your deadline is and we can see what we can do. Unexpected memorial service coming up? We always try to hold space in our schedule to help take that piece off your mind. Need same day turnaround on some photos? Let’s talk. Rush fees could apply in some cases, and we’ll always let you know what time we need your payment and digital proof approval by in order to meet your deadline.
Shipping, Delivery, & Pickup
We always love to see your bright and shining face in our studio/gallery located just east of downtown in the heart of Reno’s Brewery District. If you can’t make it down to give us a high five and grab your goodies, we do provide shipping services (and delivery in some cases). Just let us know the address you need your materials sent to and we can work out the details, whether you need it delivered same-day, shipped overnight, or you’re fine to wait normal carrier transit times.
We do our best to package up your project in the best way we can to arrive to you safely. If you’re picking up a small photo in studio you might see it in a protective envelope or sleeve. Larger items might have corner protectors on them, and we use the least amount of plastic we can while still keeping your work safe. Let us know if you’re going to be framing that giant art print so we can be sure to keep it flat for ease of framing (or roll it up if you’re traveling on your bicycle). If you need us to ship directly to your client just let us know and we can talk about white labeling or shipping under your brand.
Once we have your order prepared for shipment, we’ll send you an email with tracking information so you can follow along. In the event that those bad boys arrive damaged (or even worse, don’t show up at all), please give us a call or send us an email so we can troubleshoot.
Reprints, Refunds, & Quality Issues
While we (and our equipment) are good at what we do, sometimes issues come up. If you come across something unexpected with your prints, just reach out to us right away so we can dive in. Feel free to either pop by the studio with your materials or send us detailed photos of the issue you want to reference so we can talk further.
We’re so sorry to hear you’re not thrilled! Once we can dive into what your concern is, we’ll be able to determine if we made an error (we are human, too, after all) or if there was a problem with your file or perhaps something you didn’t catch on the digital proof. Either way, we’d love to talk to you to come up with a solution that will work for everyone.
Once we can determine where the issue came from, we can talk about what to do next. If we’ve goofed up, we’ll make a new one for you as quickly as we’re able. If it’s something you didn’t catch in your digital proof or some combination of the two, let’s talk about what solution will work best for your specific situation. Feel free to check out our terms and conditions for more info.
Still stuck? Tell us what you are trying to make and we will work out the rest together.
