Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I use images from the Internet?

Let us be very clear with the answer. No.

Any exception to this answer is very rare. Any image should be reviewed by a graphic designer or large format production professional to see if it is indeed an exception. Images from the Internet or web sites are at best 72 dpi GIF, PNG, JPEG files and not suitable for large format graphics required for trade show graphic production. These images will be blurry if printed for a large format project.

How should I start if I don’t have any photo’s, images, artwork or logo?

That’s a great question and one that could have a very long answer. The best answer in this format is this: Contact DisplaysPlus or go to a professional graphic designer who has experience working with small and large format projects and one that has experience in a variety of media.

Beyond that, start large. What that means is to start with images that will work in a variety of media. You would be advised to start with images that are high resolution and can be used for large format printing. The reason for this is that these images can always be downsized for print media, but if you select low resolution images, they may well not work on large print media such as trade show graphics.

High resolution images are readily available at stock image sites on the Interent these days for a rather reasonable price. Just make sure it is an image that states it is available in high resolution. Even then, once you have selected an image, if you are not a professional, you should ask how large the image can be printed. You may be able to save cost on your project by searching for a handful of images first and then running them by someone who knows about graphic design and production.

Can I use my digital camera?

A few years ago the answer would be absolutely not as the camera would not produce an image with enough resolution. Today the answer would be more a more cautionary...no. Sorry to be repetitive, but the best answer, to save time and money, is going to be to check with a graphic designer or photographer who has experience taking photographs and working with images for large format graphics. If your absolutely know about digital cameras, resolution, dpi, megapixels then give it a try. Take a photograph at the best resolution and have a professional tell you its quality and if it will work for a large format image.

Will my graphics match what I see on my computer monitor or off my printer?

Again, a cautionary answer. Don’t trust that what you see on your monitor will match what you see in the final printed graphic. However, if the artwork has been set up properly with PMS colors identified, then the final product will match the intended colors very closely even if your work or personal computer is not terribly accurate. That is because good designers will identify colos and quality production facilities will calibrate their monitors and print equipment to give the final product great color match and consistency. At DiplaysPlus we take the preparation of artwork seriously so that the entire design to production process flows smoothly and with accuracy and consistency.

What is a Pantone or PMS color?

PMS is a an color matching system that is used to ensure that colors remain consistent (Pantone Measuring System.) This is regardless of where the color is...on a monitor, billboard, brochure, internet or a trade show display. Since printed materials and printing devices differ greatly, PMS attempts to and does a very good job of ensuring consistency. PMS is a solid color matching system, using second and third color identification, meaning colors in addition to black. PMS has been used for years by all types of business associated with design and printing.