Tips | FAQs
Printing Services
How do I set up my document for print with bleed and trim marks? Adobe Illustrator: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/printers-marks-bleeds.html Canva: https://www.canva.com/help/margins-bleed-crop-marks/
How do I package my design for handoff for print? Adobe Illustrator: https://community.adobe.com/t5/indesign-discussions/packaging-indesign-files-for-the-printer/m-p/14007042 Canva: https://www.canva.com/help/?query=how%20to%20package%20designs%20for%20print
What size documents can you print? In-house we can currently print up to 11x17" in color and black & white. We work with a variety of wholesalers who assist us with larger format print projects. Please message us with your print ideas and we would be happy to make suggestions or give you a quote.
What is your preferred file format for printing? For document printing, we recommend a print-quality CMYK PDF, flattened with fonts and images embedded with crops and bleeds. We can also accept all standard formats, but there may be extra set-up involved. For custom apparel, we need a CMYK PNG file with a transparent background. All files should be saved at the highest resolution possible with a minimum of 300 dpi.
What is the best way to prepare my files for submission? We can accept most any file output from the standard applications. Primarily, we work in the Adobe Creative Cloud environment (Photoshop/Illustrator), so any files from those native applications should be fine for printing. Ideally, we would like to get a high-quality flattened PDF, ready to print. If you are sending native files other than PDF, make sure all source files are included in the upload. Just .zip the entire package when uploading to keep it all together. We would prefer that you convert any Microsoft files to PDF before sending to assure proper layout. Call us for any specific questions you may have.
What is "bleed" and how much should be added to my file? Bleed is the extra image area that goes beyond the final document size that gets cut off to allow the image to “bleed” off the sides. We recommend .125” around all four sides to accurately cut a document to full bleed.
What are the ideal requirements for images and graphics for digital printing? When setting up your files, make sure your images are at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI). This will insure high quality output. Try to avoid images pulled off of the internet, as they are usually 72ppi and maybe pixelate, distorted or look blurry. Canva: https://www.canva.com/help/?query=how%20to%20save%20my%20design%20in%20300ppi
What is the difference between RGB and CMYK color spaces? RGB (Red/Green/Blue) color is what you would see on your monitor or television screen. The CMYK (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black) color space is how we reproduce colors in print. There are certain colors that can’t be accurately reproduced when printing toner on paper. We recommend converting your images to CMYK for best printed results.
Will my monitor’s colors reflect what will be printed? Every monitor is calibrated slightly differently from one another. What you see on screen will most likely be more vibrant than what the digital output can achieve. The best bet for color matching is to get an initial proof to check colors and adjust as necessary. Unfortunately, some screen colors will not be able to be reproduced exactly.
Why are there potential issues when printing PMS colors? Our digital presses use only CMKY toners so if the document has PMS spot colors, they must be interpreted by the RIP. While the simulated PMS in many cases will be close to the original, there are certainly colors that can’t be reproduced accurately.
Custom Apparel
What is the ideal file type for a custom apparel project? For custom apparel, we need a CMYK PNG file with a transparent background. All files should be saved at the highest resolution possible with a minimum of 300 dpi.
What brand of t-shirts do you use in custom apparel projects? We work with a t-shirt wholesaler and can provide a wide variety of shirt brands depending on our clients needs and preferences. Some of our preferred brands are: Next Level, Bella + Canvas, Port & Company and Comfort Colors.
What is the minimum for t-shirt orders? We currently do not have a minimum for t-shirt orders. We can create 1 shirt or as many as you or your business needs!
What type of transfers do you use to add the design to custom apparel? We can use a variety of transfers depending on the projects and the needs of the client. We currently use Direct to Film (DTF), Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), and Sublimation transfers.
Can you create a design for my custom apparel order? Yes! We are a full service print shop and graphic design studio. We would be happy to work with you to help bring your ideas to life. While we are happy to create a custom design for you, please note that a design fee will be added to the cost of creating the t-shirts. Give us a call or send us an email to discuss your ideas and we would be happy to give you a quote.
I do not have a PNG file with a transparent background for my design, can you convert the file type and erase the background? The short answer is, it depends. If you provide us with a a clear, high resolution logo file, we would be happy to convert the file to a PNG with a transparent background. For this service a setup fee is added to your final total. If you do not have a high resolution image and a new image needs to be created, this would fall under design services and would be charged at the hourly rate. Please reach out and we would be happy to discuss specifics and give you a quote.
Do you offer discounts on bulk apparel orders? Yes, in most cases we are able to offer discounts on bulk apparel orders. Please reach out with the details about your project and we would be happy to give you a quote.
Graphic Design Services
What is a graphic designer and what can they do? A graphic designer is a visual communicator who combines art and technology to create designs that inform, inspire, and captivate. They use layout, typography, color, and imagery to bring ideas to life across both print and digital media. Graphic designers can create a wide range of visual content, including logos, branding materials, marketing graphics, social media content, packaging, signage, brochures, business cards, custom illustrations, and more. Beyond making things look good, a skilled designer ensures that every visual element serves a clear purpose—whether it's building brand recognition, guiding customer attention, or telling a compelling story. With a deep understanding of design principles and the creative process, graphic designers translate ideas into visuals that are not only beautiful but also strategic and impactful.
Do you have a set rate for specific projects or do you charge by the hour? It really depends on the project. For common projects like logo design, business cards, flyers etc we have a flat rate unless the client is requesting a very complex design. For other projects that are not so common or are more on the complex side we charge an hourly rate.
Why should I pay you to design my project when I can just create a design in Canva? While Canva is a great tool for quick and easy designs, it’s built on templates that thousands of others are using too. A professional graphic designer offers something Canva can’t: custom, one-of-a-kind designs tailored specifically to your brand, goals, and audience. Designers can create original vector illustrations, logos, and layouts that are unique—not just modified from a template. More importantly, working with an experienced designer adds a human touch. A designer takes time to understand your vision, offer creative insight, and solve design challenges with intention and strategy. This results in a design that’s not just attractive, but effective and meaningful—something that truly represents you or your business. With a designer, you're not just getting a design; you're getting expertise, originality, and a personal creative partnership.
Do you provide web design services? Yes! We offer web design services and maintenance through wix.
What file types will I receive when my design is complete. Depending on the project, we will provide you with a variety of file types. For print projects we will provide you with a 300ppi Adobe PDF and EPS file. For web design and social media projects we will provide you with a 72ppi PNG or JPG file. If you need additional file types, these can be made available upon request.
Does Amelia Print + Design offer templates for design projects? Templates are not available yet, but we are in the process of building a catalog of templates for your convenience!
General Information
How do I submit a file to Amelia Print + Design? You can submit a file via email at ameliaprintdesign@gmail.com. If you would like to get an idea of what a certain project will cost before printing, give us a call or send a quick email detailing your project and due date.
What is the typical turnaround time for standard jobs? Each job is unique and turnaround time really depends on what you are looking for. Photocopies can typically be turned around the same business day, while more complicated jobs will take additional time. Please contact us to determine the turnaround time for your specific project.
How do I get a quote for my specific project? Send us an email or give us a call with the details of your project including dimensions, paper weight requested, finish preferences (matte vs. glossy), quantity needed and any other specific requests. For design projects please include HEX colors (if you have them), deadline, budget and if you have a logo file or mood board that you would like us to use in the design process.
How do I get my completed project? We offer a few convenient ways for you to receive your completed project: 1. You can pick-up your project from one of our secure lockers in the "Pick-up Pad" located at our home office in Amelia Court House, Virginia. This option is free! 2. We can deliver some projects to areas in Amelia Court House and surrounding areas. We offer this service for a small fee based on distance. 3. We can ship your project directly to you. This service is offered for a small fee based on standard shipping rates. Give us a call and we can give you a quote for shipping or delivery fees!
Does Amelia Print + Design offer direct mail services? Yes! We can provide direct mailing services with a client provided mailing list. Reach out to us and we can send you an excel template and discuss pricing.
How do I pay? We will send you an invoice through quickbooks. You can choose to pay online or if you prefer to pay via cash or check we can accept that at delivery or pick-up.
Do you give discounts to civic groups or non-profits? We strive to help our community as much as possible. We evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to enquire about non-profit or charitable group discount, please send us a message with the details of your project.
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