Print FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers

Q:  What are “high resolution images” vs. “low resolution images”?

A:  High resolution images are 300 dpi and when viewed on a screen at actual size generally extend beyond the size of the screen.  Low resolution images are usually 72 dpi and when viewed at actual size are similar to what you see on websites and other non-print media.  Over 99% of the time graphics that you see on websites cannot be used in print materials.  These images when used in print media will look pixilated, grainy, and/or blurry.

Q:  Does Torchlight Design print materials “in-house”?  Why?

A:  No.  We do not print the materials “in-house” because our goal is to provide you with maximum quality at a minimum price.  We could print all your materials on a color laser printer or a commercial inkjet, but there is no comparison to the quality of an industrial printing press.  We have selected a network of time-tested printers from around the country to print your materials exactly the way you need them.

Q:  Can I design my own postcards, business cards, brochures, etc. for printing?

A:  Absolutely.  We will look over your image file for any obvious signs of problems for no charge.  If changes are required, we will make those changes (when authorized to do so by you) at our normal hourly design rate.  We cannot be held responsible for negative color matching, cropping of words, and/or quality of images if we did not design the image file.

Q:  What is the timing/turnaround on print materials ordered through Torchlight Design?

A:  Standard turnaround is about a week from approval of the proof.  We ask that you allow 2 business days for design, 2 days to print, and 3-5 days for drop shipping to your door from the printer.

Q:  Can I get my materials in a hurry?

A: We can have a print to you in as few as 2-3 days.  However, this requires an expedited design charge from Torchlight Design; and an expedited printing and shipping charge that is determined by the printer, not by Torchlight Design. 

Q:  Does Torchlight Design mail postcards, brochures, etc. for me?

A:  We work with several “mail houses” in the Milwaukee area that can print your addresses and their permit imprint onto postcards or brochures for mailing.  The postage is generally paid directly to the US Postal Service, but the actual addressing and imprinting on the cards or brochures is billed through Torchlight Design.

Q:  Can I get a hard-copy proof of my materials prior to the printing of my complete order?

A:  Yes, but these proofs can be quite expensive.  The printer usually runs off thousands of pieces on their large offset printers at the same time to keep costs down; so they have to charge for this service.  Depending on the material, the physical proof will cost you anywhere from $30 to $100.  We will always provide you with a free digital proof for your approval at no charge.

Q:  What if I don’t like the layout/design that Torchlight Design created for me?

A:  We guarantee your satisfaction.  We will not stop working until you are happy.  It’s that simple.  We use several techniques to insure customer satisfaction from start to finish of a project.  We will sit down with you or your team at the beginning of each project to get your approval on a pencil sketch of the general appearance of your print media.  We will also require the approval of a proof image (usually submitted to you via email) before it goes to print. If you are unhappy with the proof we will generally start again from the most recent “approval point” and go from there, making any necessary changes until the final product is approved and ordered.

Q:  I received my print media, and I am unhappy with (1) the colors, (2) the cut was misaligned, or (3) some other unforeseen problem occurred.  What can I do?

A:  First of all, we GUARANTEE your satisfaction.  We will work with you until you are happy.  (1) A quick and very basic intro to color printing: your computer screen is displayed in RGB color, while printers use CMYK color.  Many colors that you see on the screen are too bright for CMYK printers.  This can result in a “duller image” than what you may have expected after looking at your digital proof on the screen.  This is normal and cannot be avoided.  (2) If you designed the piece yourself, we can’t be responsible for text or important images getting cut off for the full-bleed.  If we designed the piece and important text or images were cut off, we will fix the problem at our expense.  (3) If you’re unhappy for any reason, we will work with you on a reasonable solution that we can both agree upon.  Call us, email us, and we will take care of you.