Info for Graphic Designers
Collaborating with the Flywheel Letterpress Studio
If you’re a graphic designer looking for ways to collaborate with The Flywheel, I hope you find this information helpful. Below, you’ll find all the design specifications you’ll need to know to get the best quality print.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Letterpress works best with line art and text. Large blocks of color are possible, but the ink coverage may not be 100% even and saturated (it will have a more rustic/handmade look).
Also, the heavy impressions tend to warp paper unless we use an extra-thick stock. Depending on the design, I may suggest we print large blocks in a separate pass; however, this will add to the cost.
The thickness of stray lines should be at least 0.35 pt. Lines that are directly adjacent to other art can be thinner.
Light ink on dark paper isn't ideal with letterpress, although metallic inks work in some cases.
All paper is cut to order, so we're not limited to any standard card sizes. However, if your piece needs to fit in an envelope, we suggest sizing the card 1/4" smaller than the envelope.
HOW TO SUBMIT A VECTOR-BASED PDF OR ILLUSTRATOR FILES:
Be sure that the artwork is entirely black and white (no grays — unless you want a halftone screen).
Convert fonts to outlines.
If you're printing in more than one color, separate the colors into groups or layers.
Include at least 1/16" of bleed where applicable.
Save your files in CMYK mode.
HOW TO SUBMIT BITMAP TIFF FILES:
Be sure that the artwork is entirely black and white (no grays — unless you want a halftone screen).
Keep the image resolution high (ideally 900dpi or more).
If you're printing in more than one color, each color should have its own file.
Include at least 1/16" of bleed where applicable.
To cut down on file size, use LZW compression.
Still have questions?
Brainstorming a unique, custom project? Contact me.
I’m happy to chat about your project and collaborate to create something exquisite!