Frequently Asked Questions
What Are your store hours?
We are available Monday through Friday by appointment. We invite you to stop by at any time or we can schedule a video call, just let us know what works best for you! Please contact us to get started!
What is your contact information?
Our address is 102 East Cherry Street in Alma, Arkansas 72921
Our phone number is 479-274-8337.
For a quick and easy reply to any questions, send us an email to [email protected].
Our phone number is 479-274-8337.
For a quick and easy reply to any questions, send us an email to [email protected].
What do you do?
Ink Advertising Company is a provider of custom screen printing, embroidery, and printed graphics. We produce a wide variety of custom apparel, sportswear, and graphics.
who are your clients?
You are! We are proud to work with some pretty cool people and businesses both locally and around the country. We would be happy to provide you with references for the quality of our work and the integrity of our business. We are a print and apparel provider for many groups ranging from local churches, community sports leagues, and family businesses to nationally and internationally recognizable brands, musicians, and non-profit organizations.
File Preparation
what file formats do you accept
We accept just about any format, but we prefer the following vector formats if you choose to provide files:
We can also use any of the following formats:
We also accept all Adobe & Corel source files.
If you have an image in a format not listed anywhere above, we will likely still be able to work with your files. Please contact us and send your files so that we can determine the best option to get your products to you quickly.
- .AI
- .CDR
- .EPS
We can also use any of the following formats:
- .PSD
- .JPG
- .PNG
- .TIF
- .BMP
We also accept all Adobe & Corel source files.
If you have an image in a format not listed anywhere above, we will likely still be able to work with your files. Please contact us and send your files so that we can determine the best option to get your products to you quickly.
Is there a discount if I provide my design?
No, we offer free design assistance with all orders. This includes basic text, clipart, and light editing to meet your unique needs. Having your art ready and in the correct format will allow you to get a quicker delivery and avoid extra cost for creating an advanced design from scratch or re-constructing a design in the correct format. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!
If you require more advanced design services, we have you covered! Our graphics team can help you do anything you can imagine! Providing your own source files may save you money on more advanced designs, but there is no discount for providing your own art. We will always help get your art finished exactly how you want it and get your approval before production.
If you require more advanced design services, we have you covered! Our graphics team can help you do anything you can imagine! Providing your own source files may save you money on more advanced designs, but there is no discount for providing your own art. We will always help get your art finished exactly how you want it and get your approval before production.
can you help me with a custom design?
Absolutely! We can work with anything from a vague concept to simply using your production ready source files. If you need help with your design, please let us know! We don't like surprises or hidden fees - we will always quote design service charges before we get started.
Our standard design review service is included with all orders. A vast majority of the time, this is sufficient get everything lookng great. If you need a unique or complex design, we can also help! Our rates are below. Much like everything else, design requirements and complexity can vary. Below are what we consider the baseline for our art costs.
Our standard design review service is included with all orders. A vast majority of the time, this is sufficient get everything lookng great. If you need a unique or complex design, we can also help! Our rates are below. Much like everything else, design requirements and complexity can vary. Below are what we consider the baseline for our art costs.
- Standard - Our design review service is included with all orders at no cost. If you need help with your design, please let us know and we will get started immediately! Standard art includes help with setting text and clipart designs as well as making changes to most other files.
- Vector & Digitizing Services - If your file just needs a refresher to clean up low resolution, we are usually able to create a fresh vector or embroidery file for $15-30 on most jobs. We will always explain art needs and provide firm price quotes with you before we begin.
- Complex - Our complex art service is for those jobs that require unique custom concept art from scratch. Prices vary based on need. Complex design work starts at $65 per hour. Contact us to get a free, no-obligation quote for your project.
- Brand and Identity Design - We offer full branding and identity development services so your organization always looks great. Branding services range in price based on many factors and variables. We would be happy to meet with you and your team to discuss the scope of work that best suits your needs and submit a proposal and quote.
i provided my artwork in a vector format, but you say it won't work...why?
Think of vector files as containers that hold information. If the vector file contains a low resolution raster image that is not suitable for production, we may need to reconstruct the design. Many programs will allow you to save in a vector format like .eps or .pdf, but, it's what you're saving that really matters.
Vector files are point and line based files capable of being scaled and resized with absolutely no image quality loss; these files require specific programs to create. If you would like to create your own files, we recommend Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or CorelDRAW.
Alternatively, you may use a free, open-source program such as Inkscape or an online editor like Canva if you are interested in creating your own files.
Vector files are point and line based files capable of being scaled and resized with absolutely no image quality loss; these files require specific programs to create. If you would like to create your own files, we recommend Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or CorelDRAW.
Alternatively, you may use a free, open-source program such as Inkscape or an online editor like Canva if you are interested in creating your own files.
will you send me THE source files that are created for my order?
Definitely! We can arrange a purchase or license for any of the files you need for outside use. If you need specific files for internal projects or online use, we can generally accommodate by providing correct size and format of files, often for no charge.
Please understand that files created by Ink Advertising remain our property unless purchased. Because of the variety and complexity of design and graphic work, our licensing fees and purchase prices are based on a project-by-project basis.
Upon purchase, we will release our copyright to you or your organization. Please be aware that charges for design work are only for the time to create designs, and are not applied to license fees or the purchase of designs unless agreed in writing. Due to the nature of our business, we comply with copyright laws and pursue enforcement of infringing activities.
If you are printing a trademark or copyrighted work, we may require supporting documentation before your products are completed.
If you believe Ink Advertising Company has infringed upon a copyright you own, please contact us immediately so we can investigate and resolve the issue promptly.
Please understand that files created by Ink Advertising remain our property unless purchased. Because of the variety and complexity of design and graphic work, our licensing fees and purchase prices are based on a project-by-project basis.
Upon purchase, we will release our copyright to you or your organization. Please be aware that charges for design work are only for the time to create designs, and are not applied to license fees or the purchase of designs unless agreed in writing. Due to the nature of our business, we comply with copyright laws and pursue enforcement of infringing activities.
If you are printing a trademark or copyrighted work, we may require supporting documentation before your products are completed.
If you believe Ink Advertising Company has infringed upon a copyright you own, please contact us immediately so we can investigate and resolve the issue promptly.
My file is very large, how can I get it to you?
You may use a storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox. You can also use a service such as YouSendIt.com, or FileMail.com.
Alternatively, you may provide a physical copy on a USB Drive or Disk.
Alternatively, you may provide a physical copy on a USB Drive or Disk.
how should I save my files?
We strongly prefer vector files.
For printing on paper, large format, and most other design, we recommend that you save your files in CMYK, Spot Color, or Black and White. Typically, the files and colors you see on your monitor are in RGB; If you output an RGB color file for printing in CMYK, the color values may shift during the conversion to CMYK leaving an incorrectly colored print. We can help with this, just let us know!
Please also note that color shifting can take place from monitor to monitor based on a computer's color profile. If exact matches are a must for your job, we highly recommend hard copy proofing instead of digital mock-up proofing.
For printing on paper, large format, and most other design, we recommend that you save your files in CMYK, Spot Color, or Black and White. Typically, the files and colors you see on your monitor are in RGB; If you output an RGB color file for printing in CMYK, the color values may shift during the conversion to CMYK leaving an incorrectly colored print. We can help with this, just let us know!
Please also note that color shifting can take place from monitor to monitor based on a computer's color profile. If exact matches are a must for your job, we highly recommend hard copy proofing instead of digital mock-up proofing.
where is the online designer?
We got rid of it.
There was a time in our business when we thought that offering our clients an online designer was a viable and exciting option. When we launched our online design tool, we were excited about having a more advanced website than all of our local and regional competitors all while helping our clients solve what we thought was a "problem". There was no problem. Online design tools are lazy for professional printers & creative companies to use. In the past few years, we have learned a lot about what type of company we want to be, and what type of clients we aim to work for. We feel that while there are some merits to allowing our clients to design online, it more often than not ends with poorly designed items. Our thought is that changing the oil in your car doesn't make you a mechanic, cooking meals at home doesn't make you a chef, and owning a nice camera doesn't make you a photographer; likewise, designing printed products online doesn't make you a designer. Pushing clients to be responsible for their own design work is unprofessional and does not reflect the level of service we aim for. We think that you deserve the best -- the best product, the best quality, and the best designs. That being said, if you aren't a designer we are happy to produce amazing designs, logos, and layouts for you.
We welcome the opportunity to help you materialize your ideas. We guarantee you will love your designs...because we're here to help make sure it's exactly what you want. You will not find a design tool on our site, because you deserve better than cookie cutter designs. If you prefer to design your own products, we strongly recommend using commercially available software such as Adobe or Corel products. Alternatively, free software like Inscape are available.
If you're ready to start the design process, contact us and we will begin working on your project.
There was a time in our business when we thought that offering our clients an online designer was a viable and exciting option. When we launched our online design tool, we were excited about having a more advanced website than all of our local and regional competitors all while helping our clients solve what we thought was a "problem". There was no problem. Online design tools are lazy for professional printers & creative companies to use. In the past few years, we have learned a lot about what type of company we want to be, and what type of clients we aim to work for. We feel that while there are some merits to allowing our clients to design online, it more often than not ends with poorly designed items. Our thought is that changing the oil in your car doesn't make you a mechanic, cooking meals at home doesn't make you a chef, and owning a nice camera doesn't make you a photographer; likewise, designing printed products online doesn't make you a designer. Pushing clients to be responsible for their own design work is unprofessional and does not reflect the level of service we aim for. We think that you deserve the best -- the best product, the best quality, and the best designs. That being said, if you aren't a designer we are happy to produce amazing designs, logos, and layouts for you.
We welcome the opportunity to help you materialize your ideas. We guarantee you will love your designs...because we're here to help make sure it's exactly what you want. You will not find a design tool on our site, because you deserve better than cookie cutter designs. If you prefer to design your own products, we strongly recommend using commercially available software such as Adobe or Corel products. Alternatively, free software like Inscape are available.
If you're ready to start the design process, contact us and we will begin working on your project.
Should I include fonts with my file?
No, please convert all fonts to outlines/paths/curves. Please flatten all Photoshop files before submitting.
Can you use a Canva file?
Yes, you can either send us the canva.com link, or export your design as a high quality pdf!
Production Questions
how long will it take to get my product?
As a rule of thumb, plan on approximately 10 days from art approval and confirmed receipt of goods from our vendors for production. Our schedule is centered around tight deadlines - we understand that many times our work is intended for time sensitive events, so just let us know when you need your order and we'll make it happen. If your job requires quicker service than our standard turn around, we do offer guaranteed rush service and expedited shipping or delivery.
when does production time start?
We will schedule production of your job as soon as we have all of the following:
We will notify you of a production estimate once your order is placed. All orders are subject to Ink Advertising Company's Terms and Conditions.
- Your approval on the order details, including design mock-ups
- Confirmation that all raw materials for your job has arrived from our suppliers
- Approved payment, deposit, or net terms arranged
We will notify you of a production estimate once your order is placed. All orders are subject to Ink Advertising Company's Terms and Conditions.
what if my items are out of stock or backordered?
If the items you have selected are unavailable for any reason, we will contact you immediately so you may select a substitute style, or we can advise you of the in-stock date so you always know what to expect.
can i provide my own garments?
Yes, you may provide your own garments for printing or embroidery. Provided apparel will incur a handling fee.
Before you purchase apparel on your own, let us know what you're interested in; we can often find the product you need for less. We purchase in large volume and are able to secure materials at extremely competitive prices from our vendors. We maintain mill-direct relationships with many high end brands, and have a deep inventory availability from our vendors.
Please note: We WILL NOT accept 2nd's or reject apparel for decoration. We do not print on items that have been washed to ensure ink application and curing. We are able to embroider on washed items without issue.
We reserve the right to refuse provided items.
Before you purchase apparel on your own, let us know what you're interested in; we can often find the product you need for less. We purchase in large volume and are able to secure materials at extremely competitive prices from our vendors. We maintain mill-direct relationships with many high end brands, and have a deep inventory availability from our vendors.
Please note: We WILL NOT accept 2nd's or reject apparel for decoration. We do not print on items that have been washed to ensure ink application and curing. We are able to embroider on washed items without issue.
We reserve the right to refuse provided items.
can I rush my order?
Yes, we generally schedule jobs based on first come, first served basis. Additionally we batch similar jobs to allow us to run more efficiently. If our standard turn time is longer than your deadline, don't worry, we are generally able to handle orders on any timeline. Once we have all your order details and everything is approved by you, we can quote any rush fees as well as any expedited shipping if needed to fill your order on time. Please contact us to get started on your order.
How quick is your rush service, and how much does it cost?
Our rush service is as quick as you need and quoted based on your job and timeline. Rush charges are normally a percentage from 10-50% to cover expedited shipping, overtime, and other resources needed to accommodate a job.
Because of the unique nature of each job, we are not able to publish a rush rate sheet. We specialize in hot market printing and we're often the choice vendor of other printers because of our ability to turn product on short notice. We regularly service rush jobs in less than 24 hours, and in some circumstances, we are able to produce same day. If you need product quickly and require rush service, please call us at 479-274-8337 so that we can price quote and begin your job as soon as possible.
Because of the unique nature of each job, we are not able to publish a rush rate sheet. We specialize in hot market printing and we're often the choice vendor of other printers because of our ability to turn product on short notice. We regularly service rush jobs in less than 24 hours, and in some circumstances, we are able to produce same day. If you need product quickly and require rush service, please call us at 479-274-8337 so that we can price quote and begin your job as soon as possible.
Can I mix and match different garment brands, sizes, and colors on my order?
Yes, you can mix and match items and sizes from different brands and colors as long as the embellishment stays the same on the whole order. We are also able to change ink and thread colors during a run for a small fee. Some restrictions apply.
Will I get to see what my product will look like before production?
We will get your approval before printing your order. Once your order is submitted, a mock-up image will be emailed to you for final OK before we begin production. This will give you the opportunity to view what your product will look like once completed.
We do offer physical samples of our apparel and print services for an additional fee. This may not be cost effective for smaller runs or projects that are on a strict budget. We highly recommend this process for high-quantity orders, detailed artwork, or colors with strict color requirements.
If color consistency is critical, please send us a physical sample to match. Only reference Pantone® numbers if you are in possession of a Pantone® Solid Coated Color Book. On screen color swatches and print-outs are not dependable.
We do offer physical samples of our apparel and print services for an additional fee. This may not be cost effective for smaller runs or projects that are on a strict budget. We highly recommend this process for high-quantity orders, detailed artwork, or colors with strict color requirements.
If color consistency is critical, please send us a physical sample to match. Only reference Pantone® numbers if you are in possession of a Pantone® Solid Coated Color Book. On screen color swatches and print-outs are not dependable.
Can my apparel be custom tagged/labeled?
Yes, we have several tagging methods available including retail hang-tags, woven labels, stickers, and tagless printing directly on many garment types! If you are interested in this service please contact us to receive a quote.
can you split my order to multiple shipment locations?
Yes, we can provide any shipping and fulfillment options you need.
do you offer installation of large format graphics and signs?
Yes, we can install your graphic or signs at your location, just let us know what we can do to help!
I only need a small order, can you help me?
Definitely! Our minimums are lower than most - you can mix and match styles to reach the minimums so long as your design remains the same on the same order.
can I add to my order after it's placed?
Sometimes! You are usually able to add on to your order, however, changes or additions to your order may increase production time. If you add to your order after production has began, additional setup fees or other charges may be necessary to cover shipping, and production on the smaller add-on quantities. If you need to place a re-order after delivery, the order will be treated as a new order. If you have any questions or concerns about add-on orders, let us know and we will help you get the product you need as quickly as possible.