Print Guide
What Do We Print?
We print pictures—artwork, photos, etc! We love a small print. We love a limited run. We love a hand-embellished limited edition. Should you hand-embellish your limited edition small print? Yes, absolutely! Would we hand-embellish your limited edition small print? … Maybe. If you’re desperate. For an additional fee.
Do we print zines? Also maybe. Reach out to us via email and if we like the work, then we may be willing to print it for you! If not, then hit up our friends over at Pizzeria Press (insta here)—they might print your zine for you!
Print File Guidelines
Our max print area is 8.5 x 14 inches with about a quarter inch margin, however the machine will take paper sized up to 11 x 17 inches. When submitting your files, please include a print-ready version and a full color proof. The print-ready file should either be a psd with each layer separated out per color in greyscale (preferred!) or separate image files (png or jpg) in greyscale for each layer of color. The proof should be the same but in color—either one layered psd or separate png/jpgs for each color. Having a full color proof gives us the ability to reconcile what the machine puts out against what the final product should look like, and helps us be sure that the physical prints match the digital as close as possible. Files should be at least 300dpi and can be emailed to hello@fishgutspress.com.
A Couple Notes!
• Please be aware that registration between layers is rarely perfect and you should expect to see some variations of your colors being offset throughout your entire print run. Prints misaligned up to 2mm will be included in your run. Anything over that will be reprinted. Though trapping can help mitigate unintentional spots of white within the print, overall Riso’s slightly wonky registration is considered a feature more than a detractor.
• Roller marks are sometimes inescapable! Since the drying time on these inks is pretty slow, a shadow imprint of the feed roller may be visible within your prints. In our experience, fluorescent pink has been the slowest color to dry and has caused us the most grief. We typically print pink, yellow, and finish with blue so that any roller marks that do appear within the print are at least light. If a print comes out looking absolutely wrecked by the roller, however, we will obviously reprint it!
• For smaller prints, a good way to get more for your dollar is to multiply them on a single sheet. When the machine burns the master, a whole sheet is used regardless of how small the print actually is. Ideally a layout where there is a gutter down the center of the page (portrait orientation) is best to decrease chances of roller marks. For an additional fee, we can trim the prints down to size.
• We're currently running most of our prints on a white, 67lb. acid-free vellum bristol stock, which has a really nice texture to it. We have some other paper options in studio, however if you have specific desires for your run please reach out to us beforehand so we can be sure we're able to meet your needs.
• For positively no ink smudging whatsoever, we recommend coating your prints in a layer of varnish. We use Golden's archival/MSA spray for our personal work.
Need Help?
Just send us an email! We're happy to help.