The most straightforward answer to this question is:
"an RGB or grayscale,
flattened TIFF (no channels),
300 dpi at print size
on a CD."

If that makes sense, read no further. If it doesn't, read on:

• RGB (Red / Green / Blue) is a good device-independent color space for your files. If you've already gone ahead and made a CMYK transformation, go ahead and bring it in, but color matching may be more of an issue.
• flattened TIFFs are the easiest to work with files. We can read any files editable by Photoshop, but additional charges may apply if we have to do preproduction work. If you are bringing in files from Illustrator, Quark, or InDesign, please make the image into an eps, and include all fonts, and placed images.
• 300 dpi should in most cases be fine for any of your prints needs. If you feel you need more resolution, we'll be happy to print that for you, too.
• CDs are best. DVDs, especially some burned on PCs can be a little tricky. Zips, Jaz, MO, floppies, tapes are all sadly things of the past. If you have something you need retrieved from some older medium, please let us know and in many cases we'll be able to help out. Retrieving files from extinct media are charged at our usual shop rate of $100 / hour.

Actually, and thankfully, no. We have an extremely high resolution PhaseOne digital scanning back on a 4x5 camera that will do the trick better than traditional film. Please see our scanning page for more information on why this is so great.

Well, it's up to you, honestly. We will get you a better scan from your original than you can get from those 4x5's, but if you must, please check our price list for 4x5 scanning rates.

The Epson and the Mimaki both require coated papers. We stock a variety of watercolor papers: Somerset Enhanced, a 330 gsm bright white paper with a slightly rough texture, as well as a 180 gsm version of this paper and a 550 gsm board; Illuminata Photo Cotton 300 gsm, a smooth natural white 300 gsm stock, (also available in 190 gsm), Photobase Lustre and Glossy papers, Hahnemuhle Photo Rag and German etching papers. We use Magic canvas, a fairly fine-grained bright white gesso on an acid-free cotton canvas. We also offer clear film, frosted backlit film, and Tyvek.

Uncoated stocks — like raw canvas or regular watercolor paper.

In addition to protecting the canvas from scuffing, the semi-gloss coating is a UV protectant that extends the life of your print. It also makes the print look richer, adding depth to colors.

Our standard turnaround to scan and make a first proof of an original is three days, and three days for any addditional proofing, if necessary. Once the piece is approved, the standard turnaround for delivery of final prints is one week, provided that the order is under 20 linear feet. We do not scan and proof while the client is waiting unless the client wishes to pay a 100% rush charge.

Yes, but it is not our preference. The largest print you can make from a 35mm scan is 16" x 20". Any larger and the film grain becomes very obvious. We can also print small digital files from cameras, but the size is limited to the resolution at which the image was shot.

ftp.sfelectricworks.com
login: client@sfelectricworks.com
password: client1234

then simply upload your file and send an email to your contact at Electric Works to let them know the upload is complete.

Use this handy tool to determine how your print will scale up or down.

Fill in the original dimensions (width and height) and either the reproduction width or reproduction height and click Calculate.

Or, you can enter the original dimensions, fill in a percentage by which you would like to scale the original, and click Calculate.