Prints

[saeto15.livejournal.com]

I feel like this has been covered in some post or other, but I can't find it. I'm heading to Anthrocon for the first time, and this will be my first major con with a table in the dealer's room. I've been looking around for a place to get quality prints made for a decent price, but so far I've been striking out. I've been printing my own stuff at my college's print lab, but they recently downgraded their printers, so the quality has dropped considerably.

I'm open to any suggestions, whether it's online or a chain (Already tried Kinko's and Office Max, and both gave me very bad quality prints).

Comments

[snobahr.livejournal.com]

Please define "decent price" - what have you already checked, and what were you quoted?

[syrusb.livejournal.com]

I have a local printer I go to. They will ship, of course. I've been very happy with their quality. Their printer tends to run a little dark, so I always lighten my images before I send 'em for printing.

http://www.copycatprinting.net; (west end)

[raeraesama.livejournal.com]

Mpix (http://www.mpix.com/) would be my favorite balance for quality vs. price. I adore their metallic prints especially.

[oceandezignz.livejournal.com]

artplace.net I beleive is the address. Finni from DA recommended them. They're fast with both print and ship. There is also catprint.com. I have never used them, but bought work from someone who did and it was lovely.

[leahtaur.livejournal.com]

What I do not recommend is Rabbit Valley. A friend of mine says her prints came back with distinct lines on them -- no quality control at all apparently.

Overnightprints.com doesn't sound too hot either. http://blog.doublecluepon.com/overnightprints-com/

[oceandezignz.livejournal.com]

Overnigtht is amazing for things that do not require absolute glaring amazing $14 (artist-to-customer) print quality. Their business cards, bookmarks and postcards for general doing business-ness are fabulous for that.

Art print and/or poster wise? Look elsewhere.

[houndofloki.livejournal.com]

Overnight prints is great for things like business cards, brochures, custom mailing labels etc - think officey type stuff. Not really a place I'd recommend for art prints, though.

[dragondoodle.livejournal.com]

I've had good luck with whatever small local printers I find in town . . . they tend to have higher quality and lower prices :nod:

[neolucky.livejournal.com]

Honestly, buying a Kodak photo printer and making your own IS literally the cheapest and most cost efficient way to do them. I own an Epson photo 1400 for larger scale prints, and I save mega bucks on doing my own print runs!

[onyxserpent.livejournal.com]

I remember hearing a couple of people IRL say they used Costco for prints. But since I can't remember the context of it at this point, it might have been just for photography -- I have no idea how it'd do for illustrations/paintings. From what I recall, though, they were pretty happy with the print quality. Memory is kind of fuzzy on it, but can't hurt to look at their site.

If you are planning on continuing to make a lot of prints in the future though, you really might want to consider getting a nice printer. If you look at Epson's website they often have refurbished ones with a great warranty for less. I got an Epson R1900 a couple of years back, refurbished -- works like a charm.

[maggock.livejournal.com]

I was using Costco before I got my own printer (also an Epson R1900!) and I was pretty much always happy with their print quality, and the price was decent as well. I seem to remember getting huge 12x18 prints for $3.

You probably need a Costco membership, unfortunately. I piggybacked off my mom's. :P

[paulownia.livejournal.com]

Nah. They'll print illustrations. I switched over to Costco for most of my prints starting 11x14 and up because I can turn my orders in online and can pick stuff up the next day.


Price list: http://www.costcophotocenter.com/help/default.aspx?q=Product_Pricing_and_Shipping_Information.htm


I'm going to say that the quality will vary exactly on which Costco you go to. The one I go to has a different printer from the other sin the area (because it just opened). Very happy with it overall though.

The membership is about 50 bucks but sparing myself shipping and stress is worth it. That and I do buy other things from them wholesale like ink and glasses :)

[mialattia.livejournal.com]

I did have great success with Kinko's when printing my portfolio recently. If you have no other options, simply go in and make them print proofs (these are free) until they get it right.

I suggest getting there first thing or soon after they open and insisting upon having them do the prints there and then, so you can quality-check them yourself.

[myenia.livejournal.com]

I know I'm coming a bit late, but I use Monoceros Media. To be honest, their prints are great quality, the service is hit and miss. Sometimes you get Tugrik, who is great at communicating, but sometimes just isn't available and doesn't respond, and sometimes you get Astolpho, who has switched paper type without asking/notifying me first, but is always available/quick turnaround. Their prints are GREAT quality, and is a great choice if you need someone who will print adult furry work. I did have one minor issue with sizes varying (aside from the paper type switch mentioned above), but otherwise I've been very happy with their services.