Thain Ink is based in the idyllic Moray countryside in Forres, Scotland. I believe in the personal touch and as such all communication from the initial project briefing through to completion is done directly through myself, Karin Thain.
I am a freelance graphic designer with over 13 years experience in my field. I have worked previously for an in-house design agency, newspapers, in education, commercial printers and a specialist printers. As well as designing for print I have a BA (Hons) degree in Computer Animation. With this experience I can offer animated advertisements for the web as well as corporate design from logos to full stationery requirements.
I welcome working alongside small and medium enterprises as well as industry leaders. I strongly believe that all companies should be able to afford and benefit from well-designed artwork without paying the high fees associated with a traditional city-based design agency.
I also take Graphic Design workshops and teach animation and design at the Moray Art Centre.
Frequently asked questions
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How do I go about getting something designed?
The project will be discussed thoroughly with you at the beginning, this can be by email, telephone or if in the area I can come and meet you, (Inverness, Nairn, Elgin area). Timescales, budgets and ideas can be discussed. Once a quote has been accepted a timescale will then be agreed for the first set of proofs. Full communication will be given throughout the process by email and telephone, any changes you have can be emailed, and regular proofs will be given. Once the files are ready and the approval has been received an invoice will be sent for payment. When payment is received the files will be delivered directly to you.
What kind of timescales do you have?
Most jobs can be produced quickly and effectively. It is very important that the copy that is supplied has been approved by the correct parties and that only small alterations if any are required on a tight deadline. Different jobs vary on time, for example a logo and stationery package can take from 6 to 15 hours.
I will give an idea of a timescale combined with your quote after viewing the specification of the job and how the files will be supplied. If you have the specifications you can fill out the form in the contact section and email me this way.
Who has copyright of the files?
Thain ink has the copyright of all files until final payment has been received. All proof pdf files will have a company watermark that will be removed on final payment. This watermark is only visible when the file is printed. I do reserve the right to use the material for promotional purposes.
How will I receive my proofs?
I proof work by PDF through email, this can be viewed by using Acrobat Reader which is a free download (www.adobe.com) or if necessary I can prepare a printed version.
Alterations
If there are further alterations on the project before printing and after being signed off, extra costs can be incurred. All files will have to be fully signed off before printing is booked through me. All other alterations up to the final sign off are included in the price.
Payment
I accept cash, cheque and BACs transfer.
How will I receive my final files?
After I receive the final payment I will supply the final files through email, if they are too big to send they can be downloaded from my ftp site and they will be supplied on CD.
Can you deal with a publisher?
On request I can book adverts in newspapers and magazines and send the files directly.
If I need a printer can you find one?
If required, I can deal with printers on your behalf. Print quotes will be supplied on receiving the job specification from you.
Timescales for printing
Although the final design file can be produced and given quickly, always allow time for receiving a proof from the printers, printing and delivery.
What output file formats can you produce?
I can produce any of the most popular file formats - EPS, PDF, AI, PSD, TIFF, JPGand SWF. Your design project will be produced in the format you prefer.
Final Files for Offset Litho Print
This final file format will be a high resolution pdf file. It will be CMYK for full colour separations, or I can have Pantone reference for spot colour. It will have full registration and bleed as required.
Fonts
All fonts used will be embedded within the pdf file. A pdf cannot be altered by the printer. It is like an image file.
Image files
If you need images for your project I can supply stock images but there will be an additional cost, please specify this at initial design stage and the costs can be included in the quote. These images can be used for promotional use within the design but they cannot be supplied separately for re-sale.
Flash Headers
Flash headers are an easy way of positively changing the image of your company. Headers can be interactive, drawing visitors to your site into more detail on the products and services you offer without solely relying on plain text like most sites.
Testimonials
Really professional, friendly, patient and helpful, always gives prompt replies, and I am delighted with the very high quality results!
Ash Charlton - Ace Training
Karin was a pleasure to work with; listening to my needs and translating that into a clear, simple and effective logo design. She was prompt with her work and a very clear communicator.