FAQ
Postering
Q: How does your postering system work?
A: A full explanation of our postering system and it's pricing can be found on our postering page.
Q: Do you guys own the poster cylinders?
A: No, but we are the most frequent users of them. The cylinders are owned and maintained by the City of Victoria. We have a great working relationship with them and they have expressed their gratitude in our efforts to keep them clean and well-managed.
Q: I hired you guys to put up some posters and I just looked out my car window and didn't see one. What gives?
A: Mistakes do happen, so give us a call and make sure it's in the rotation. There is also the possibility that your poster got covered. If your poster is in our rotation, we will be along with some more soon.
Q: I just put up a bunch of posters and you guys covered them all up. Why?
A: Our poster people are trained to make room for other posters where possible. If all your posters got covered, they were either in contravention of the postering guidelines set up by the City of Victoria or there was just too many posters that needed to go out. Keep at it, sunshine. Or better yet, give us a call and save yourself some grief.
Q: Are you guys hiring poster people?
A: We are always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic poster people. Send us an email and let us know why you'd be a good fit for this company. It is important to note that every single employee at Metropol started putting up posters.
Printing
Q: Do you guys just print posters?
A: No. We have a full digital print shop with several print machines, cutters, perforators, folders and scorers. We can print everything from tickets to booklets. We can print custom sizes and specialty items. If you have any specific questions about a print job, give us a call or send us an email at posters@imetropol.com. A list of our print prices can be found here.
Q: What file types do you accept?
A: The best file types for printing are TIFF, EPS or PDF files. We will also accept JPG, PSD, AI or INDD files. In the case where AI files are supplied, please create outlines of your fonts. In the case where PSD files are supplied, please rasterize your font layers or flatten your image. In the case where INDD files are supplied, please perform a pre-flight on the file and package it for printing (we will require your image and font files).
Q: What is bleed? How much bleed should I have on my files?
A: Bleed is the extra space intentionally left around a design so when the printed piece is cut, the border of the image goes right up to the edge of the stock. A printed item is often printed bigger than the final size and cut back to achieve a full-bleed image. This bleed area should include the background info of your design but no actual information that is necessary to the final piece. We recommend a 1/8th inch bleed around your entire image.
Q: How do I get a file to Metropol for printing?
A: There are a few ways. You can bring the file by our office at 1322 Broad St. Studio E during business hours (Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm and 1pm - 5pm on Saturday). You can email your file to posters@imetropol.com or you can use our handy on-line uploader by clicking the 'Upload' tab or by clicking here.
Q: Do you have minimums for print runs?
A: There are minimums on some items that take time to set up, such as handbills and booklets. Please inquire about minimums when you place your order.
Q: What is the turnaround for print jobs?
A: We strive to provide the fastest turnaround as possible, in many cases the same day. Quality work does take time and sometimes we are busier than others, so be sure to inquire about turnaround time when you place your order.
Q: What happens if my print order looks different than my file?
A: There are numerous different colour models across many different platforms so a printed file will often look somewhat different that it does on the screen. You will always have the option of seeing a proof of your job before we proceed. If you sign off on the proof and the end result is the same as the proof, you will be held responsible for full payment for the job. This will also apply if you waive your right to see a proof.
Design
Q: Who does the design at Metropol?
A: The in-house design department is headed up by Evan Pine. We have a roster of designers and illustrators that we may use to do the best possible job on any given order.
Q: Are you guys hiring designers?
A: We are always looking for good designers. Send us an email and let us know why you'd be a good fit for this company with a link to your portfolio.
Q: What does it cost to have something designed at Metropol?
A: Most design jobs will be billed out at our hourly rate, although there are some exceptions. Some more info can be found on our design page here. It is always best to get a quote directly from our design department at design@imetropol.com or you can call us at 250-384-7653.
Q: How long does a design job take?
A: Great design does take time and our designers are in high demand. We do attempt to get to all jobs in a timely manner, but the more time we have, the better. You can expect to get the first proof on your design in 72 hours. If this is not the case, you will be advised when you place your order.
Q: Will I see a proof of my design job?
A: Yes. Every design job goes through a proof process via email throughout the course of the design process.
Website
Q: Why did you guys build this website?
A: Since 2003, we have put up thousands of different posters. We have been keeping a single copy of digital file all of these posters since day one for this very purpose. We feel that this website will serve as a visual archive of the entertainment community in Victoria for years to come.
Q: Can you put my poster up on this website?
A: Sure! Upload your poster and we will do our best to add it to the archive. The current posters on the site are a service we provide for free to our clients. We welcome submissions for past events for the archive.
Q: I designed a poster in your archive at it's not credited. Can you please give me my just desserts?
A: Of course. Email us the info (include a link to the poster on the site) and we will get you proper credit as soon as possible.
Q: My band is tagged on a poster as Fucknuts and we are actually called Fuknutz. Can you fix this?
A: Certainly. Fire us an email (include a link to the poster on the site) and we will do our best to clear up the confusion. Sorry about that, Fuknutz.
Q: Can I get a copy of one of the posters in your archive?
A: Anything is possible. We do offer a few choice posters for sale in our store section here. If you have a specific request, we will do our best to accommodate you for a reasonable administration fee. Email us your requests to posters@imetropol.com and we will get back to you.
Company
Q: Do you guys sponsor events?
A: We do sponsor events often. The specific sponsorship deal depends on the event and we choose events by a selection committee. To be considered for sponsorship, email us a pitch and the specifics on your event and we will get back to you. Please note that we get dozens of sponsorship requests every year, so at this time we only sponsor events in which 100% of door proceeds go towards a benefit, arts group or non-profit organization.
Q: Why are you guys such assholes?
A: The world made us this way.
