A digital collage (from The Collage Company) is a process by which photos are scanned and cleverly blended together rather than “cutout” and arranged.
Digital collages are more aesthetic and pleasing to the eye because the images are very carefully blended into one another without harsh edges that come from cutting out subjects or edges of photos. The digital collage will also be printed on a single sheet of photo-based material; therefore eliminating all the layers of tape, glue and photos that detract from the overall presentation. The resulting image is clean, clear and absolutely amazing!
We print using UV inks that HELP protect your work from fading. But, these should never be in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time because fading (as with any artwork) can occur. UV coated lamination is now avaiiable to help prevent fading even more.
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| 1. | You take pride in your photographs that you’ve taken over the years and you’d like to display them. Photos in an album remain there for years without a single glance. How often do you look through your photo album? Not much. Why not combine all your favorite shots in one gorgeous, stunning poster for all the world to see? |
| 2. | It’s a GREAT conversation piece! |
| 3. | They are lifelong keepsakes that can bring back warm, delightful memories every time they are gazed upon. |
| 4. | For the great value...
Meaningless picture/art purchased in a mall: $300+
Price per hour professional graphic designers charge: $95+
Time it usually takes to create a collage: 6-10 hours
Average price per collage: $100-$300
A lifetime of memories: Priceless |
| 5. | They make absolutely fantastic gifts! Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Anniversaries (remember the 1st is paper), Milestone Birthdays (Sweet 16, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, and so on), Valentine’s Day, Vacations, Christmas, Retirements, anything! You don’t even need a special occasion; collages can be given just because you care. |
| 6. | Because they are so beautiful. |
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A collage can take anywhere from 8 to 20 or more hours to produce including scanning time. Normally, a collage can be completed within 14 days from the time we receive the photographs. If a rush order is needed, we can try to accommodate... just ask!
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Most of the time we can use your digital photos. It all depends on the resolution of the files. We need them to be AT LEAST 6 inches @ 150 dots per inch (dpi). If you are not sure what size they are or if your digital photos will work, simply email us one or two of them and we will respond to let you know if they are of sufficient resolution. If you can, please let us know the size of the collage the and number of photos you'd like to use (approx.)
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To a certain degree yes. All photos will be color corrected, meaning if they are faded or worn out, the color will be restored to its original coloring. Minor restoration can be performed to damaged photographs. Minor “photo surgery” can be performed to open eyes, remove blemishes or remove certain people. There can be a slight extra charge for these services, depending on the time taken to correct the problem.
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Keep this in mind when selecting photos for your collage:
The better the original, the better for the final. Meaning if the photograph is sharp and crisp, then it will turn out that way in the final collage. Blurry photos are tough to work with as well as photos with the main subjects' head cut off. Faded photos are fine and will easily be corrected to appear newly photographed.
Larger photos contain more detail, therefore, will produce a nicer final output. All photos are resized, so just because you send an 8x10, it doesn't mean it will be that large in the collage.
Don't be afraid to include certificates, awards, wedding invitations, letters or anything else that can be scanned! Digital photos are fine too, as long as the resolution is large enough.
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Our designers arrange your photographs determined by images and colors in order to present a well-balanced final collage. We can layout your collage based on your instructions, and any thoughts or ideas are welcomed. This is, of course, your collage! If you'd like a particular photo enlarged and centered in your collage, just let us know.
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Simply by adding a 4" - 6" white border to the outside of the collage. Before the event, have the collage mounted and placed on an easel. Afterwards, place in a frame under glass and it will look terrific!
This will allow hundreds of signatures and well-wishes. The collage at the right is 16" x 20". with the border it's 24" x 28". What an impressive sight! It was made for an 1st Anniversary party.
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Your photos WILL NOT BE HARMED or damaged in any way. We use protective packaging and insure every return shipment with the United States Postal Service.
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That's entirely up to you! We can produce collages up to 3x5 feet in size! They can be horizontal, vertical, square or even circular!
You can use the following chart to determine an approximate size for your collage based on the number of photographs that you wish to include. These sizes were created to ensure that your collage won’t look too crowded or cramped.
| up to 10 photos | 11" x 14" |
| up to 20 photos | 16" x 20" |
| up to 30 photos | 18" x 24" |
| up to 40 photos | 22" x 28" |
| up to 50 photos | 24" x 30" |
| up to 60 photos | 24" x 36" |
| up to 70 photos | 30" x 40" |
| up to 80 photos | 36" x 48" |
This a list of U.S. standard frame sizes for reference:
| 8" x 10"
8" x 12"
8-1/2" x 11"
9" x 12"
10" x 13"
11" x 14"
12" x 16"
| 14" x 18"
16" x 20"
20" x 24"
22" x 28"
24" x 30"
24" x 36"
30" x 40" | These are standard “ready-made” frame sizes that can be purchased in any retail store. Please remember that custom frame sizes do not have to be expensive. There are many inexpensive frame styles that can be purchased at any reputable frame shop, so don’t let the ready-made sizes determine your desired layout. |
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Sorry, we do not currently offer framing. However, you can find a reputable frameshop in your local area by searching the Professional Picture Framers Association™ database. When framing your collage, we recommend that you use decorative matting or spacers in order to keep the glass from touching the image area of the collage. Ask your local picture framer for more information about protecting and preserving your treasured memories.
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Follow these 3 easy steps to ordering your collage.
Step 1: Submit an online order form on our Order Page.
Step 2: Make your Payment. You may make your secure online payment via PayPal. Go to our Pricing page and get an estimate. Make your payment for roughly half of the full price as a deposit, insuring that we get started as soon as we receive your package. If you decide to pay by check or money order, go directly to Step 3.
Step 3: Print an order form and mail it with your photos and payment (Make the check/money order payable to The Collage Company) to: The Collage Company, 525 Beckett Rd Unit 4, Swedesboro, NJ 08085 Package your photographs in an 8x10 or 9x12 envelope, and protect your photos by inserting a hard cardboard-like structure. This will protect your photos from bending while in transit. You can find such envelopes at your local Post Office. Use the printed order form to describe any instructions to our artists, such as special cropping, removing of people/blemishes, and center photo choice. We'll email you a proof of your collage within a week after we receive your photos and deposit. At that time, you may suggest any revisions you would like to see made to your collage. Upon your approval, we'll promptly return ship your original photographs and new collage.
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We currently only accept US currency in the form of Money Orders, PayPal, Cashier's Checks and Personal Checks (work will begin when personal checks clear). Please do not forget to include your check or money order with your photographs. Checks can be made payable to The Collage Company.
Work on your collage will begin once a 50% payment has been made.
A proof of your collage will be sent via e-mail. Upon your approval and payment of your balance, your collage will be printed and shipped via USPS Ground (shipping is included). Your photographs will also be sent back to you.
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At The Collage Co. we are dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. If we haven’t answered your question in our FAQ’s, please feel free to contact us via email at mail@thecollagecompany.com and we’ll gladly answer any questions you may have. If you would like to speak to a customer service representative, simply email us at mail@thecollagecompany.com, include your question, telephone number (including area code), and best time to reach you.
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