Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Local Printing & Graphic Design Experts Since 1906
Optimist Printers has been a cornerstone of the Columbia River Gorge community since 1906, delivering high-quality commercial printing and graphic design solutions. Our century-plus legacy is built on a commitment to innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction. With expertise in digital and offset printing, large-format signage, vehicle graphics, and custom apparel, we cater to diverse business needs.Our team combines decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to ensure every project meets exacting standards. We prioritize personalized service, evidenced by our high rate of repeat clients. As a locally owned business, we remain deeply invested in the communities we serve, maintaining the same dedication to excellence that has defined us for generations.
Services
Digital & Offset Printing
Signs & Banners
Vehicle Graphics
Graphic Design
Custom Apparel
Other Services
Details
- Year established: 1906
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of printing experience in the Columbia River Gorge.
- Our full-service facility handles projects from business cards to billboards.
- We provide personalized customer service with a focus on 100% satisfaction.
- Our team includes experts with decades of printing and graphic design experience.
- We utilize advanced technology to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions.
Services
Digital & Offset Printing
Our digital and offset printing services combine over a century of expertise with modern technology to produce high-quality materials. We handle projects of all sizes, from business cards to large-scale documents, ensuring precision and durability. Clients benefit from our commitment to timely delivery and cost-effective solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Signs & Banners
We create vibrant, durable signs and banners designed to capture attention and enhance brand visibility. Our large-format printing capabilities include retractable banners, tablecloths, and outdoor displays. Using premium materials and advanced techniques, we ensure every product withstands environmental conditions while maintaining visual impact for businesses in the Columbia River Gorge.
Vehicle Graphics
Our vehicle and window graphics transform cars, trucks, and vans into mobile advertising platforms. From full wraps to partial designs, we provide custom solutions that align with branding goals. The process includes expert design, installation, and maintenance, ensuring long-lasting, eye-catching results that elevate a business's on-the-go presence in local markets.
Graphic Design
Our graphic design team develops visually compelling materials that strengthen brand identity and marketing efforts. Services include logo creation, marketing collateral, and digital assets tailored to client objectives. With expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and industry trends, we deliver designs that resonate with target audiences while maintaining technical precision for print and digital use.
Custom Apparel
We offer custom embroidery, screen printing, and heat-press services for uniforms, promotional wear, and team apparel. Our solutions ensure vibrant, durable logos on t-shirts, hats, and more. Clients receive personalized guidance to select materials and techniques that match their budget and usage requirements, supporting brand consistency across wearable merchandise.
People
Matt Herriges
Owner
Matt Herriges, owner since 2007, has worked in printing since age 16. He oversees daily operations and sales, leveraging extensive industry knowledge. Active in the community, he serves on local boards and volunteers regularly.
Angie Herriges
Owner
Angie Herriges co-owns Optimist Printers since 2007, managing apparel services, customer relations, and accounting. A lifelong The Dalles resident, she ensures seamless client interactions and operational efficiency while balancing family commitments.
Mike Correa
Pressroom Production
Mike Correa, with over 30 years of experience, manages pressroom operations including offset and letterpress printing. He handles prepress, trimming, and die-cutting, ensuring precision in every printed product while enjoying outdoor activities in his free time.
Courtney Kivett
Graphic Designer
Courtney Kivett, lead designer since 2020, graduated from The Art Institute of Portland in 2016. She specializes in creating visually striking designs for print and digital media, bringing fresh creativity to client projects.
Matthew Allen
Signs & Apparel Designer
Matthew Allen, a 2016 graduate of Central Washington University, designs vehicle graphics and apparel. His expertise in graphic design ensures cohesive branding solutions that meet client needs with professional execution.
Questions
What printing services do you offer?
We provide digital and offset printing, large-format signs, vehicle graphics, custom apparel, and graphic design services for businesses in the Columbia River Gorge.
How long have you been in business?
Optimist Printers has served the Columbia River Gorge since 1906, offering over a century of printing and design expertise.
Do you handle large-format printing projects?
Yes, we specialize in large-format printing including banners, signs, and vehicle graphics designed for durability and visual impact.
Can you assist with custom apparel design?
We offer custom embroidery, screen printing, and heat-press services for t-shirts, hats, and promotional wear to showcase your brand.
What are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM in summer and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter.
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