making custom posters

[korrupt]

i'm using photoshop to create custom posters for youth sport leagues. my poster size of choice is 11"x14".

Q.) when making my template, should i start with 11"x14". then fit all the graphics & digital photos of the players to the template? OR should i start with a 5.5"x7" template. insert all the graphics & digital photos of the players, then take it to the print lab and have them stretch it to an 11"x14" poster?

which option will i achieve the best quality from my digital photos?

PS - i'm using a Canon 300d for my digital photos(6.3 megapixels)

 

[IVARTON]

I always try to work at final output size (11x14). Scaling things up means your going to lose some information and your pics wont be as sharp.

 

[Digital Matt]

Yes, always design for your output resolution, or higher. Scaling down is fine, but you never want to scale up if you don't have to.