VECTOR files are considered good artwork. Artwork that stores mathematical geometric information about shapes and lines is called vector. They can be scaled easily without producing the stair-step edges you will see on pixel based (raster) images. Vector files adapt to the resolution of any output device and are considered to be resolution independent. They are generally produced by programs like Adobe Illustrator and Freehand or CorelDraw. Postscript format with the .eps extension is preferred. Many people make the mistake of thinking that "EPS" is a guarantee of success. While we do have confidence that your EPS files are the kind we can use, it's important to note that putting the letters "EPS" at the end of a file name, or saving certain files in the EPS format, does not necessarily make them the kind of files that are expected just because their extension says "EPS." For example, Photoshop files saved in the EPS format are still bitmap files. The use of bitmap files (i.e. Photoshop) requires a different kind of attention. Vector files are subject to damage when they travel on the Internet without compression, so if you plan to send vector files from one place to another, please be sure to compress them first. Popular compression software for Macintosh users is Stuffit; most Windows users will use PKZip or WinZip. It's also helpful to take care of your fonts before problems arise. Vector illustration programs allow you to "create outlines" or "convert text to curves". These features are important and should be used whenever additional typesetting is not needed with the same font. If additional typesetting is needed, please supply your fonts, too.
Only professional software packages may by used to produce artwork. Although programs like Microsoft Word and Publisher are useful tools, they are not capable of producing art files of a quality necessary for imprinting purposes.
Can graphics seen on the World Wide Web be used for printing? Almost always, no. Web graphics are very low-resolution and they use colors, which do not correspond to printing inks. However, most web graphics are derivatives of better quality files, often vector-based graphics, which you can obtain with a little effort and thereby get much better results. Screen printing and other printing processes sometimes require special attention with issues like under-colors, dot gain, trapping, registration, color adjustment, and so forth. Please do not make the mistake of thinking that the logo that looks great on your office color printer can also be used to do professional printing without some extra attention and cost. Even the best artwork files sometimes need a bit of professional "tweaking" to assure the highest quality end result. Full color (4-color) process printing is very common in lithography (printing on paper) but not always possible on promotional products.
Remember, the decorated products are made of a variety of surfaces, colors, shapes, textures, and materials. So please understand that the artwork or color photography which looks great on stationery at your office may not easily convert to something say like gold-foil stamping on leather. We also work with a variety of other non-print processes too, such as engraving, embroidery, casting, and each of these has its own special considerations.
Proofs: We recommend pre-production proofs, especially in today's technologically advanced world of electronic artwork and Internet transfers. The time saved using these modern conveniences make it well advised to take a few extra precautions to make sure nothing goes wrong along the way and proofs are the only way to make sure your products are decorated just the way you want.
Camera Ready Art Quick Tips:
• Art must be Black & White "Line Art" with very clean, crisp lines that will be easy to scan and reproduce without 'clean up'.
• Avoid using Halftones, Screens or Shades of Gray. If screens are necessary, please identify the area and percentage of Black required
(percentages above 30% Black are not recommended).
• Acceptable formats for submitting "Camera Ready" Art: Laser Prints on High Quality Paper with a 600 dpi resolution or higher.
• Avoid using Inkjet prints, faxes, copies of faxes, and products with curved or rough surfaces (such as business cards), these will not be accepted.
• Multi-Color Imprints require color separation, black artwork for each color (along with registration marks) and a color composite copy for reference.
• Check for thin lines and small type. All copy should be 6 points or larger. Lines should be at least .25 points or larger.
• No larger than 8" x 14", must be flat (for use on a flatbed scanner).
For further resources to better understand and educate yourself regarding artwork, please see the additional links provided by the drop down menu above the art palette. Thank you.
|