F I RS T T H I N G ’ S FI RST :
Artwork
A vector file is artwork that can be scaled infinitely without losing quality or fidelity. You’ll never worry about that *pixelated* look!
Your artwork may be vector if your file extensions look like this:
Your artwork is NOT be vector if your file extensions look like this:
Artwork.jpg Artwork.png Artwork.gif Artwork.psd why is this essential?
In product production, all file formats MUST be in a vector format (unless you are doing print, but we will get to that later). Otherwise, we will not be able to accurately print your artwork.
don’t have a vector?
Occasionally, if you’re unable to provide a vector, our art team can re-draw the artwork into a vector format. However, for complex/low-res designs, it is more difficult to be accurate.
ARTWHAL NOT optimized for production: Although this guy looks pretty sweet, this sort of vector does not work for production. Art effects such as: gradients, glows, shadows, bevels, non-expanded patterns, and use of intricate color placement - do NOT translate into the production process.
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There are ways to still create the look of special effects, while still remaining a *usable* vector. Sublimated or DTG printing is an exception as it uses a 4 color process. Be sure to consult with our art team so we can tackle more complex designs together! We want to bring your vision to life.
MatchinG
ALSO REFERED TO AS PMS (PANTONE COLOR MATCHING SYSTEM)
The Pantone Color Matching System is largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.
HOW TO FIND YOUR PANTONE:
You can use the built-in swatch book for Illustrator. “Solid Coated” is the most common book to use. The PMS codes match with those in a Pantone Book.
Here is an example of colors identified with the Pantone swatch book. Note: BLACK + WHITE do not need codes.
ARTWHAL 304c
3105c
311c
black
white
3105c
white
black
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black
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HERE ARE EXAMPLES ON HOW TO PROPERLY FORMAT AN ARTWORK FILE FOR PRODUCTION OPTIMIZATION! THESE WILL COVER THE BASICS. FOR OTHER ITEMS, WE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO TEMPLATES THAT WILL PROVIDE THE ACCUATE LAYOUT. YOU WILL SEE HOW TO SEPARATE GRAPHICS, CALL OUT PMS COLORS AND SIZES, AS WELL AS DIRECTIONS FOR DIFFERENT IMPRINT STYLES.
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COLORS:
ARTWHAL LOCATION: front, center
black white 3105c SIZE: 9” Wide
MULTIPLE LOCATION
+imprint processes ARTW HAL
ART WH AL
L HA TW AR
AR TW HA L
L HA TW AR
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AL WH ART
AR TW HA L
L HA TW AR
black
white
3105c
3” W
ARTWHAL LEFT SIDE EMBROIDERY: black
2.5” W
L WHA ART
FRONT RIGHT SIDE SCREENPRINT:
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BACK EMBROIDERY: 316c
3115c
2” W
ARTWHAL INSIDE CUSTOM TAPING: 3115c
fit height
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PHOTO + VECTOR MOCKUP
The artwork itself will always need to remain a vector, however, your product does not. An accurate photo will suffice in showing where your art will be placed. KEEP ARTWORK FLAT. Do not alter perspective to form to your photo.
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USING A PATTERN? When you use any sort of pattern, make sure to separate it from the mockup just as you would any other graphic. Make sure you provide enough of the pattern so there is room to bleed over the edge.
AR TW HA L
IMPORTING? In addition to graphics/patters you will also need to note the PMS colors of the product itself.
outline your fonts!
We know you’re a creative genius who’s put the time in to get your font choices and composition just right - don’t let you hard work look like this because your fonts weren’t outlined.
ARTWHAL THIS IS IMPORTANT:
Outlining your text will make sure your type doesn’t get lost in the process. More than likely, the recieving system will not have the same fonts in their database, thus turning your beautiful fonts into whatever “default” typeface is on their system.
in Adobe Illustrator:
Outline your font by selecting all your text elements, TYPE > CREATE OUTLINES. That’s it!
prep f or Print-Ready is a term used to describe a file that has all the specifications necessary to produce high-resolution printed output, without requiring any additional alteration or intervention.
When saving for print or any 4-color proccess product, make sure your file is set to cmyk (convert any pantones) Set bleeds in your document settings and make sure all linked images are embedded. images MUST be at least 150ppi, and ideally 300ppi.
FILE TRANSFERS:
Save your production files in a portable document format. This will allow both your team and ours, to view the artwork without opening it, and seal all the assets in accurately.
VECTOR: when exporting to a .PDF, make sure to “Save As Smallest File” PRINT: when exporting to a .PDF, make sure to save as a “High Quality Print” and include bleed values.