Artwork Requirements

Printing Methods
Sublimation Printing: Sublimation is a process where dye is imprinted onto transfer paper. When applied with heat and pressure, the dyes are changed into a gas and are dyed into the polyester material. This is recommended for multi-color or photographic style imprints. Certain colors, especially golds and yellows, do not always reproduce well. Metallic colors are not available.

Direct Print (also called silk-screening or screen printing): This is a process in which ink is applied directly on top of the surface, then heat cured to the finished product. Allows for an array of pre-mixed colors to be used, including brushed golds and metallic inks.

Pad Printing: Is a process that transfers an image out of an etched plate onto a silicone pad, and finally onto the product.

Hot Stamping: This is a heat transfer process using a raised plate to stamp foil images onto the product.

Color Matching and 4 Color Process
Pantone PMS Colors / Spot Colors: On most products, the Pantone PMS Solid Uncoated scale will be used. Chosen colors will be matched as closely as possible, however some variation due to texture, finish, and color of the substrate being printed may occur.
4 Color Process: 4 colors are combined to create images that include halftones, gradients, or photo images. This process does not allow for exact color matching, and may affect certain colors drastically.

Art specifications
For best quality, please submit all artwork via e-mail or upload on our website as vector files with all text converted to curves or outlines, and all colors specified as PANTONE PMS colors from the solid uncoated swatch palette. If vector artwork is unavailable, please submit rasterized artwork at a resolution of 300dpi at 100% print size. Lower resolution is acceptable, although it will have a negative impact on print quality. Higher resolution is not typically necessary.

Please understand that artwork created in another program and saved as a vector file format does not guarantee usable art (i.e., a JPEG file saved from Adobe Illustrator does not make it a vector graphic).

Acceptable file formats for digital artwork: .pdf (Portable Document Format), .ai (Adobe Illustrator),
.eps (Encapsulated Post Script), .jpg (Joint Photographic Experts Group),
.gif (Graphic Interchange Format),
.psd (Photoshop Document), .tif (Tagged Image Format File – must have Byte Order as “PC”)
Font suggestions & helpful tips
Direct print methods (textiles, screen printed mouse pads and wrist rests) should not have type below 12pt. (san-serif) or 16pt. (serif). Letterpress or hot stamping methods (jar openers, books) should avoid large reversal areas, and have a line weight of at least 1pt. Font point sizes should not be below 9 point (san-serif) or 10pt. (serif). Sublimation should have font sizes of 12 pt. (san-serif) or 16 pt. (serif), and line weights of 1pt. Small reversed text will experience fill-in or bleeding.

Proofing
Email/Digital proofs: Email proofs will be provided upon request at a cost of $10(v).
Physical proofs (pre-production samples): $40(v) plus all applicable setup charges, unless otherwise noted. Setup charges are 1-time charges on most products, and will not be charged twice if physical proof is approved without changes.
Typesetting and design
Setup charges include basic typeset, adding your logo to a product or typeset, and light touch-up to allow the logo to be produced at it’s best. Any art preparation that is required outside normal boundaries will be charged at $45.50(v) per hour, with a 1 hour minimum.
Repeat orders: To ensure exact duplication, furnish our previous invoice number, date of invoice, and a sample. Exact imprint color and product cannot be guaranteed on repeat orders. All artwork will be kept on file for 2 years.