Artwork Prep

ARTWORK

Should you need assistance preparing your graphics for print, we offer additional file prep at $30/hr.  Before we start any work, we will always provide a quote with expected time to complete.

PREPARE YOUR ART 

All files must be at least 300 dpi to size or Vector Format. If your file is not 300 dpi, you cannot increase the resolution of the file. This is called "upsampling" and will result in a blurry image. If you are creating your file in Adobe Illustrator or another Vector-based software, just size your image to the size you want it to print. 

HALF TONES & COLOR SEPARATION 

Halftone must be produced in shop. We use specialized programs to produce the correct halftone for use in making screens. Color separation is also a delicate process that sometimes requires work outside of Photoshop or Illustrator and is best taken care of by our prepress specialists. Please understand that some designs are complicated and will require file prep fees. We understand that you may be inclined to save money and try this on your own, however, it may end up costing you more in the long run if we have to rework artwork to it’s original form before setting it up for halftones and separation. 

ACCEPTED FILE TYPES 

We accept the following File Types: .PSD, .AI, .JPEG, .EPS, .PDF, .TIFF. We prefer .AI or .EPS files first because Vector images can be scaled without affecting quality. We prefer .PSD, .PDF, .TIFF second & .JPG last. 

CONVERT YOUR TEXT TO OUTLINES 

With the abundance of typefaces and font families available online, all type must be converted to formats that we can use without having the same typeface installed on our computers.  All type in vector files need to be converted to outlines (shift+command+O in illustrator). In raster files all type needs to be rasterized. 

COLOR MATCHING

We offer Pantone color matching for your order upon request. Colors appear different from monitor to monitor, therefore the best way to make sure that you are seeing the same colors that we are is to use a Pantone Solid Coated Formula Guide. These can be purchased on Amazon.