When placing an imprint order, submitting the artwork can be confusing. We're here to help. The most common challenge is submitting the correct format that will provide the best imprint. This is because the best quality artwork is vector art (see "Best Format" description below) which may require use of special software.
If you need assistance determining if your art is suitable, just call or email it to us for a free consultation.
If you do not have artwork in the correct format, need a logo or special design, our graphic service can create it for you at a reasonable cost. Basic layouts or text (i.e. name, phone number, etc.), will be typeset for you at no cost.
Artwork should be PC compatible. For best results we require vector art at a high resolution format such as .ai (Illustrator ver. 9) or .eps.
Most .jpg files are not acceptable as their resolution is too low and thus will not print well. Other artwork that is not considered camera ready includes: photographs, photocopies, faxed art, letterhead or business cards, most web images or multi-color art to be made one color.
SUGGESTED PROGRAMS & REQUIREMENTS FOR ARTWORK
Illustrator: "Create Outlines" on all fonts. All placed images must be included in b&w and created at a minimum of 600dpi. Placed images in color are unacceptable; .ai and .eps are acceptable formats.
Photoshop: B&W raster art must be created at a minimum of 600dpi. Multicolored raster art is not recommended but will only be accepted if sent color separated and created at a minimum of 600dpi. Tiff and .eps are generally acceptable file formats.
Freehand: All fonts must "convert to paths". All placed images must be included in b&w and created at a minimum of 600dpi. Placed images in color are unacceptable. Eps is the acceptable file format.
PDF files must be saved in a high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) setting. Most PDF files however cannot be modified or resized. The original program file would be preferred in order for us to review and to adjust your artwork for the correct imprint size. PDF files may incur an art charge to correct/convert to a usable vector art file.
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We will always show you a proof of your artwork as it will be imprinted on the product. This is to ensure the highest quality of imprint, and eliminate any possible confusion. To submit your artwork, please send via e-mail (no larger than 3 meg please) with your name, company and item number to info@whataparty.biz. If you have questions, contact us at 301-938-3775.
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ART ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions, or are unsure of the quality/format of your artwork, please call us for assistance. You may also send us your file and request that we advise you on the print quality. We can advise or assist you with the layout of your imprint, or do minor clean-up of your artwork at no charge.
If your imprint consists of simple text (i.e. name, address, phone number, etc.), we will typeset that for you at no charge.
If more extensive changes are necessary and the artist's time exceeds one half hour, there will be a charge. If you do not have artwork, or need a logo or special design, we can create it for you at an hourly rate. Please call in advance or notify us when you order if you require any of our graphic services.
WHAT IS THE BEST FORMAT FOR IMPRINTING . . . AND WHY?
There are two types of artwork: vector art, and bitmap art. Vector art is the better of the two, providing the highest quality imprint. It can be scaled to fit on a billboard or fit on a key chain without losing any quality. Vector art will usually have one of these extensions after the file name: .eps , .ai , .cdr (example: logo.ai).
Artwork created in programs such as Illustrator (.ai) or CorelDraw (.cdr) are vector images and can be saved in the format needed for imprinting.
When working with vector art all fonts must be converted to outlines. This means that text must be converted from a typed font, to shapes. By doing this you ensure that the text in the artwork will not change when submitted, and imprints in the exact style intended.
Bitmap art is represented as a .jpg or .tif (example: logo.tif). The quality of bitmap art is measured in DPI (dots per inch). In few cases the file may be used to imprint but it must be at least 300 DPI. Bitmap art cannot be scaled up, only scaled down, Bitmap art is usually a large file consisting of multiple megabytes. Artwork taken from the Internet (i.e. a webpage) is generally 72 DPI bitmap art, therefore logos from websites cannot be imprinted.
PDF files (example: logo.pdf) can be viewed by anyone with Adobe Acrobat software. Some PDF files can be used for imprinting depending on the type of imprint. They must be saved as Hi-resolution, 300 dpi or "for prepress". PDF files however cannot be modified or resized. The original program file would be preferred in order for us to review and to adjust your artwork for the correct imprint size.
If you are engraving or screen printing, art it must be in black and white. If it is not then it must be vector art so we can convert it.
If you have any questions, or are unsure of the quality/format of your artwork, you may call us for assistance. You may also send us your file and request that we advise you on the print quality. We can advise or assist you with the layout of your imprint, or do minor clean-up of your artwork at no charge.
You may reach us at 301-938-3775 or email us at info@whataparty.biz.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE ORDERING PROCESS
To receive more information or to order items, you need only to call, or just click to EMAIL us ... we will contact you to clarify necessary details, including your imprint/artwork, correct style, color, date needed, etc., as well as to answer any questions that you may have.
Once your order is reviewed, you will be emailed or faxed an order acknowledgement with a proof showing the artwork to be printed.
Please respond to this order acknowledgement within 24 hours so as not to delay your order. If you require any changes, notify us immediately and note it as well on the order acknowledgment.
• RUSH SERVICE is available on most items ... Let us know your target date and we'll work with you to make that deadline! Factory rush charges and expedited shipping may be required in some cases.
• Apparel screen printing and embroidery are priced separately.
• Imprinted items incur a one time set-up fee per color per location. This fee varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but typically ranges from $35-$50 for printed products, $50-75 for debossed or stamped products, $20-$30 per color for screen printed t-shirts and apparel, and a $75 tape charge for embroidered products (up to 5,000 stitches; additional cost based on the number of additional stitches required).
