Artwork Standards & Guidelines

Vector Artwork

This is the preferred format for artwork submission.

Setup Charges Start at $20.00 (+GST).

vector art example

Vector Artwork Definition

Vector graphics are comprised of paths, which are defined by a start and end point. These paths can be used to create simple drawings or complex diagrams.

Because vector-based images are not made up of a specific number of dots, they can be scaled to a larger size and not lose any image quality. This makes vector graphics ideal for logos, which can be small enough to appear on a business card, but can also be scaled to fill a billboard.

Common types of vector graphics include CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, and EPS files.

Raster Artwork

This file format will require a re-drawing of the artwork.

Setup Charges Start at $45.00 (+GST).

raster art example

Raster Artwork Definition

Most images you see on your computer screen are raster graphics. They are made up of grid of pixels, commonly referred to as a bitmap. The larger the image, the more disk space the image file will take up.

Raster graphics can typically be scaled down with no loss of quality, but enlarging a bitmap image causes it to look blocky and “pixelated.”

Testing Artwork

Zoom in on your graphic or image. Does it become “blocky” or do the lines remain smooth? If they are smooth then the graphic is in vector. If you can’t open the file to check then chances are it is vector as well.

A Final Word…

The most common usage of artwork is in machines that require vector graphics. If artwork is submitted that is inadequate for the purpose it is intended for then artwork setup fees will apply.

We encourage the submission of high quality artwork since this saves the client money and helps us create great looking products.

Submission Formats

All of our computers are PCs and artwork should be suitable for that environment. If a particular font is required we would ask that you submit the font to us and we will only use it for your projects. Otherwise all fonts must be converted to curves/outlines so that the submitted document contains no fonts.

For vector based artwork: (please do not put embedded bitmaps into these file formats and expect them to be magically turned into vector images)

CorelDraw X4 (or lower)
Adobe Ilustrator CS3 (or lower)
Encapsulated Postscript or EPS

For bitmap based artwork: (see note below about sizing)

Corel PHOTO-PAINT X4 (or lower)
Adobe Photoshop CS3 (or lower)
Windows Bitmap, JPEGs, PNGs, etc.

Bitmap size is important. When the image is scaled to fit the project it should be an absolute minimum of 150 dpi (300 dpi preferred). This means that an 11″ x 15″ plaque needs an image that is 1650 pixels x 2250 pixels (3300 x 4500 preferred).