Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do you need vector art, can't you just use any image file?
A: Vector art is the standard for the printing industry, it is used for printing shirts, graphics, flags, etc. One of the main features that makes it so perfect for this industry is the ability to resize it without it becoming pixilated. So for instance you can take a 1" x 3" vector image and stretch it to fit a 10' x 13' printing surface. If you try to stretch a non vector image it will distort and become pixilated, this will not create a nice finished product.
Q: If I import a non vector image (.jpeg, .bmp, .gif, .psd) into Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator and save it as a .eps or .ai file isn't that vector?
A: No, simply saving a non vector image as an .eps or .ai file does not make it vector, and we will not be able to use it on your flag.
Q: Can you re create my art as vector?
A:Yes, for an additional art charge we can create your art as vector. However the art needs to be large and clear enough for us to see ALL the details in the image. If we can't see all the details we will not know how the image should look in order to re-create it. An example of good art that we can work with would be THIS. The image is large and clear, and we will have no problem re-creating vector art from it. An example of bad art would be THIS. The image is very small and we cannot see any details, we will not be able to make vector art from it.
Q: Can I email my art?
A: Yes, as long as it is under 5MB. If it is any larger than that our mail server will not accept it. If you have art larger than 5MB you can try compressing it using a program like WinZip or WinRar. If the art is still too large to email you can contact use for instructions on how to upload your art to our FTP site.
Q: Can I use clip art in my art? And where can I find vector clip art?
A: You can use any clip art as long as it is vector (.ai or .eps). If we are creating the art for you, then you can browse any of the images at clipart.com Once you find clip art that you like you can email us the link to that image, or give us the image number and we can download it for use on your flag.
Q: What fonts can I use?
A: You can use any fonts that are standard on MAC or PC computers. If you use a font that is not a standard then you will need to either outline the fonts in Illustrator or email you the font files with your art. If you do not do this, it will delay your order until we receive the correct fonts from you.
Q: What do I need to do if I use a special font?
If we don't have the correct fonts, our computers will replace it with a standard font that might not match the one that you used, as a result, the art might not look the same as it appears on your computer, and will not print the same. To fix this you will need to do one of the following...
A: We will need the font files that were used to create the art. These are located on the hard drive of the computer used to make the art. They are normally located in the C:\WINDOWS\Fonts folder. You will then need to find the fonts with the same names as the ones you used in the art and email them to us when you send us your art.
OR
A: When in illustrator you can select ALL fonts in the art, go to the ‘Type’ menu, and select ‘Create Outlines’ this will turn the selected text into a graphic, then our computers will be able to open the art without having the font files. The only drawback of this method is that we will not be able to edit the text. So if any changes are needed to the text in your art you will have to make the changes on your end and send us the art over again.
Q: How can I format my font in Illustrator?
A: When creating vector artwork in Illustrator text can be formatted two different ways. The first way is to select the type tool and type out your text. This leaves the font editable to make changes later. Leaving the text like this can create problems when sending the file to another person. Illustrator recognizes that you typed your text in a certain font and if you send the file to someone without that particular font (some fonts are more common than others) the program will replace the font with another font on that persons computer. This will make the artwork appear different on both computers. The other way is to take the first way a step further and once you have the font typed out you will convert it into outlines. You can do this by selecting the text, right click, and select Create Outlines (or press Shift+Ctrl+O). This will change the text from an editable font into a graphic that can be viewed by anyone on any computer.
Q: What color book do you use?
A: We only use PANTONE SOLID COATED for digital printing.
Q: What version of Adobe Illustrator are you running?
A: We are currently running Adobe Illustrator CS3 on Mac and Windows operating systems.
Q: Do I need to pick my PMS colors?
A: You may select your own PMS colors from our Online Color Chart. Or we can match the existing colors in your art to the closest PMS colors.
Q: How big can the design be on my flag?
A: With most of our products, the imprint / design area needs to have a certain amount of space from edges to allow for stitching and finishing. Below is a list of the maximum design sizes for some of our more popular products.
| FLAG SIZE |
DESIGN SIZE |
| 10"X15" FLAG |
7"X10" |
| 12"X18" FLAG |
9"X12" |
| 2'X3' FLAG |
18"X30" |
| 2.5'X4' BANNER |
24"X42" |
| 3'X5' FLAG |
30"X54" |
| 4'X6' FLAG |
42"X66" |
| 5'X8' FLAG |
54"X90" |
| 6'X10' FLAG |
54"X110" |
| 8'X12' FLAG |
54"X120" |
| 14"X20" GOLF FLAG |
10"X16" |
Q: How long will my digital flag last ?
A: There is no one answer to this question. There are a lot of variables that will determine the life span of a flag. Some of the variables can be; where it is flown, in what weather conditions, and even how much direct sunlight the flag receives. All flags that are flown outdoors will eventually wear out, the sun will fade the colors, and the wind will eventually cause the fly end of the flag to tatter and tear. Just as the soles of your shoes or the tires on your automobile will wear out faster the more they are used, a flag flying at the top of a flagpole in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week will wear out too. To get the maximum life out of your flag, you should take your flag down at night and during bad weather, like rain, snow, and strong wind. If you notice that the fly end of your flag is coming apart, sew it back up before it gets worse.
Q: What is digital printing?
A: Digital printing is the reproduction of digital images on physical surface, such as common or photographic paper, film, cloth, plastic, etc. Digital printing is broad in it's definition, it is a printing process where all electronic documents are transferred digitally from workstations directly to the press. Film output, film assembly and plate processing are not part of the workflow as in conventional offset printing, and the cost for those materials have been eliminated. Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand. Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. Images are captured from a matrix of dots, generally called pixels, this process is called digitizing. The digitized image is then used to digitally controlled deposition of ink, toner or exposure to electromagnetic energy, such as light, to reproduce images.
Some things to consider: 1. The lighter the color, the lighter the penetration into the material that it is being printed on. This will also result in faster fading of the color. 2. The material that is being used - different materials absorb the inks differently. 3. Gradients - if your vector art has a gradient of colors (example : Blue into Green or Red into Orange) then when the flag is printed the area where the colors merge into each other might not be as smooth as it appears on your proof. This is due to the dot printing process.
Q: Do you have templates I can download?
A: Yes. We have a collection of vector templates for our most popular products. VECTOR TEMPLATES
PROOFING GUIDELINES
If you supply vector artwork, you will receive 1 proof and 1 revision at no charge. Any further revisions will be $25 per revision thereafter.
If we create vector artwork for you (which means we are creating it from scratch or creating from non-vector art), you will receive 1 proof and 2 revisions at no charge. Any further revisions will be $25 per revision thereafter.
PLEASE NOTE - Complex or multiple changes to your proof can result in loss of lead time. As a result, we may not be able to meet your in hands date, or higher shipping charges might be incurred in order to get you your product by your in hands date.
