Artwork Guidlines

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Please follow the guidelines below to ensure that your logo is processed quickly and accurately.
Please feel free to email our studio with any questions that you would like us to answer or files that you would like us to check over for suitability. 
It is always useful to forward your artwork as early as possible so that one of our team can advise you on the best method to print your logo and message on the promotional item you have selected,
 

Where do I send my artwork?

 

Please send your artwork to: artroom@compasscreatives.com

 

What Format should I send?

 

Solid Colours

Adobe Illustrator (.EPS or AI) converted to vectored art. Vectorised artwork can be resized without any loss of quality, however it is not suitable for photo-realistic images
Please provide your artwork with all type set on paths converted to outlines.
Please do NOT send raster images that are embedded within another file, such as within a Microsoft Word file.
We do not have capabilities for Macintosh. If artwork is created in Macintosh save in a PC format and convert to outlines.
Images that contain halftones, tints, grayscales will be considered to be a full colour file .
 

PLEASE NOTE  For Solid Colour (Spot Colours) JPEGS, BITMAPS, TIFFS AND WORD DOCS CANNOT BE USED FOR ARTWORK: Internet Graphics: JPEGs, GIFFs, TIFFs and all other bitmap files are not vector based format. Faxes, photocopies, business cards & letterheads cannot be accepted as artwork for screen printing.
 
Full Colour Print
  
For full colour printing files (.JPEG or  .TIFF)  containing bitmap images, as high resolution CMYK files at a minimum of 300dpi.
  
What if I don't have Artwork?
 
At Compass Creatives we have a full service art and graphic design division. We will clean up artwork with moderate levels of detail for a minimum charge to be recreated for print. Our graphic designers can recreate complex designs with high levels of detail. Complex design fees  P.O.A.  Typesetting is free, providing the fonts are TrueType and Type 1 postscript fonts. If you are in need of a logo design please contact us to quote for this service
We know that your printed products are only as good as the artwork that's provided. That's why at Compass Creatives, we make sure your artwork is acceptable before going into production.
 
What if I want a Pantone Colour Match?
  
Many of our printing methods allow for the us to closely match the print colour to a specific requirement. If you need a specific colour matching, please provide us with "PMS" colour numbers where applicable. PMS stands for Pantone Matching System. Please understand that all monitors are different and the colour you see on the screen will differ when viewed in person. When you enquire about our products we will let you know if a PMS match is available. For embroidered items, threads are selected which most closely matches your PMS color.
Due to inherent technical differences in colour monitors, the imprint colours and product colours depicted in the electronic proof will not resemble those in the final product.
 
Printing Methods
  
Screen Print

A screen print is the application of a single colour through a custom made 'template' or 'stencil' onto a flat or curved surface.
A second or more applications are needed to apply additional colours on the promotional product.
Ideal for most three dimensional objects made from plastics, wood, metal, textiles, glass and ceramics.

Tampo or Pad Print

The most effective way of applying up to 4 colour process onto flat, curved or recessed areas.
Ink is applied from an etched plate via a rubberised pad. Used on many desk top items
Anything made from firm, hard or semi soft materials can be printed whether they are flat or curved, recessed or indented. 
 
Acid Etching

Similar to screen printing but instead of using coloured ink an abrasive acid chemical is applied though the template instead.
This chemical erodes and affects the products surface leaving a contrasting area that looks embossed.
Mainly used on  glass, metal, wood and ceramics.
 
Engraving

Applied with a powerful laser or via a diamond tipped tool, engraving will literally burn or scratch into your chosen product leaving a mark that will outlive any other print or branding technology in normal general use.
For chrome or stainless steel, glass, crystal and wooden promotional products
 
Litho Process Printing

Litho process printing can be used to give your design greater depth through the use of tints, tones and gradients.
A litho process can use as many spot colours as you like. 
For paper and cardboard items, poly, textiles, larger flatter surfaces made from PVC and plastics. 
 
4 Colour Process Printing

Cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink is used to produce a print finish to photographic quality.
This process is perfect for paper, cardboard, textiles and other flat surfaces including PVC and plastics technologies.
 
Transfer Printing

Transfers are printed up to 4 colour process onto a flat, vinyl material. It is then applied to your chosen item by adhesives and heat application.
Ideal for ceramics, glass, textiles, PVC and plastics. UK made stress item bags. 
 
Digital Print

Allows files to be printed direct from the computer onto material removing the need for plates or film.
Suitable for paper, plastics and textiles providing short runs and a quick turn around. 
 
Hot Foil Blocking

Application of  foil, gold, silver or coloured, onto leather or PVC, in particular diaries and desk sets.

Embroidery

A way of stitching your design into garments, bags, vinyl and other thin materials.
Clarity will never be as crisp as print onto for example plastics, but outlasts, and outperforms print onto garments.
Used  for clothing, textiles, thin PVC and other flat, thin or soft surfaces. 

Labelling

Application of label to finished product. 4 Colour process and litho process  employed to print labels to specific size on materials such as paper, vinyl and plastics.
Perfect for application of 4 Colour process design to product that would not ordinarily be able to have print applied to it.