Camera-Ready Artwork Requirements
There are requirements your artwork must meet before it is truly ready for print.To send your project off to print, your artwork files must be camera-ready. If you need design help, let us know. To be considered “camera-ready” your artwork files must meet the following requirements:
Acceptable File Formats
We prefer artwork be submitted in one of the following vector file formats:
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
- Encapsulated Post Script (.eps)
- Portable Document Format (.pdf)
Other File Formats
- JPEG (*.jpg)
- Adobe Photoshop (*.psd) – please don’t flatten the file, include all fonts
- Tagged Image Format (*.tif)
- Graphics Interchange Format (*.gif)
- Portable Network Graphics (*.png)
* Files marked with an asterisk must be high resolution (300 dpi or higher in the finished print size). Images you find using Google and right-click save-as will not work!
Unacceptable File Formats
Please do not submit Microsoft Word, Publisher or PowerPoint files as “camera-ready” artwork. Those files are useful for conveying design ideas, but cannot be used for final artwork output.
Artwork and Design Services
Files that do not meet the above listed criteria will be subject to our standard hourly artwork charge of $60/hr, billed in 15-minute increments.
Color Accuracy
Due to variances in computer monitors, cell phone screens, and at-home printers, colors in an artwork proofs or mockups may not be true to the finished product.
If you desire a specific color match, please specify the color by providing either a physical sample, or listing a corresponding Pantone Ink color (PMS color) or CMYK value on your purchase order or order specifications.
Additional color matching fees will apply if we need to custom mix or Pantone match ink.
Maximum Imprint Size for T-Shirts or Hoodies
Dimensions are **approximate** and will vary based on style of garment selected. V-neck t-shirts may require smaller artwork.
- Adult Unisex garments:12″ wide x 12″ tall
- Ladies’ Fit garments:5″ wide x 12″ tall
- Tank tops: 7.5″ wide x 10″ tall
- Youth shirts: 9″ wide x 10″ tall
- Left or Right Chest “pocket” prints:5″ x 3.5” tall
- Sleeve prints:5″ wide x 12” long
Maximum Imprint Size for Print (flyers, business cards, etc.) or Banners and Yard Signs
If your artwork requires a full bleed imprint, add .125″ bleed to your art files. A safety margin of .25″ is sufficient. All files must be submitted in CMYK format, with photos converted from RGB to CMYK.
All banners and signs require 2″ bleed and require a 2″ safety margin for hems and grommets (if applicable).
Promotional Products Artwork
Almost all promotional products list a maximum imprint area. Your logo and artwork needs to be submitted at the finished size, as a vector file (.ai, .eps, or vector-based .pdf), else the item manufacturer will not accept the order.
Royalty-Free Art & Photography
If you need to purchase stock photos, clip art, or graphic elements that are “safe” to use for commercial projects (copyright compliance), below are some resources we recommend. You can save draft copies of most files to share with us for inspiration.
If you provide the artwork, we assume you have the legal copyrights and licensing to print said artwork. We will not print or create designs using major national brand logos, sports teams, Disney characters, etc., don’t even ask. Yes, we know people do it on Etsy all the time. For us, it will always be a solid “no”.