Artwork Guidelines
The quality of your graphics are based entirely on the quality of your artwork. While every project will very in media type, resolution requirements, and file structure, these basic guidelines will help eliminate any artwork format discrepancies.
ACCEPTABLE TYPES OF STORAGE MEDIA FOR FILE SUBMISSION
• 100mb Zip Disc
• CD-ROM
• CD-RW
• DVD-R
DESIGN SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
• Macromedia Freehand
• Graphics Advantage 4
• Macromedia Fireworks
• CorelDraw (when saved as a generic EPS)
• AutoCad (DXF & DWG format only)
NOTE: Quark Express is not intended for use in the vinyl graphics industry. Additional art fees will be necessary to convert these files to a usable format. Only files built in Quark 4.0 or older can be converted. Newer versions can not be accepted.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Attach your contact information, such as company name, phone number and e-mail address to any artwork being submitted. A business card is acceptable.
• Include a complete proof for your project that includes file names, sizes, and colors for the graphics being produced. Any specific installation instructions need to be included as well.
• Be sure to include all pertinent fonts, linked files, and images needed to complete the project.
FONTS
Transport Graphics requires that all digital files have fonts converted to paths or outlines. If this is not possible, we have a vast library of fonts and we will attempt to find an adequate substitute for missing fonts but an exact match cannot be guaranteed.
APPROVED SCALES
The mobile advertising industry is unique in the fact that the artwork we produce is larger than any other industry. In order to build these files, Transport Graphics uses specific “scales”, which allow us to build the artwork at a percentage of the actual size. For example, the maximum working area in Adobe Illustrator is just over 227” and a 53 ft. trailer is 636” long. Obviously, the artwork cannot be built at actual size. For projects like this, we use one of the following scales:
SCALE PERCENTAGE
|
SCALE
|
PERCENTAGE
|
CONVERSION
|
EXAMPLE
|
MIN. IMAGE RESOLUTION**
|
|
1:1 SCALE
|
actual size
|
1″ = 1″
|
636.00″ = 636.00″
|
72 ppi
|
|
1:2 SCALE
|
files built at 50%
|
1″ = 2″
|
318.00″ = 636.00″ |
144 ppi
|
|
1:10 SCALE*
|
files built at 10%
|
1″ = 10″
|
63.60″ = 636.00″
at actual size |
720 ppi
|
* PREFERRED SCALE
** SEE “RASTER-BASED ARTWORK” FOR MORE INFORMATION
VECTOR-BASED ARTWORK
A vector-based graphic is a graphic that uses anchor points and paths to form shapes as opposed to pixels. The advantage of a vector-based graphic is that it can be scaled indefinitely without any loss of quality. Programs that use a vector format include Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand and CorelDraw.
This file type would be used in the production of signs, banners, or vehicle graphics that are to be cut from solid pieces of material. In some instances, a vector file can be used for digital printing (such as multi-colored decals, complex designs, or large quantities).
When using a vector-based program, files should be built at actual production size or one of the approved scales listed above. Be sure to note the scale of your files on any provided prints as well as in the file itself.
If your file includes placed images, the image must accompany the parent file on your disk.
RASTER-BASED ARTWORK
Images built at the correct resolution will be sharp. A raster-based file is an image or photograph using pixels to determine color. Programs such as Adobe photoshop and Macromedia Fireworks are raster applications.
The most important part of your design is making sure the images are BUILT at the proper size. Before you begin your design, remember that every image has two sizes. The first is the mathematical size and the second is the resolution. While directly related, they are very different aspects of the same image.
PROPER RESOLUTION
Images built at the correct resolution will be sharp.
Ideally, we use an image resolution of 72 pixels per inch (PPI) at the actual production size for digital printing. Images that are lower than 72 ppi tend to be below our quality standards.
The part that can make this confusing is when you start changing the mathematical size and how the changes effect the resolution.
Lets say that your “original” image is 1″ by 1″ at 100 ppi. This means that this image has 100 pixels in it’s 1 square inch area. If you change the mathematical size to 10″ by 10″, you now have a 100 square inch area. Since the “original” only had 100 pixels, those pixels now have to stretch to cover 10 times the area and the only way this can happen is if they “fuzz”, creating the blurry looking image. The higher the resolution of the ORIGINAL image determines how clear the image will be when the mathematical size is increased.
For correct image resolution
Resampling images that are too small will make them blurry.
Resampling images that are too small will make them blurry.
FILE DELIVERY
These are the methods you can use to get your digital files to us:
SALES
Give any necessary discs and prints to your sales person
E-MAIL
You can e-mail your files to us (as long as the entire e-mail does not exceed 8mb). Please contact your sales person for the correct e-mail address for your project.
FTP
In some instances, you can FTP your file to our server. Specific applications supporting the File Transfer Protocol are necessary to complete this method. Please contact your sales person for any additional information.
SHIPPING
When shipping CD’s, please be sure to use a padded envelope and soft cases. CD jewel cases tend to break during shipping and can damage your disc, making it unreadable. Ship all artwork to your salespersons attention.
Transport Graphics, Inc.
836 N. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65802
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