This document is meant to clarify our specifications
for digital art files submitted to our art department. Although
we can deal with almost any file sent to us, the whole production
process can be expedited, and greater quality assurances can
be guaranteed, if a few moments are taken to check the items
in this list before submission. We understand that circumstances
do not always permit strict adherence to these guidelines, but
we hope that this clarification will at the very least open
the lines of communication.
The Short version:
All jobs can be submitted by email. To do so, you will need
the following in your email:
Please submit all files at the size you wish them to be printed.
preferred method for artwork is illustrator .eps file or a photoshop
file at 300 d.p.i.
your name and phone number
the color of shirts.
quantity and sizes of shirts
color of ink for front and back.
due date. (One to Two weeks from when you submit your order
- Please speak to someone at QRST's)
attach your artwork to your email.
The more involved version (longer reading!):
SIZING
Please submit all files at the size you wish them to be printed.
If you are unsure of what size might be appropriate, our customer
service rep will be glad to help you decide. Generally, full front
or back prints are between 10 and 12 inches wide by any height
up to 14 inches. Left chest prints are generally 2 1/2 to (and
never more than) 4 inches wide, and sleeve prints are usually
2 to 3 inches wide. Sizing is a matter of taste so these are not
to be taken as strict guidelines. We are capable of printing as
large as 15 by 21 inches, call regarding any larger sizes.
PAGE
LAYOUT or GRAPHICS FILES with PLACED
IMAGES
Quark Express, Freehand or Illustrator
Try not to re-size placed images in these programs. Instead,
size them appropriately ahead of time in their original application.
This is the most complex type of file for our process, and resizing
placed images can cause significant problems, as well as higher
costs to the customer in the form of art fees.
DRAW
or VECTOR DOCUMENTS
Freehand and Illustrator
In general, keep in mind that most screen printing is a spot
color medium, as opposed to offset, where the majority of color
work is process.
- Do not apply any trapping to the image.
- If identical objects overlay one another precisely, please
separate by layer.
- If appropriate, submit files with all colors converted to
spot, and all unused colors deleted from the document.
- Unless there is a large body of text in the file, please
convert all type to outlines. As most t-shirt designs are
not text intensive, this will prevent confusion and save you
the time of loading fonts onto the disk.
- Use PMS numbers for color names. Even though the generic
"Red" that the software gives you might look perfect on your
monitor, all monitors display differently, so using a standard
way to designate colors, like the Pantone Matching System,
is essential. Use the uncoated colors if possible. (There
are no "coated" shirts) Be sure to check the PMS book for
color accuracy as the on-screen versions are often misleading.
PIXEL
BASED or PHOTO/PAINT DOCUMENTS
Photoshop, etc.
Submit all full color, photographic files in RGB format.
We can guarantee the best color fidelity if the file is in these
"unadulterated" formats. If you are having an image scanned
just for your T-shirt design, request RGB from your service
bureau or scanner operator. Many high end scanning units will
scan images in CMYK. This is great for offset, but not so hot
for screen printing. Some places will simply convert the file
from the original CMYK format to RGB. This is acceptable but
not the best way to do things. The key issue here is that when
an image is in CMYK mode it's palette of colors has been reduced
for the offset printing process. If the image is to be spot
color separated, we can often reproduce a wider range of colors
than offset printing. Giving us the image in CMYK will limit
the possibilities. Also, when a CMYK image is displayed on your
monitor the appearance of the image is controlled by a number
of preferences you have set up concerning dot gain and printing
inks. In RGB these factors will be ignored.
Photographic color and grayscale files should be to size,
at least 150 ppi, Best D.P.I. is 300. (pixels per inch).
If your files are at all detailed and are much below 150 ppi,
there could be less than desirable results. There are a variety
of specific techniques we can employ to compensate for a lower
resolution original so please, do not simply raise the resolution
by plugging in higher numbers. Please contact us early to resolve
this issue. (Note: if there is type in your image, it should
be set in a draw or layout program, as small, anti-aliased type
looks too soft when printed on a t-shirt, even if it is 150
ppi at printing size.)
Simple black and white line drawings should be submitted
as bitmap TIFFs. If there are colors to be laid into the
black key lines, please indicate on a laser print or Xerox copy
their location and color, and we will insert them. Line art
files should be to size at 500 to 600 dpi. If you are unable
to provide this resolution, we can scan your original.
PAGE LAYOUT FILES
Quark Express, Pagemaker
If you have not converted text to box be sure to include
all necessary bitmap and printer fonts.
Use PMS numbers for color names. Be sure to check the
PMS book for color accuracy as the on screen versions are often
misleading.
MEDIA
and TRANSMISSION
Electronic transfer is also an easy and convenient way to
send your file which is preferred.
QRST's has the ability to deal with every type of media. Art
submitted on 100mb Zip disks or CD will also allow us to view
your file immediately.
Remember to use a compression utility like StuffIt.
All files that travel over the internet get converted to text
somewhere along the line. By using a compression application
you can protect the files within, making them more easily accessed
on our end. If possible avoid sending files from an AOL account,
it rarely works properly.
We are at art@qrsts.com
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