Artwork tips for Promotional Marketing

You often see the phrase
camera-ready art
but what does it mean exactly. Different criteria depend whether it is traditional paper based artwork or digital files. Most companies now prefer digital files.

For artwork which will be scanned

Ideally it is in jet black on a good white background for mono work. Not the colour it is to be printed. If it looks mediocre to start with, unfortunately it will not improve as it is scanned.
It is clear and crisp and has no jaggy lines - these will only become more jaggy.
It is at least the same size as your finished image and ideally twice as large.
If your finished artwork is in 2 colours - you will need 2 seperated pieces of artwork.
and lastly - it IS finished and doesn't require to be touched up or amended.

For digital artwork on file

Is it the correct resolution for your finished size - ideally 300dpi.
Make sure the file is not corrupted and not in some strange proprietary software programme.
Is the file in the correct format for the job you want to do eg: you cannot use a colour rgb jpeg bitmap file to print a two colour vector graphic. I will explain the difference between bitmaps and vectors later in the year.
Is it separated in the way you require your finished artwork.

I hope these key issues help. We have many clients who give us artwork for our custom personalized note pads and we try to make sure that what they need is what we are reproducing without extra costs and heartache along the way.

If in doubt always ask your printer or service bureau for help before you start.

have fun with your promotional marketing

Gordon Flavell

www.flavell.com

the hoome of new promotional marketing ideas and custom printed note pads