Promotional Products Art Guide

Art File Types

The best file formats for your customized product is a vector file. These are typically .ai and .eps files. If you do not have the preferred file format, Blueberry Ink can usually convert your art to the required file type. This may however add a day to your production schedule.

Preferred File Formats:
.ai* Adobe Illustrator
This file type is usually vector and one of the best file types.
.eps * post script
This file type is usually vector and one of the best file types.
Other Accepted File Formats:
.jpg * non-vector
This file type is never vector and will usually add an extra business day to your production schedule for conversion.
.gif * non-vector
This file type is never vector and will usually add an extra business day to your production schedule for conversion.
.pdf * may or may not be vector
This file type can contain a vector or non-vector image. If it is not vector, it will usually add an extra business day to your production schedule for conversion.
.doc * may or may not be vector
This file type can contain a vector or non-vector image. If it is not vector, it will usually add an extra business day to your production schedule for conversion.
Vector.... What's That?
The below example shows how vector art is defined by vector points. This would be a typical .ai or .eps file. This makes it possible to print the art at any size without any distortion. Keeping the lines smooth and clear.
Example of Vector Art
The next example is a bitmapped art file which is not vector.
This would be a typical .jp or .gif file. This file type must be converted to a vector graphic to make it usable for custom imprinted, debossed or laser engraved items.
Example of Vectorized Art

Customization Methods for Promotional Products

Deboss

Example of Deboss

With the deboss method, we create a die of your logo then heat press it into the material. Deboss is usually a blind deboss meaning there is no color.

Best file format for deboss would be a 1 color vector art such as .ai or .eps

Laser

Example of Laser Engraving

Using high-tech laser equipment, we etch your logo into the material's surface. The color of your logo will be the underlying material.

Best file format for laser would be a 1 color vector art such as .ai or .eps

Embroidery

Example of Embroidery

For embroidery we convert your artwork to a pattern of stitches, then embroider you logo into the cloth with up to seven thread colors.

Emboridery can start with almost any file type which has solid colors. Best file types are .ai or .eps or .jpg or .gif

1 Color Print

Example of 1-Color Print

Tell us what color you want, and we'll print it. If you have a specific PMS match color you want, we can custom mix for the imprint color you require.

Best file format for 1-Color imprint would be a 1 color vector art such as .ai or .eps

Multi-Color Print

Example of 2-Color Print

Need more than one color? On many items we can print 2, 3 and even 4 colors. This is called spot color. The above example is a 2-color imprint. Blue and Green.

Best file format for a multi-Color imprint such as a 1, 2 or 3 color print would be a multi-color vector art such as .ai or .eps

4-Color Process

Example of 4-Color Process Print on Promotional Product

Need a photo or 4-color process imprint? Look for our items that can be imprinted 4C process using the standard CMYK colors.

Best file format for 4-Color Process imprint would be 300 dpi or higher Photoshop file .tif or .jpg

Art File Examples

1 Color Imprint

Art Sample 1-Color Logo

2 Color Imprint

Art Sample 2-Color Logo

3 Color Imprint

Art Sample 3-Color Logo

4 Color Imprint (Spot)

Art Sample 4 Spot Color Logo

4-Color Process

Art Sample 4 Color Process Logo

Set Up Charges

When items are customized with your artwork, the artwork must be prepared and the machinery configured to print, deboss, laser or embroider your art. A set-up charge is the cost of setting up your art for your custom job. Usually there is a set-up charge for each color being imprinted. So a 1-color imprint would have 1 set-up charge. A 2-color imprint would have 2 set-up charges.
- For deboss, a die is created from your artwork.
- For imprint, a screen is burned which will allow printing of your art.
- For laser engraving, your art is loaded into a laser engraving machine.
- For embroidery you art is converted into a stitch pattern and the machines threaded.
A set-up charge is not "per piece" but is for the entire run. So if you ordered 500 of pen PBP2567 the set-up would be the same as ordering 1000 PBP2567.
In most cases, an exact re-order will not have a set-up charge as your art has already been prepared to print on the item. However, if you order two different items, for example a pen and a padfolio, you would have a set-up for each item. One to prepare the pen art and one to create the die for the deboss.