Guidelines for Supplying Artwork
Oates
Flag offers many different products, and each product is prepared in
a different way. While art preparation varies for each product as well
as for the production method, there are some general guidelines to follow
in preparing CAMERA-READY artwork.
System and File Information
The Oates Flag art department uses Windows-based computer systems and our primary graphics program is CorelDRAW X3. We prefer PC formatted files but we can also accept Mac files if they are properly saved/exported. Make sure that all text in your file is saved/exported as curves, outlines, or paths, not text. Otherwise, the art may not render as intended if we don't have the same fonts that you used when creating the file. If you're sending a Mac file please convert text to path, ("create outlines" in Adobe Illustrator 10 for PC, Ctrl+Shift+O).
On most all of our art preparation we prefer that you send a vector-based file, which is made up of line art. There are many vector based programs available, such as CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. Unless you're sending CorelDRAW files (version X3 or earlier), please save your files in .AI (Adobe Illustrator 10) or .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) format. If you submit a raster or pixel based file, (such as , BMP, JPEG, GIF or TIF), we will probably need to redraw or clean up the image before using it, which will incur added expense for the time involved. The only time we ever use raster files is to make embroidery tapes, on certain specialty items, and for some printed vinyl banners. On all appliquéd or sewn flags and banners, printed flags, golf flags, boat flags, street banners, table drop banners, vinyl banners and printed clothing items, hats and ribbons, we use vector files for output.
Printing, Color, and Separation Information
Oates Flag prints tee shirts and other clothing items using simple spot color designs. (No 4-color process printing or sublimation please). Some of our printing processes will support the limited use of halftones, but it's usually better to avoid designs that require halftones. For screen printed products with 2 or more colors that touch, color separations must be prepared. The lighter colors are printed first and should "spread" past the edge of the darkest color by .08" so the last or darkest color will overlay the other colors. Limit your design to no more than 4 colors. When assigning colors, please specify colors by number using the Pantone Matching System and we will match colors as closely as possible.
Sending Artwork
You can submit artwork via e-mail. Just make sure the file size is not too large (less than 500Kb) and send the file as an attachment to a regular e-mail that identifies the file and includes any special instructions. (Click here to e-mail to: artist@oatesflag.com) To reduce file size, you can compress your art file using .ZIP compression (use WinZIP or a similar program).
You can also submit art via snail mail to the following address:
Attn: Art Department
Oates Flag Company Inc.
10951 Electron Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Send a PC formatted CD/DVD-ROM, 100 Megabyte Iomega ZIP disc, or 3.25",1.44Mb floppy disc.
If a computer file of any kind is not available we will accept CAMERA-READY art on film, vellum, or paper. High-resolution art work is preferred, but in some cases, we can work with a crisp print out, photocopy, or fax (fax number: 502-267-8246). Please supply a print using black ink on white 8½" x 11" paper, suitable for scanning. NO GRAY SCALES PLEASE.
Additional art charges ($45.00 an hour) will be added to your bill for any cleanup and/or redrawing art that is required to correct deficiencies if CAMERA-READY artwork is not received.
Please allow at least 10 working days to complete artwork and finish production. (Time will vary for each order.)
Art Questions
If you have any questions on any of these subjects, or just want more information, please call Oates Flag Company at 502-267-8200 and ask for Sean Donnahoe.
Click here to upload your file to our server