ARTWORK is the logo and/or designs that you want to add to your promo gear and garments.

PRINT - Artwork should be provided in one of the following formats to get the best results, .EPS or .AI. These need to be VECTOR files with traced paths which can be re-sized without losing clarity. High res PDFs are sometimes suitable also.

Note that Microsoft office programs (i.e., Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power Point, etc.) are not graphics programs and do not generate acceptable file formats.

EMBROIDERY ONLY - We can accept .JPEGs (.JPGs) in addition to the other formats.

If you don't have suitable artwork, then send us what you have and we can have it re-drawn. Re-draws start at $45 + GST for a simple logo - and then you will have suitable artwork for other projects at an affordable price. Note that this will delay proofing for at least a day.

 
ARTWORK SUBMISSION

Email art to sales@thinkpromo.co.nz and attach both PDF and .EPS or .AI file formats, if possible. Please include product ordered and your company name in the subject line. If file size is over 10 mb, please email us a dropbox link or similar.
 

PROOF

You will usually receive an electronic proof of your artwork which will be your design placed on a line-art drawing of the item. Approval is usually given based on this proof.

If you haven't supplied PMS colours then you will need to approve the colour based on how it appears on your screen. Colours can appear differently on various devices and when printed so provide PMS colours if you require an accurate representation of the colours you require. Please note that endeavours will be made to match PMS colours but different techniques provide variable results. If a very close match is essential, please order a pre-production sample.

Pre-Production Samples, which are an actual sample of the item fully produced with your artwork, are usually only recommended for large orders or particularly valuable items where it is difficult to assess the quality prior. There will be a cost for a pre-production sample and it can significantly delay time for delivery so, if required, please request likely extra time required.


EMBROIDERY GUIDE

Embroidery costs can vary greatly as it is based on the number of stitches, not actual logo size. For example, a large logo which just has outlines may cost less than a small logo that is completely filled in with stitches.

If the logo you supply is significantly different in stitch quantities to the size you estimated, we'll contact you to advise the difference in cost.

 

PRINT GUIDE

Note that the print techniques below are not available on all products. The FULL COLOR decoration option available on some products on the website covers a number of the techniques below and the printer will apply the most practical technique for the best result based on your artwork, the product and your desired outcome.

Pad Print

Pad printing uses a silicone pad to transfer an image to a product from a laser etched printing plate. Pad printing is one of the most practical and popular ways of branding promotional products due to its ability to reproduce images on uneven or curved surfaces and print multiple colours in a single pass. Close PMS matches can be achieved on white surfaces but as the colour of the product gets darker the ability to match PMS colours diminishes.

Screen Print

Screen printing involves forcing ink through a mesh screen with a squeegee onto the product or substrate and is excellent for large print areas on flat or cylindrical objects. Close PMS matches can be achieved on white surfaces but as the colour of the product gets darker the ability to match PMS colours diminishes. Screen printing is best suited for spot colour reproduction and is not recommended for logos with half tones in them.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving gives a permanent finish and creates a higher perceived value than direct printing. It is ideal for metal and glass items and because it is a digital process can be used for personalising products with individual names. Different materials produce different effects when engraved and if you are uncertain about the engraved finish please ask for a pre production sample.

Resin Coated Finish

Resin coating an image produces a stunning 3 dimensional effect and elevates the perceived value of any product. Vinyl labels are resin coated which produces a very durable weather proof label that is almost indestructible. Resin labels can be printed in full colour and used very effectively to brand a large variety of products. As they are digitally printed, only approximate PMS colour matches are possible.

Full Colour Label

Full colour labels are used for products with substrates that are difficult to print successfully with any other method. Full colour labels are either printed with a digital inkjet printer if they are vinyl or a digital printing press for paper labels. Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible with digital printing.

Full Colour Heat Transfer

There are several methods of producing heat transfers. They can be printed and cut to shape on a digital inkjet printer. The disadvantage of this method is that the transfer can look like a label when heat pressed onto the product. Other methods are screen print, offset or full colour digital printing onto a release media. These methods give a finished print very similar to direct printing but the image is often much sharper and can reproduce finer detail. Heat transfers are commonly used to brand textile surfaces and bags. They are heat pressed onto the product and produce a permanent bond. Only approximate PMS colour matches are possible with digital printing.

Sublimation

Sublimation is achieved by heat transferring a digitally printed full colour image from a paper transfer to the product. This process can reproduce stunning, vivid, full colour graphics but there is limited control over the colour outcomes which makes reproducing PMS colours very difficult and in some cases impossible. Only certain surfaces and materials can be branded with sublimation printing.

Digital Media

This production method is used for printing media such as paper, vinyl and magnetic material used in the manufacture of labels, badges and fridge magnets etc. Both digital inkjet and digital printing presses are used in the production of digital media. It is difficult to reproduce PMS colour matches with digital printing.

Direct Digital

Direct to product digital printing involves the transfer of ink directly from the print head of a special inkjet machine to the product and can be used to produce full colour printing on flat or slightly curved surfaces. It is difficult to reproduce PMS colour matches and some colours including metallic gold and silver are not possible to achieve. One big advantage of direct digital is that these machines can print a layer of white ink under the copy making them ideal for branding dark coloured products.

Kiln Fired Decal

Kiln fired decals are transfers printed with a ceramic ink that are applied to coffee mugs and glassware which are then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. The advantage of kiln fired decals is that the print becomes part of the surface and is permanent. They are also good for decorating mug handles and the inside lip as well as producing larger print areas on irregular shaped mugs or glasses. It is possible to obtain approximate PMS colour matches only.

  

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