Artwork Preparation for Printed Products

Here at Creative Solutions we aim to make the process as easy and simple as possible to get your print from the design stage through to our printers. Use this page as a guide to preparing artwork, whether you have your own artwork ready or need our design team to produce it for you. If you have any questions about your artwork and what you need to do, speak to our friendly team on 01297 630130 who will gladly assist you, or drop us an email at sales@creative-solutions-direct.co.uk

This page consists of three main areas:

1. How to supply us with your own artwork
2. Need your artwork designed? Use our graphic design service
3. Setting up your artwork files

How to Supply Us With Your Own Artwork

We've tried to make ordering your product online as easy as possible. Just buy your product as normal online, and send us your artwork when you have it ready. Don't worry if it's not ready straight away, we'll keep your order safely stowed away until your happy your artwork is good to go.

We'll never go to print without you giving the green light. Our graphic design team will let you know if there's a quality problem with your artwork

Need it Designed? Use our Graphic Design Service

Setting up your Artwork Files

If you require clarification on any topic for setting up your artwork files, get in contact with us and we'll gladly assist you. Artwork is best submitted as a high resolution PDF file where possible.

Layout & Template Files

Artwork should be setup 20%, 25%, 50% or actual size. Please indicate scale within file name and on any proof. 

We can email scaled templates (PDF, EPS, Ai, InDesign) files for pop-up display systems and banner stands. Please call sales on 01297 630130 or email sales@creative-solutions-direct.co.uk with your request. 

Fonts

When collecting files for output, please ensure that all fonts used are converted to outlines.

Experience has shown that whilst fonts may use the same name, slight variations do exist. Therefore we advise you not to rely on fonts from another source but to send fonts all converted to outlines. 

Fonts used in Illustrator, InDesign and CorelDraw can converted to boxes/curves before saving to output and therefore no font files are required. To do this, select all and then convert in one action (usually from the 'Type' or 'Style' menus). 

Photo Scans & Images

Images should be provided at a minium of 300dpi @ 25% (size-for-size taking in to account magnification) and saved in CMYK format. TIFF file formats are preferred but we also accept images in any other formats included JPG and EPS. Care should be taken when providing images in other formats as compression can reduce final print quality.

Bleed

No bleed area is required unless stated on the template.

Media

By far and away the fastest way to receive your files is via our website and use our FTP (File Transfer Protocol) facility:

• FTP Upload- Use the file upload upload tab at the top of the page in the menu bar. Fast and easy to use. Maximum file size is 2GB.

We can also accept files saved on:

• CD or USB Stick (returned immediately after saving to our network
• Email- send to sales@creative-solutions-direct.co.uk

Colour

We recommend using Pantone or RAL colour swatches rather than relying on screen colours. If you use screen colours as a guide, ensure that your monitor is closely calibrated. 

Whilst every effort is made to match specific Pantone & RAL colours, it is not always possible to match specific colours when using CMYK printers. If colour is critical then please supply a reference.

Logos

All logos used should be EPS vector files (these can be magnified to any size without degradation of quality). If you do not have an EPS version, we can create a replica copy from a JPG or TIF file supplied (subject to sight of file- approximate studio charge £60 plus VAT). The EPS file can be forwarded to your for subsequent print requirements. 

Mac and PC Applications

We can accept files saved in:

• PDF Format
• Adobe Illustrator all versions
• Adobe InDesign all versions
• Adobe Photoshop all versions
• Corel Draw
• Microsoft Powerpoint versions 2200 and XP (requires transferring to graphics software- studio time charged) 
• Microsoft Publisher versions 97,98,2000 and XP (requires transferring to graphics software- studio time charged)
• Microsoft Word 2010 and XP (requires transferring to graphics software- studio time charged)

Artwork Charges

Our in-house studio is fast and efficient. Studio time is charged at £60 plus VAT per hour. 

We have access to a huge library of images and backgrounds and an experienced team of designers. 

PDF proof files are emailed to you for approval or amendment. 

As a rough guide, banner stands take 1-2 hours and pop-up displays 2-4 hours. We only charge for the actual time taken, so if you approve after receiving the initial proof file file, you will only be charged accordingly (e.g. for half an hour's work).

Colour Reproduction and Quality

Whilst every care is taken before and during the printing process, Creative Solutions will not be liable for any colour discrepancies or poor quality image resolution on finished products, where artwork is supplied by a third party. Screen calibration and computer interpretation of colours and shading may mean that what is seen on screen may not be exactly replicated on the finished product. Customers are asked to provide hard copies of the required artwork, if they feel this may be the case. It is the customers responsibility to ensure that suitable photos are used in artwork designs. Creative Solutions cannot be responsible for poor quality prints due to unsuitable image/photo selection.

Still not sure what you need to do to set up your artwork files? Don't worry, give us a call on 01297 630130 and we'll talk you through it., or drop us an email at sales@creative-solutions-direct.co.uk