Quality Screenprinting starts with good art. The better the art you provide us with, the easier it is to do a outstanding job. While we can take the proverbial sketch on a cocktail napkin, that method requires alot more effort. So in the interest of keeping your cost down, we provide you with these frequently asked questions:

• What type of art work do you accept?

We accept many types of art files. The ideal file formats are: .cdr (CorelDraw), .ai, (Adobe Illustrator), and .eps, which arevector based. Files such as .wmf, .pdf (Adobe Acrobat), .psd (Adobe Photoshop), and .tiff files are raster based, but can be used if they are at least 300 dpi at the final size. We also accept .jpeg, Microsoft Word, Publisher, Power Point, and many others.

• What is the difference between raster and vector files?

A raster file if more commonly associated with photos, etc., and consists of specific pixels making up the image, whereas a vector file is mathematically based. When a raster file is enlarged, the individual pixels just get larger leading to what is commonly referred to as the 'jaggies'. A vector file, on the other hand, can be enlarged without any loss of quality as shown in the image to the left. The image on the right is a raster file, the one on the left is a vector. Both have been enlarged an equal amount.

Why is this important?

Because that great design you downloaded from a web page looks great on your computer screen, 2 inches square at 72 dpi, but not so much as a 12 inch square on a t-shirt.

• Can you make a design from a scanned image?

Yes, we can (sound familiar?), but again, be sure to scan it at least 300 dpi or higher. And the larger the image you start with, the sharper the final result.

• What about simple text?

Simple text is easy....if we have the font installed on our computer. To be on the safe side, always convert your text to curves if you are in a graphics program, or you can send the font file along with your artwork. In either case, be sure to tell us the name of the font style. There are many fonts that look alike, and knowing which one we are trying to match is a big help.

• Can we just leave the whole artwork thing up to you?

Sure you can, we would be happy to take the extra work off of your shoulders, our staff artists are raring to go to work. The trouble is, when they work, they get finicky about being paid, and we are trying to save you money.