Instructions on sending artwork to GolfStyles, Inc.

Sending files in digital form:
We work in a vector format for the vast majority of our projects. Our machines follow these precise mathematical lines to cut, trace, slice, route, and otherwise construct our products. We can work with files created in vector drawing programs, usually without any cleanup on our part. These programs include: Corel, Freehand, Adobe Illustrator and the like. Any vector program able to export an '.eps' file should suffice. (Encapsulated PostScript (.eps)

Make sure all fonts used are converted to outlines before saving file.  This avoids a font mismatch or absence altogether on our end. Please also create art in a scale (of any kind) if possible.

Raster formats such as GIF, BMP, TIFF, PICT, AND JPEG require a 'cleaning up' on our part to put these pieces of art into a vector format. Depending on resolution, size, and color depth of bitmapped raster file sent to us, we may have to incur several hours of clean up to get art in reproducible condition.

Sending files in hardcopy form:
We prefer to have files sent to us in digital format, already cleaned up and ready to be reproduced as is. We can work from flat art as well. Camera ready slicks are preferred, but we can work with anything. Just keep in mind that we can only do so much, if we get bad (ragged) artwork we will clean it up as best we can. It is a good idea to send us the best artwork you have.

If sending flat artwork, do not send originals! We will make every attempt to return any art you send to us, but we will not be held responsible for such return.

Sending files via email:
Please email artwork to golfcoursesign@yahoo.com
Do not compress your files.

Sending files through traditional mail or delivery service:
Send artwork to the following address, with an attn: Graphics Dept. or the name of the customer service rep you are dealing with already. Please include a brief note with your name, company information as well as contact information.

GolfStyles, Inc. / Attn: Graphics Dept./ P.O. Box 125, Mikado, MI 48745

Any questions? Please call 1-989-736-1234 for service.

 

ADDL. INFO REGARDING ARTWORK

  • Again, the preferred format is an EPS file.  However, other formats are also acceptable, such as a TIF, AI, CDR, PLT or similar vector-art. This can be delivered on CD, floppy disk, or attached in an e-mail.

  • If you require your artwork or disk returned, please send a self-addressed envelope with instructions. Please make a copy for your records. We deal with a large volume of artwork disks on a daily basis and cannot be responsible for lost or damaged artwork/disks.

  • Custom fonts not listed on our website will be charged a $25 font search fee.

  • Colors shown on the website and in color proofs are approximate. Actual colors may vary.

  • We are not responsible for Copyright infringed material sent to us. It is assumed that the customer ordering advertisement is either the owner or has permission to use any copyrighted material. It is beyond the scope of our business to authenticate such ownership. 

TIPS ON REDUCING ART CHARGES

Please follow these rules:

  • Save in PC format (not Mac or Apple).
  • No gradients.
  • Do NOT export with header information.
  • All objects must be CLOSED. Some graphics programs allow the user to create open shapes and color them anyway. Don't make an object by putting more than one shape on top of each other without joining them. When you look at it in "wireframe" mode, you should see only one continuous line.
  • No lines thinner than 1/8" should be used.
  • In Adobe Illustrator and Corel, it is possible to create "fat lines". They show up fine on the screen, but when we cut the vinyl, they become one single cut. You must convert the "fat lines" to outlines of the "fat line".
  • In Adobe, set (pulldown) View to Artwork. Select the lines to be outlined and in the (pulldown) Object, select Expand and Stroke. You should see an outline where the outer edge of the "fat line" was. You may (depending on the version) have to delete the center line.
  • In Corel, set View to Wireframe. Select the lines to be outlined and select (pulldown) Effects and then Outline. You may have to play with the outline settings to get the right look. Don't forget to delete the original line after your outline is OK.
  • Don't compress files less than 1MB. We have more problems with zipped and compressed files than all other problems combined. IF YOU MUST COMPRESS, only do one file at a time. DO NOT create a multi-file archive!
  • If your save or export scheme prompts you to save an additional file along with original, the chances of us opening it without a problem drop to near zero. Try a different export.
  • If you have text in your file, please make sure you EITHER export the fonts with the file (one option most programs allow) OR (much better) "convert all objects to curves" in Corel or in Adobe, Type>"Create Outlines" before exporting. Be careful you don't overwrite your original file, if you intend to do future edits. This operation makes the text into shapes and programs will no longer allow you to edit the text. One exception is if the text is only notes and not part of the design, this is not necessary.
  • Try to use FTP to send files to us. It's the most reliable. Some e-mail programs corrupt graphics files. If you send your file through AOL we'll probably be calling you.
  • When sending us a bitmap file where color matching and stability are essential, please use your graphics software to convert your image to 32 bit color and send it in TIF format. CAUTION: This can VERY substantially increase the size of the file and should only be used when really necessary. Please check the size of your file after conversion and if it more than 10MBs, call us for advice (10MBs will take an hour to transfer on a 33k modem).
  • Our printers accept standard color matching specifications such as Pantone and we do have access to approximatley 125 colors of vinyl that are Pantone color coordinated.

FILE TYPES

In a bitmap file, the computer "sees" a large field of white dots with a group of black dots interspersed in a specific pattern. In a vector file, the computer "sees" a white background and a black figure that starts at position (x1,y1) and goes straight to (x2,y2). In almost all cases, the vector file will be substantially smaller than the bitmap.

Advantages of vector files

  • They can be "scaled" up in size virtually unlimited without loss of resolution. When you take a bitmap file that is originally 4"x5" (standard photo size) and try to scale it up so it can be 4 feet by 5 feet, you will start seeing a "stairstep" effect on the edges of objects. This is the original pixels being expanded and they can only be smoothed out so much and it is fairly labor intensive to do..

  • They take up much less storage space.

  • Most of the techniques of modern sign making programs require vector files, so you minimize "art charges". 

How do I know if I have a vector file or a bitmap?

All BMP, JPG, GIF, and TIF are bitmap files. They can't be anything else. One way to tell if you have a bitmap is by using extreme magnification on any sharp edge. If you can see "stairsteps", it is a bitmap. Another way is to use "Help" in your application and lookup "Wireframe" (Corel) or "Artwork" (Adobe). The respective commands are "View>Wireframe" and "View>Artwork". For other programs, if you can't find the function, it often means your program can't read vector files, so the file you are looking at is probably a bitmap. If you find it, activate that mode, the colors and fills should disappear and your view should change to all lines. This means you have a vector file and we should have no problem using it. If there are patterns or grayed out areas, they are probably "imbedded" bitmaps and you must follow the "bitmap" rules for good results.

If I am using a vector drawing program, am I assured that my saved file will be a vector file?

NO!!! If you "save as" or export to any of the bitmap formats, the output will become a bitmap.

Are bitmap files totally worthless?

No, we have a Gerber Edge printer which can print bitmaps. In order to get good results, the original bitmap must be at least 1MB per square foot of the final printed size. This will give optimal quality output.

If I have a bitmap file that is too low resolution is there anything I can do?

Yes, there are programs that take the bitmap files and convert them to vector files. Usually, in this process, they pick up some distortion, but the best thing to do is manually fix the distortions after the conversion, making the graphic look as close as possible to the original and then you can expand the new vector file to any size you want. We can do this for you. The typical charge will be around $100.

Isn't there a cheaper way?

The best way is to use existing clipart we already have vectorized. We have thousands of images. Unless you have a very custom image, more than likely we will already have something similar to what you want to use.