To be sure you received the final product with the artwork you expect, it's extremely important to print from the correct files. This means, the digital art files we print from must be correct. While you or your artist may do things differently, we know the best files to be used with our systems. You may do artwork differently, but to get our best quality work, please follow the artwork guidelines below.

 

Very important: Only professional software packages may be used to produce artwork. Although programs like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher are useful tools, they are not capable of producing art files of a quality necessary for imprinting purposes.   Additionally, PDF files which were originally created in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher do not qualify as acceptable artwork.

 

In other words, if you're supplying your own artwork, files must be created in a professional design program. If you don't have access to a professional designer, we're happy to do your artwork for you. There's never a charge to deign your campaign logo with a paid order of yard signs. And, if you’ d like, we can create all your artwork at very low flat fees. We have much experience in laying out political direct mail, palm cards and other items you need.

 

Acceptable file types include: .CDR, .AI, .EPS or .PDF. We are PC based and cannot accept Mac files. Vector art is preferred and highly recommended

 

Vector Art

Artwork that stores mathematical information about the lines and shapes is called vector art. It can be scaled easily without producing the "stair-step" edges you will see in pixel based (raster) images. This type of art adapts to the resolution of any output device and is considered to be resolution independent. Vector art is produced by programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw.

 

Raster Art

Artwork and images that are defined by a "checkerboard" pattern, similar to viewing mosaic tiles. Raster images are limited by the number of pixels and cannot be enlarged without producing noticeable jagged, stair-stepped edges. These images are produced by digital cameras, scanners, and also can be created by programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Submit all file at 100% final size.

 

Fonts

Any fonts used in the production of art files should be converted to paths, curves or outlines prior to submission. We cannot stress this enough. We do not have every font on earth, even though we wish we did.

 

Proofs

We will supply you with a proof for every product, for every order, every time, without exception. You're required to return to proof approval by fax or scan. Your order will not proceed to production without a completed proof. This is to insure that your order arrives with 100% accuracy.

 

Standard Screen Printing Colors

We have 25 Standard Screen Printing Colors in stock.   These colors are always free.

 

PMS Color Matches

We can match your PMS color on screen printed and some imprinted items.   Each color requires a $50.00 PMS match charge for each item.   You must supply us the PMS number for us to match.   Contact customer service for confirmation of PMS color match questions.

 

Four-Color Process Color Matches:

PMS color matches are not possible.   Due to variances in printing processes, an exact match to previous is not always possible.

 

We suggest you limit the number of fonts used in each job.

 

Please send only original, native vector files.

 

Please do not save EPS files within EPS files.

 

Avoid transparencies and Illustrator filters to create shadows, they convert to low resolution files.

 

Linked photos and images are not accepted.

 

Supplied photos must be 300 DPI or larger.  

 

Photos copied off websites are not acceptable.

 

We are specifically set up to process one side at a time, which requires each side of a job must have its own file, unless the imprint is identical for both sides (example: a yard sign).   Each item with a different art printed on each surface should have its own file.   Example: If you’ re ordering a postcard, you should name one file Bob_Smith_Postcard_Front and the other Bob_Smith_Postcard_Back.

 

Artwork will be sized as large as possible or at our designer's discretion for visual appeal unless otherwise noted on P.O.

 

In all four color process production files, all RGB defined colors and files must be converted to CMYK.

 

You may load files compacted in WinZip® or StuffIt® .

 

Set-Up Charges

We do not charge “ set-up” fees on any product.   Paying a set-up fee is a pretend fee companies charge to make extra money.   We think set-up fees are an obvious way to hide money.

 

Digital Printing

All digital products are output in 4 color process (CMYK), great for photos and multicolor artwork. Color Matching: Exact PMS colors are selected from the CMYK process chart in the Pantone Process Color Imaging Guide. If exact color matching is required, call the factory or use offset pricing (if available).   Due to printing process there is a tolerance of ± 4 mm in the printing registration.

 

All supplied art files must have .25 bleed over each edge and a .125 safety zone inside of trim lines.   (Example, a 6" x 11" postcard would have an artboard set to 6.5" x 11.5".)

 

Submission of Artwork

Artwork can be uploaded when placing your order on our website, during checking.   If you supply artwork at another time, you’ re welcome to email them to artwork@candidatesigns.com.   If your files are too large to email, please send your files via third party transfer service.   We do not offer an FTP service outside of the checkout process.

 

We do not support full bleed printing on campaign signs.   Full bleed is where the color goes all the way off the edge of the sign. You will have a white border around your ink. This is not usually a problem for most candidates. Plus, it usually helps the sign stand out more.

 

Full bleed is offered on full color items and other select items.   Check the product page for bleed information, or call customer service at 1-833-437-4467.

 

Important: we won’ t start your order until we have your signed approval.   You’ ll approve your artwork by faxing or scanning the completed artwork approval to CandidateSigns.com.

 

We will print our Union label on your item unless instructed to omit it.   You're given two opportunities to indicate if you'd like the union label (also known as the union bug) left off your product.   Please note: some items are too small to imprint our label on.   In such cases, the product page will inform you the item does not allow for the union label to be included.

 

You are responsible for your disclaimer, disclosure or "Paid For" language.   It’ s your responsibility to provide that language to us in the exact form you'd like.   Note your punctuation and spelling.   We'll print the paid for exactly as you provide it to us.

Artwork will remain on electronic file for 24 months.   After this time new artwork will be required.

 

We support the following software for PC:

- Adobe Illustrator

- Adobe Photoshop

- Adobe InDesign

- Acrobat PDF (Press Quality)

- CorelDraw