Zing Tip #6: Suggestions For How to Supply Artwork

Lots of people are supplying artwork they’ve created for projects like flyers, posters, and signs. Here are some things to remember when doing so:

• PDF format is typically the preferred file format.

• If there are designs where colors or images go right to the edge, then supplying files with crop marks and bleeds is often preferred. (Search your web browser for those terms and how to accomplish it in programs like Canva).

• High resolution is needed for something to be printed rather than viewed on a website. Be sure to change your resolution settings to 300 DPI (dots per inch). In Canva, select “Print Quality” as the format to download.

• Convert your type to outlines or paths if possible for the artwork to be supplied. That way if we don’t have access to the fonts used, we can still open the file and make some edits.

• Allow for extra time when ordering custom materials in October, November, and December. There are busy times throughout the year, but the 4th quarter sees a big rush for orders. What used to be a 1-2 week turnaround can turn into 2-3 weeks. Plus, delivery services like UPS and FedEx get more overwhelmed. Extreme winter weather conditions can further delay delivery services going into your supplier and then getting back to you.