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Art Guidelines

 

Our graphics department works seamlessly with customer service and our sales representatives. Once a project is quoted, simply submit your purchase order (PO) and art and Fischer’s pre-production process will begin. Our team will provide digital proofs, hard copies, hand samples or any other materials required to bring your customized packaging to life. Our team is always willing to work directly with you to develop artwork that achieves your unique vision.

 

Process

After we receive your PO and artwork, our customer service department prepares the proper paperwork and verifies all of the information. This is then sent to the art department so that a proof can be set up. Upon completion, a hard copy version of this proof is sent on to our printing and production department for evaluation and troubleshooting. The art is diagnosed for potential printing issues and recommendations are made for the best reproduction of the artwork. The proof returns to our art department and is adjusted if necessary. Once approved by our printing department, the proof is provided to you for review. Depending on your preference, we can email you a simple PDF or have a hard copy delivered to you.

 

Acceptable File Types/Programs

  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
  • Encapsulated Post Script (.eps)
  • Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

 

We also accept the following for halftone or screen art:

  • JPEG image (.jpg)
  • TIFF image (.tif)
  • Portable Network Graphics (.png)

 

Note: All of the above formats can be compressed for emailing into a stuffed (.sit) or zipped (.zip) file.

 

Required Elements

  • Any placed image file
  • All fonts used in artwork (Consider converting all fonts to outlines to prevent inadvertent changes.)
  • Uncoated Pantone colors
  • Vector artwork (pixel images will be redrawn)
  • Any specific or vital dimensions or art positioning

Bar Codes

  • Must be 100% size minimum
  • Must print in dark color (avoid reds or light colors to improve code scanning reliability)
  • Codes must run top to bottom in machine direction
  • We can design your UPC code if you have the correct #, including the check digit
  • Standard codes (UPC, EAN, Code 128)

Screens

  • Standard 65 lpi (lines per inch) screens are used
  • Screen gradient of 5% to 80%
  • Screen gain/cutback is 15%
  • Screen colors can be combined (e.g. overprinting yellow ink with red to create orange)

Trapping

  • Standard 1/32” minimum trapping (this requires a minimum stroke line of 1/16” thickness)
  • Lighter colors trap into darker colors

Note: Our art department can add trapping to your art if needed

 

Tips

  • We do not process print pinch-bottom bags
  • We print using uncoated Pantone colors. Art files that use CMYK or coated colors may delay the production process. To streamline your order, use uncoated Pantone colors in digital files and include a list of all Pantone colors used in your PO.
  • The minimum font size is 6pt for positive print and 8pt bold for reversed copy
  • All ® and ™ should be 8pt minimum and bold if reversed copy
  • Consider converting fonts to outlines instead of sending font files to prevent inadvertent changes.
  • All .ai and .eps files should be saved down one version and include PDF previews
  • Acceptable files types may be stuffed (.sit) or zipped (.zip) if necessary for emailing
  • Trap areas will result in a darker color
  • The maximum number of imprint is 4 colors
  • Avoid creating text out of halftones (screens) or using multiple colors in a letter or word(s)

 

 

FAQ

  1. Where do I send my artwork when I am ready to order?   Artwork can be sent to [email protected]. Please be sure to copy your customer service and sales representative when sending your artwork.
  2. My art file(s) is to large to email. What do I do?   We accept art via email up to 7mb. You may also compress your artwork before packaging it in a Zip (.zip) or Stuffed (.sit) file. If your art is still too large to email, we recommend using “WeTransfer” to send your artwork. This process is free to use and easy. Visit https://www.wetransfer.com and follow the instructions.
  3. What is needed for the fastest and easiest processing of my art?   Clean, vector artwork with all fonts (or converted to outlines) and the uncoated Pantone colors required for printing assigned.
  4. I want to print a picture on my bag. Can I do that?   We can print photos as a 1-color halftone screen, printed as 65 lpi (lines per inch). Full color imaging is not possible since we do not do process printing.
  5. How long does it take to get a proof?   Electronic proofs can typically be sent in 3 business days.
  6. What will I get for final approval?   We can provide a digital PDF proof or supply hard copy proofs and ink samples. Every customer’s needs are unique; just let us know your needs.
  7. I want to send the proof you made on to my customer but I don’t want your logo on it. Can I get that?   Yes. If you request a “blind” proof we will send you a PDF with our logo removed. We can even replace our logo with yours if you supply an image file of your logo.

 

 

Art Guidelines PDF