Welcome to our art requirements page. This has been broken up into different sections due to the different requirements for each field you are sending artwork for. If you have any trouble at all, please don't hesitate to reach us by phone at 603-889-7474. You may also send an email, but this will extend the proofing process.


sending your files | art guidelines | vector vs. raster art
color matching | design services

 

SENDING YOUR FILES

 

File Extensions
We currently accept files with the following extensions (we prefer PC interface, but we are capable of working with most MAC files): .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .CDR, .PDF, .JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, .PPT

Where Do I Send It?
graphics@nspgraphics.com

Important CD Information:
Although we can use MAC files, we work under a PC interface. Please make sure when transferring files to CD, that the CD is formatted for PC use.

Important Email Information:
Please make sure that your email contains the following information, if not previously discussed with our designers or staff:

  • Your name and/or company name and contact information
  • A purchase order number (if you keep record)
  • Contact and shipping information if the item is to be shipped
  • What type of item you are sending (for screenprinting, digital printing, etc.)
  • PMS Color Matches (if applicable) **
  • The finished size of your order
  • Number of pieces (please include if single or double-sided)

We can accept files through email up to approx. 8 megs. If your file exceeds this size and you are unable to provide us with a cd of the artwork, please call us.

 

GUIDELINES FOR ALL SUBMITTED ARTWORK

 

  • All fonts must come to us as outlines. If you do not outline your fonts, please send us all font files you used in your document.

  • If your document is raster art and contains more than one color, we prefer the resolution to be at 300dpi to size. If this is not possible or you've reviewed this already with your NSP Graphics Rep or Designer, proceed to the next step. By submitting a file without this requirement you are forfeiting the quality of the images. If you need any help finding images that will be appropriate for a large print or need directions how to transform your own artwork to comply with these guidelines, please contact Beka in the graphics department.

  • We send out proofs for most orders before the jobs are expedited. As a customer, it is your responsibility to make sure you have thoroughly checked your proof for any mistakes or changes that need to be made. Either email, fax, or call with your approval and all changes. When your approval is recieved, you are allowing us to go ahead with the job and no further changes need to be made. NO CHANGES MAY BE MADE AFTER FINAL APPROVAL. If the job is run, you are responsible for paying for a reprint.

  • Your turn around time starts once your job has been approved. For example: We sent a proof to you on Monday and you did not respond until Thursday, the 5-7 business days it will take to complete your job will start the day after we recieved your approval. In this case, your job would begin on Friday, commencing the allotted time for completion.

  • When sending files in Microsoft Word or Powerpoint, realize that those files are created for viewing. We cannot use those files in Illustrator, Photoshop, or CorelDraw so they will have to be recreated. This adds to the time it will take you to recieve your proof, depending on the complexity of the design.
  • When sending files in Microsoft Word or Powerpoint, realize that those files are created for viewing. We cannot use those files in Illustrator, Photoshop, or CorelDraw so they will have to be recreated. This adds to the time it will take you to recieve your proof, depending on the complexity of the design.

VECTOR ART vs. RASTER ART

 

Ideal art for any job is vector art, created in Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw, among other programs. Vector Graphics are images which are computer drafted in lines rather than pixels, and therefor can be scaled up or down drastically without losing their quality. These files are usually .EPS or .AI. We do prefer vector art, but raster art is still acceptable.
Raster Art is composed of pixels, for example: photographs, .TIFF files, .JPG files, and .GIF files. Although this is an acceptable form of art, it can become problematic when scaling. In order to avoid resolution problems with raster art, a minimum of 300dpi is required if the image is to be enlarged. In creating a banner or poster with a rastor image, please note that resolution degrades quickly when the size is increased. A good rule to remember is a 150dpi photo can be scaled 2x it's orginal size and still keep it's structure when printed. 300dpi, 4x and so on.

PANTONE COLOR MATCHING SYSTEM (PMS) & OTHER COLOR MATCHING

 

Color matching can be one of the most difficult parts of printing. Monitors and printers read and interpret colors differently. This is the difference between "RGB" and "CMYK" color profiles. What you see on your computer monitor is made up of red, green, and blue, and it is also backlit. Printers use a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. It's these differences that lead to most color issues. We will do our best to match colors as close as possible, but the best way is to use a PMS (Pantone Matching System) color. We have a book of all the PMS tones and shades at the office.

DESIGN SERVICES

 

If you do not have artwork, but have an idea of what you would like, you can sit down with one of our graphic designers who will help you design the perfect sign, logo, or graphic for your business, get-together, or political campaign.

 

** PMS COLOR MATCHING MAY BE SUBJECT TO AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR NSP GRAPHICS SALES REP IF THIS FEE WILL APPLY TO YOUR ORDER.