Artwork

I hear people talk about vector vs. raster artwork. What is the difference?
Raster images are pixel based images. They are comprised of "pixels", or small squares, of different shades of color. When combined, they create a picture. These types of images can't be successfully resized in most instances. Sometimes, an acceptable amount of resizing can be achieved (ie: up to 20% for example), however, if the image needs to be enlarged much, the image becomes grainy since the pixels are only becoming larger in size. Common raster file extensions are .JPG, .BMP, .TIFF, .PSD, .GIF, .PDF

Vector images are not pixel based, but object based. The objects are defined by complex mathematical algorithms. This allows users to easily resize the images, without losing details and resolution. Also, the objects can easily be individually edited, thus allowing any object to be changed. These files are created by graphic programs such as Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator. Common vector file extensions are .CDR, .AI, .EPS, .PLT, .WMF

What does "copyrighted" mean? What does "trademarked" mean? How do I get permission to use artwork that I didn't create?
Often times, the terms "copyright" and "trademark" are used interchangeably, however they have slightly different meanings.

A copyright is automatically granted to an artist the moment his ideas are put into any tangible form. This means that unless you created the artwork, you do not have permission to use it. However, you can find artwork that is in the public domain, or you can buy a clip art collection, that you can use, but be sure to read all the fine print as it often times dictates how the images can be used. Some people think that in order for artwork to be copyrighted, the © must appear on the design. This is not the case. Artwork need not be registered for it to be protected under the copyright laws. For example, in the USA, most everything created after April 1, 1989 is copyrighted and protected whether it has a notice or not. For more information see: http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

In comparison, a trademark is a word, phrase, or symbol used to distinguish a certain company's product from the products of another. A service mark is used to identify services rather than products. They are similar to trademarks and as such are treated the same as a trademark. As in copyright protection, a mark does not need to be registered in order to be protected. Marks not registered are denoted as TM or SM and when the mark becomes registered the TM or SM are removed and replaced with ®. Often times we get customers that don't necessarily want to reproduce a logo that is trademarked, but only want to use the wording. That is also considered infringement. Companies consider trademark infringement a very serious thing and will go to extreme lengths to protect their trademarks. Again, if you don't own the rights to reproduce the logo, you can't use it without permission. Regardless the size of the order, trademark infringement is not something that should be tried. For more information see: http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/metaschool/fisher/domain/tm.htm.

How do I send artwork to you?
We prefer the artwork be sent in electronic format. You can upload artwork on the website or you can email it to art@identityelements.com.

Embroidery

What type of artwork is required for embroidery?
Ideally, we like to digitize from vector files, such as .EPS, .AI, .CDR, etc. as these file types are most defined. If any resizing or manipulation of the artwork is necessary, it is most easily accomplished with these file types. However, most of the time, customers do not have access to these vector files. In those cases, we can use raster file types such as .JPG, .BMP, .TIFF. As with anything, the better the artwork we have to work from, the better the end result. Therefore, we ask that the file resolution be at least 300 dpi or higher when using raster files.

What is digitizing? How much does it cost to digitize my logo?
Digitizing is the art of reproducing a logo in stitches thus creating a file that the embroidery machine will read while stitching your logo. The file that is created is a specific embroidery file type that only embroidery programs and machines can read. This is not the same type of file that is created from a scanned image. Many people think that it is as easy as scanning a logo and stitching out a design. This is not true. In fact the process is a very manual one. It takes many years to perfect this art. When digitizing a logo, the digitizer reviews the artwork and determines a logical stitching order for the many elements of a logo. The digitizer must keep in the mind that all fabrics react differently to stitches and he/she must take this into account when placing each stitch. When done correctly, the design will run smoothly on the machine and produce a virtual piece of art. Not all digitized designs are created equal. There are good designs and bad designs.

The cost of digitizing a logo is determined by the size of the finished logo and the complexity of the artwork. Small lettering, gradients, blends, and fine detail will increase the cost of digitizing. Typically, digitizing corporate logos cost in the range of $65-$100, however, very complex or large designs can cost over $300. If you would like a quote, email your artwork to art@identityelements.com. After we receive your logo, we will review it and give you a quote.

What are the limitations when embroidering a company logo?
It is helpful to keep in mind that sometimes what will work in print will not work in thread. Blends and gradients are very difficult to achieve with thread. Regarding text, we like to keep lettering to a minimum height of .25". Smaller text can be achieved, but it is often difficult to have clean lettering smaller than .20". In many instances, certain elements of a logo are edited to make it "embroidery-friendly". Often, companies have different "versions" of their logo for different applications. If you have questions regarding the feasibility of reproducing your logo in embroidery, email your artwork to art@identityelements.com and we will review your logo. We can then offer suggestions so that your resulting logo is of the highest standard.

Is there a minimum quantity that I have to order if I want my logo embroidered?
The minimum required is ONE piece. Many times we do individual orders! We don't turn customers away when then can't buy a certain minimum number of items. But keep in mind, we do have discount incentives that start at only 12 pieces.

I have never ordered embroidered items before, but I have heard it is very expensive. Is that true?
Embroidery is not expensive, especially if you consider the higher perceived value that embroidery adds to your garment. If you look around embroidery is everywhere. It is more popular than ever. The cost of doing embroidery has been reduced considerably in the past decade, thus reducing the cost of embroidery to the consumer. What used to require high volume orders, today is very economical for even the one piece order. Not to mention, when you wear embroidered garments and it will enhance your image in your customer's mind. First impressions are so important in today's competitive world. Also, keep in mind, that sometimes embroidery is less expensive than screen printing. There is a definite place for both, embroidery and screen printing, in today's market.

I want to have shirts embroidered, but I don't have a logo. Can you design one for me?
YES! In addition to digitizing your logo, our art department can custom design a logo for you. Contact us at art@identityelements.com for information.


Promotional Products

What type of artwork is required for ordering promotional items with my company logo on them?
In most cases, artwork has to be provided in vector format…those files ending in either .CDR, .AI, .EPS, .WMF, .PLT. Vector files allow us the ability to resize your logo to the required size without losing the detail of the logo. Also, in some instances, a logo will have to be reworked to be better suited for promotional products. Therefore, in order to manipulate the artwork, we need to work with vector files. If you don't have your artwork or logo in vector format, we can convert it for you. The cost of converting the file from raster to vector will depend on the detail of the image. In this case, we will provide you with a cost estimate before beginning the work.

When buying promotional products, is there a minimum quantity that I have to purchase?
Yes, in most cases, there is a minimum purchase requirement for promotional items. The minimums for a particular product can be found on the individual product information page. While these minimums are set by the manufacturers, some will allow you to order less than minimum for an additional cost. If you find a product that you would like, but need less than the minimum stated, contact us at info@identityelements.com or use the Contact Us form and we will inform you as to whether it is possible.

What is imprinting? What are the different imprinting processes?
Imprinting is actual process of putting your logo on a particular item. There are many different imprinting methods that are used. Below is a brief description of some methods:

3D Embroidery - Most often used on garments and hats, 3D embroidery is created when foam is incorporated into an embroidery design. The design that is being stitched must be digitized specifically for 3D. Foam is laid onto the item and then stitched over. The embroidery threads cover, and thus trap, the foam. The unused portion of the foam is torn away, leaving a raised embroidery image. Multiple layers of foam can be used to achieve various looks and effects.
Embossing - Embossing is a process in which a die of the image is created. The die is then pressed into the material from the underneath creating a raised image on the top of the material.
Debossing - Debossing is a process in which a relief of the image is created with a die. The die is then pressed into the surface of the material, leaving a depressed imprint of the image.
Hot Stamped - This process is similar to debossing, only it doesn't use a relief of the image, but the positive of the image to create the die. The material to be hot stamped is laid in a press and covered with a foil. The die then presses the foil into the material, creating a permanent bond between the foil and the material.
Laser Engraving - A method in which the image is burned into an item with a small laser beam. Lasers will not only engrave an image, but they are also capable of cutting though some materials such as plastic. This allows us to engrave and cut in one step. This method is most often used on interior signage, upper end promotional items, and some awards & gifts. Materials that can be laser engrave include wood, acrylic, plastic, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, pewter, leather, marble, glass, ceramic, and more.
Pad Printing - The image is burned into a plate and ink is laid onto the plate, filling the recessed areas with ink. The residual ink is wiped clean. The ink is then transferred from the plate to the item with a silicon pad. This is one of the most popular imprint methods for promotional products such as pens, keytags, stress relievers, etc.
Sand Engraving - Commonly referred to as sandblasting, the image is created by a high-pressured stream of sand-like particles that etch the surface of the substrate. First the image must be transferred to a masking material. The open areas of the mask allow the particles to pass through, thus creating the etched image on the item. The depth of the image on the item is determined by the length of time the item is in contact with the particles. This is the method most often used on crystal awards and gifts. Other materials that can be sand engraved include stone, brick, wood, metals, marble, glass, and more.
Screen Printing - Probably one of the oldest and most commonly known methods of imprint, screen printing is achieved when ink is pressed through a screen and onto the garment or item. First, the screens are coated with a light-sensitive emulsion. The image is printed in black onto a transparency. The image is then laid in contact with the coated screens and placed into an exposure unit. The screen is then exposed to light. Light is unable to pass through the black areas of the image, causing the emulsion to not harden. The screen is then "washed out" leaving a stencil of the image on the screen. Each color of the image will have its own transparency and screen. Once all the colors are laid onto the garment, the garment is removed from the press and put through a dryer.
Sublimation - This imprint method is one of the newest technologies. This is a dye transfer process in which specialty inks are permanently embedded into the surface of an object. The image that is being transferred is printed using a traditional ink-jet printer that has been converted to accept sublimation inks. The object that is being imprinted must be specially coated to accept these inks. When heat is applied to the transfer, the inks become a gas and they permanently bond to the coating on the item. This is the method of imprint used to created full color, photo gifts such as mugs, mouse pads, clocks, and more.


Screen Printing

How are screen printing prices determined?
Pricing for screen printing is determined by the number of items ordered, the number of locations printed, and the number of colors per location. The higher the quantity ordered, the lower the price per piece. Screen printing setup is very expensive and can inflate the cost per piece on small size orders. Therefore, it is not price effective to screen print small orders.  Our absolute minimum order is 12 pieces and depending on the number of ink colors and imprint locations, 24-36 piece orders are preferred.  There are other imprinting processes better suited for small orders. If you are needing a small number of items, contact us at info@identityelements.com and we will discuss your needs and determine the best solution to your needs.

What type of artwork is required for ordering screen printed items?
In most instances, vector artwork is required for screen printing. These are files that end in .CDR, .AI, .EPS, .WMF, etc. There are however some cases in which a raster file can be used, but for the majority of the screen printing orders, vector files are preferred. See related question under "Artwork" for an explanation of the differences.

Is there are setup fee for screen printing?  
NO, we do not charge setup fee for screen printing. 

If I need something screen printed, is there a minimum quantity that I have to purchase?
Typically, our screen printing orders are 24+ pieces. Because of the cost of the setup, it is not cost effective to do orders below 12 pieces (see above for more information). If your order is smaller than 12 pieces, we can offer alternate decorating methods to you that would be more reasonably priced. For more information, contact us at info@identityelements.com or us the Contact Us form. The more information that we have about your job request, the easier it is for us to offer other methods of decorating.


Laser Engraving

What is laser engraving?
Laser engraving is a method in which the image is burned into an item with a small laser beam. Lasers will not only engrave an image, but they are also capable of cutting though some materials such as plastic. This allows us to engrave and cut in one step, if needed. This is method is most often used on interior signage, upper end promotional items, and some awards & gifts.

What type of materials can be laser engraved? What material can't be laser engraved?
Materials that can be laser engrave include wood, acrylic, plastic, paper, fabric, stainless steel, anodized aluminum, pewter, leather, marble, glass, ceramic, cork, rubber, corian, and more. Materials that can't be laser engraved are metals such as gold, sterling silver, nickel, and platinum.

What type of artwork is required for laser engraving?
Vector artwork is preferred, but in some cases we can use raster artwork; it really depends on the artwork and what we are engraving into. If you have artwork that you would like to have laser engraved onto something, either upload your artwork or send it to art@identityelements.com and we will let you know if it is suitable. If the artwork needs to be reworked, we will give you an estimate of the cost.

Is there a setup fee for engraving my logo?
Yes, as with other decorating methods, there is a setup fee for engraving any artwork. The cost depends on the time it takes to make the artwork suitable for engraving. The minimum setup charge for engraving is $10 per order.

If I need something laser engraved, is there a minimum quantity that I have to purchase?
There is no minimum quantity that you have to order if you want something laser engraved. Many times we do individual orders.


Sand Engraving

What is sand engraving?
Commonly referred to as sandblasting, the image is created by a high-pressured stream of sand-like particles that etch the surface of the substrate. First the image must be transferred to a masking material. The open areas of the mask allow the particles to pass through, thus creating the etched image on the item. The depth of the image on the item is determined by the length of time the item is in contact with the particles. This is the method most often used on crystal awards and gifts.

What type of products can be sand engraved? What products can't be sand engraved?
Materials that can be sand engraved include crystal, ceramic, stone, brick, wood, metals, marble, glass, and more. Plastics and acrylics are some materials that can not be sand engraved as the process tends to melt the material.

What type of artwork is required for sand engraving?
Vector artwork is preferred, but in some cases we can use raster artwork; it really depends on the artwork and what we are engraving into. If you have artwork that you would like to have sand engraved onto something, either upload your artwork or send it to art@identityelements.com and we will let you know if it is suitable. If the artwork needs to be reworked, we will give you an estimate of the cost.

Is there a setup fee for engraving my logo?
Yes, as with other decorating methods, there is a setup fee for engraving any artwork. The cost depends on the time it takes to make the artwork suitable for engraving. The minimum setup charge for engraving is $35 per order.

If I need something sand engraved, is there a minimum quantity that I have to purchase?
There is no minimum quantity that you have to order if you want something sand engraved. Many times we do individual orders.


Sales

I have a company event/promotion coming up but I don't know what I want to do. Can you help me?
Yes, we can certainly help you plan a successful event or promotion. In the planning stages we will ask you several questions that will help us better understand your needs. Information such as your budget and the number of people for which you are buying is most helpful. Also, the type of event you are planning will determine what products we feel we should suggest to you. Whether your needs are recognizing employees, honoring customer loyalty, launching a new product, or creating brand awareness, we can help you design a promotion to ensure a successful event.

How do I ensure that I have a successful company event or promotion?
The first step to planning a successful event or promotion is determining your desired result. Do you want to honor outstanding employees? Do you want to say "Thank You" to your key customers? Or, do you want to gain new customers? Maybe highlight a new product? The beginning of a successful event or promotion starts only after this question is answered. Only then can we find you the perfect product. We have an experienced staff that will offer unique and creative suggestions to achieve your desired results and most importantly, take your business to the next level.