ART & GRAPHIC GUIDELINES
Start with high resolution images for first class output 
Carefully crafted graphics attract more attention and deliver memorable messages. To ensure your graphics print at the highest quality, Downing uses high-resolution, continuous tone digital photographic output.

GRAPHIC CHECK LIST
SENDING ART FILES
GRAPHICS SPECS BY EXHIBIT
GRAPHICS SPECS BY PROCESS
GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
Graphics Department

For questions about creating

or sending art to Downing,

contact:

 Jessica Castellini:
1-800-883-1800 ext. 149
or e-mail: art@downingdisplays.com

If you do not have creative resources, Downing Displays offers complete design and production services, soup to nuts. This means everything and anything from the development of your effective message to the complete graphic package.
GENERAL GUIDELINES 
Printing in large format for exhibits requires special attention to exact size and resolution. Follow these basic steps and your art will reproduce beautifully! Vector-based art is resolution independent and will not pixilate like raster-based art. For complete information on raster vs. vector art and the entire scoop on creating good graphic preparation, read the Art Guidelines from Downing's Art Production Manager
ACCEPTED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
(Downing's Art Department is Mac Based)
• Our preferred file format is ILLUSTRATOR .AI files.
•  ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR* version CS3 or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only) DO NOT embed imported images! Submit as .AI files.
• 

ADOBE INDESIGN CS3 or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only)

DO NOT embed imported images!
•  MACROMEDIA FREEHAND version MX or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only)
•  ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS3 or lower (Do not use PhotoShop for page layout!)
 
KNOWN SOFTWARE ISSUES
• ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR - DO NOT EMBED imported images! If you use a PC and not a Mac, outline your text.  If you use a Mac please include the fonts. Submit .AI files with links, NOT EMBEDDED FILES.
• QUARK EXPRESS - We are NO LONGER ACCEPTING Quark Express files.  We have had numerous issues with Quark going to high end RIPs for wide format printing.  If you are using Quark and do not have any other option, PLEASE SAVE AS AN .EPS then double check the file by opening it in another program before submitting. 
• ACROBAT - We DO NOT ACCEPT High Res PDF Files for printing.  They are usually much larger than they need to be and editing capabilities are extremely limited.

      

BY NOT FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES, EXCESSIVE TIME MAY BE NEEDED TO OPEN AND MANIPULATE FILES.  THIS TIME IS CHARGEABLE AT THE CURRENT ART CHARGE HOURLY RATE.

 ACCEPTED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS

PLEASE NOTE: If you are working on a platform that does not support any of these applications, please contact our Art Department to discuss your options before producing any artwork. Files supplied in other applications may require rebuilding or may not be useable at all.

*Some of the latest "'Effects" in Illustrator 10 are raster-based, like bevels and shadows. To stop these effects from pixilating on your output, work no less than ¼ scale!
DOWNING ART GUIDELINES
DOWNING ART GUIDELINES
View the specifications for your particular exhibit under Graphic Specs by Exhibit.  View the details for each specific graphic printing process under Graphic Specs By Process.
  1. Produce art in proportional size to the final needed image, full scale is best. It cannot be smaller than ¼ scale without a possible chance of pixilation.
  2. Save all placed images as eps.
  3. Do not embed images or we will not be able to edit them if needed.
  4. Use PANTONE™ Matching System (solid coated) for all specific color matches... or provide a printed color sample for us to match (letterhead, brochure, etc.).
  5. Supply all fonts used in your artwork (both screen & printer) ... or convert text to paths. Convert any True Type or PC fonts to paths in advance or your art will not be useable!
  6. Include a color PDF or hard copy of your final art.
  7. Supply all original files for linked elements.
MINIMUM DPI: 75 DPI to 125 at final output size if using photos only
MAXIMUM DPI: 125 DPI at final output size if you're using raster-based text and effects.  Anything above 125 DPI is overkill and will not improve quality.  It only makes your file unnecessarily larger.

FORMULA FOR DETERMINING NEEDED DPI  
FORMULA FOR DETERMINING NEEDED DPI
Divide the height of the final image by the height of the original image, then multiply by the desired final DPI. If smaller type is used, then the higher 125 resolution is needed for clarity.

Resolution Formula:
Original Image Height: A"
Image Height: B"
Required final DPI: 75 to 125*		B ÷ A x 75 = X DPI at the original size for correct final enlargement

Example:
Original Photo Height:10"     92 ÷ 10 x 75 = 690 dpi @ 10"
Final Photo Height Required: 92"    92 ÷ 10 = 9.2 x 75 = 690 DPI @ 10"
Required final DPI @ 92":75"

   So, the original 10" photo must be 690         

   DPI to be enlarged correctly to the needed   

   height of 92 inches (not 99 inches).

*Change the "75" in the equation to "125" for the correct size when smaller type is used. If you have doubts on which formula to use or if you want us to calculate it for you, call the Downing Art Department.
CROP MARKS & BLEEDS  
Please include all necessary crop marks. All outside edges require a 1" bleed.
MURAL IMAGES (Continuous images over multiple panels)  
When you plan to have a single graphic span over more than one panel, do not create them as separate panels. Create the layout as a single mural without interruption or breaks. In other words, combine the size of each panel needed to determine the actual size to make your layout. Create one large seamless image. Use tick marks to indicate where you believe the panels will be cut. Marrying panels is an exact science and we will need to determine the precise location of the cuts. Only the outside edges of your single graphic mural will require a 1" bleed.

FONTS  
Please provide all fonts used in your document, including fonts used in imported EPS files. Or, alternatively, convert all text and fonts to paths. We cannot accept True Type or PC fonts or files that contain these.
COLOR  
Use Pantone Matching System (PMS solid coated) for any Vector art requiring close color matching.
Use an overall RGB platform to ensure the most accurate overall color matching.

Include a color proof and/or color PDF with your artwork. Please specify whether we are to match to your printed proof or the actual PANTONE colors specified in the file. We will make every effort to match your colors as accurately as possible.
PROOFING PROCESS  
We e-mail PDF proofs for approval.  These proofs are only good for layout, spelling, etc.  Do not depend on these for accurate color.  When color matching is particularly important, we recommend the printing of a color digital test proof. These proofs are printed and laminated using the same processes and materials as in the production of your final display, providing an extremely accurate representation of your final display. Color proofs typically require additional time and are chargeable.
VECTOR VS. RASTER: Vector Artwork is preferred  
Vector art: Resolution independent ...provides the best enlargement results. Vector images are sharp, crisp, and clean. Images can be scaled to any size without a loss of quality.

Raster images: Resolution dependent . . results can be poor, particularly if images are enlarged.  See our guidelines for DPI requirements.
ACCEPTED TRANSFER MEDIA  
Once all art files have been completed, please provide entire job file art to Downing Displays via:
  • CD ROMs or DVD's with hard copy printouts
  • FTP: Use our site or your FTP software application. Call Jessica Castellini in the Graphics Department at: 1.800.883.1800 ext. 149 for password and e-mail instructions for the Downing web based FTP site (no additional software needed) or for alternate instructions to use your own FTP software.