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ART & GRAPHIC GUIDELINES |
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| Start with high resolution images for first class output | |
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Carefully crafted graphics attract more attention and deliver memorable messages. To ensure your graphics print at the highest quality, Downing uses the most state-of-the-art, high-resolution, continuous tone digital photographic output. Our art department is Macintosh-based.
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If you need help determining which the proper resolution ... we're only a phone call away. We're ready to assist you or your advertising agency with any concerns or questions.
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| GRAPHICS DEPARTMENT CONTACTS | |
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For questions about sending
art to Downing, contact: | Cathy Apple:
1-800-883-1800 ext. 113
or e-mail: art@downingdisplays.com |
For questions about the
creation of art, contact: | Mark Linser: 1-800-883-1800 ext. 150 |
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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.
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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 definitive white paper from Downing's Art Production Manager... "Graphics in Depth."
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| ACCEPTED SOFTWARE PROGRAMS | |
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| • | ADOBE INDESIGN CS2 or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only) |
| • | ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR* version CS2 or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only) |
| • | QUARK XPRESS version 7.0 or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only) |
| • | MACROMEDIA FREEHAND version MX or lower (1/1, 1/2, or 1/4 scale only) |
| • | ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS2 or lower (Do not use PhotoShop for page layout!) |
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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!
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| DOWNING ART GUIDELINES | |
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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.
- Produce art in proportional size to the final needed image, ½ scale is best, larger is accepted. It cannot be smaller than ¼ scale if you use any drop shadows and special effects, like beveling. They will pixilate because they are raster-based.
- Save all images as eps images to ensure enlargement quality.
- Do not embed images or we will not be able to edit them if needed.
- Use RGB color platform and PANTONE™ Matching System (solid coated) for all specific color matches... or provide a printed color sample for us to match (letterhead, brochure, etc.).
- 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!
- Include a color PDF or hard copy of your final art.
- Supply all original files for EPS or 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
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| FORMULA FOR DETERMINING NEEDED DPI | |
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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 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.
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Please include all necessary crop marks. Outside edges require a 1" bleed. Graphics for exhibits with continuous panels do not require bleeds between panels that are part of the same continuous image.
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| MURAL IMAGES (Continuous images over multiple panels) | |
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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.
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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.
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Use Pantone Matching System (PMS solid coated) for any 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.
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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. Upon request, we will send a new PDF proof at no additional cost.
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| VECTOR VS. RASTER: Vector Artwork is preferred | |
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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: Results can be poor, particularly if images are enlarged. Use only for photos or continuous tone images.
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Once all art files have been completed, please provide entire job file art to Downing Displays via:
- CD ROMs or DVD's
- FTP: Use our site or your FTP software application. Call Cathy Apple in the Graphics Department at: 1.800.883.1800 ext. 113 for password and e-mail instructions for the Downing FTP site (no additional software needed) or for information for your FTP software.
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