Art Requirements

Our Art Department operates with a Macintosh® computer system. We evaluate the quality of artwork files according to the industry’s SM@RT guidelines for artwork readiness. Artwork charges and additional production time may apply to files that do not meet the SM@RT guidelines.

The maximum file size we can receive via e-mail is 10 MB. Multiple files and any vector files should be compressed. Use either STUFFIT or ZIP archives. For more information, please visit www.smart-artwork.org.

Electronic Art

The files must be line art/vector image in Adobe Illustrator 5.5 or above, or Freehand 7.0 or above. Corel Draw files must be exported (not copied and pasted) as Illustrator, AI, or EPS files. Microsoft® Word documents and Quark files not accepted. Distributor name and purchase order number must appear in the subject line of the e-mail. A hard copy of the imprint must accompany the purchase order for verification to avoid an $8.00 paper proof charge. Files will receive automatic verification of receipt and will be opened within 24 hours. Artwork can be uploaded quickly and easily, please contact customer service for information.

Fonts – Live files are required. (Always include a hard copy of the artwork.) Fonts incorporated in artwork must be converted to curves OR paths. Please include any unusual screen and printer fonts as well as all imported TIFF and EPS files.

Color Separations – For artwork to be reproduced in more than one color, provide separate line art/vector image files for each color. Files must contain separated black art only. Include a hard copy or other diagram indicating the color breakdown and the name of the individual color files in a descriptive, self-explanatory manner.

Camera-Ready Art

Customer-supplied artwork should be camera-ready and no smaller than 4" x 4" for latex balloons, and 6" x 6" for Microfoil® balloons. Art will be sized to the maximum imprint area of the balloon selected. See charts below.

Media Requirements – Files must be sent on a 3.5" floppy disk, iomega® Zip 100, or CD. Submit a hard copy for each order. Do not put artwork for more than one single order on each disk.

Laser-Generated Art – Should be minimum 300 dpi at size indicated above.

Black-and-White Line Art – (i.e., graphics and text) that is sharp in detail and not folded, wrinkled, etc. Fax transmissions are not considered camera-ready art.

Fonts – Fonts incorporated in artwork must be included on disk. Factory cannot guarantee reproduction of fine serif and script type smaller than 8 points. Bold sans-serif fonts are recommended for type smaller than 6 points. No type should be less than 4 points. Avoid outline and shadow-effect fonts. All rules and outlines should be 1 point or greater.

Grayscale, Halftone, and Screened Art – Must be submitted “separated" with one piece for solid areas and one piece for screened areas including registration marks. Both pieces of art need to be solid (not screened). Include a composite print of how the finished art is to look. An art charge will be assessed for any art not complying with these requirements. Order acceptance is based upon approval of art.

Straight-Line Copy

A maximum of four to five short lines of copy are recommended. Abbreviations, capitalization, and punctuation will be followed as shown on your order, so please print clearly. If not specified, type style and layout selection will be made for best effect. A charge will apply if straight-line copy is changed or added to a logo on file.

General Information

Printing

Print Direction – Each balloon is printed to be read with the neck down. Clearly specify if print is to be positioned otherwise.

Ink Colors

When choosing balloon and ink color combinations, consider the effect of the balloon color when combined with the ink color, particularly when printing on an assortment of balloon colors. A change of ink may be required for desired result. Colors can be custom blended. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) color numbers are used for a point of reference only. Exact PMS color matches cannot be guaranteed. Custom ink blends are not inventoried. Latex inks are compared to uncoated PMS ink colors. Microfoil inks are compared to coated PMS ink colors.

Photo Prints

Reproduction of photographs requires a quality, 5" x 7" continuous-tone print with good contrast. Light backgrounds with images as large as possible within the frame will give the best result. For photos of people, the shot should include head and shoulders with little or no background. Art charge applies to all Photo Print balloons. Add $30.00.

Dark ink requires a positive image and is recommended for light balloons; light ink requires a reverse image and is recommended for dark balloons. When combining light and dark inks, two cuts/screens will be required. Minimum order quantities apply for each cut/screen.

Include any additional graphics or type to accompany photo. Include reference art showing desired placement of copy and photo. For best results, photo should occupy at least half of the imprint area.

Prices effective through December 31, 2004.