What format do you require artwork in?
We accept most artwork formats, and try to make it easy for you that way.The 4 main kinds of artwork are:
-Vector Graphics
-Raster Graphics
-Word Processing Document
-Hard Copy.
See to the right, we've explained these some more.
Vector graphics are preferred, but we can usually work with any of these formats.
Vector Graphics
Vector Graphics are ideal & usually best to use. Formats include Illustrator .AI files, .EPS, .PDF.Artwork is usually created from lines & fills.
These resize well without loss of quality. They are often be best for making our colour separations.
Sometimes vector files have raster graphics placed in them.
Raster Graphics
Raster Graphics (ie. made of tiny coloured pixels) are usable in most T-shirt applications. Suitable for more photographic & painty designs. Formats include Photoshop .PSD, Jpeg, PNG, some .PDFs & .EPSs.For best results keep Resolution high in raster graphics. Ideally 300dpi at actual size. 600dpi can be preferable (big file size).
If you have a multicolour Photoshop design it's a great help if you leave all your working layers unflattened.
Low resolution will mean your file is fuzzy when enlarged to print size. We can sometimes sharpen up a low res. design, but not in all cases. We may need to redraw, and charge a fee for that.
Word Processing Doc
No fancy design software? Everything I just said was science fiction? That shouldn't be a problem.If you can put together what you want in your prints in Word, we can probably work with that. If you can export from word to .PDF, send that as well as your Word doc.
Hard Copy
Yes! Some people still draw, and some people don't use computers. Respect!If you want to supply your design on paper or other hard copy, we can scan & work from that.
Quality of outcome will depend on what you supply.
We may need to charge for artwork time.
What size to make the artwork?
Standard print size is up to A3 vertical or 340 x 280mm landscape, with larger prints available for a bit extra. It's generally best to think about what size the graphic looks best at.Either size your graphic to the size you want, or send your art & let us know what size to scale it to. We can apply our expertise to choose a size if you prefer.
How do show you where I want it on the shirt?
You can just explain in words if it's easier, or give a measurement (eg. 8cm below the collar at the back of the neck).On our Downloads page you'll find several garment templates you're welcome to use.
If supplying mocked up on a garment it would also be good to send the art on its own, without garment behind, for quality.
How do I get the artwork to Red Octopus?
If its under 15mb, email should be fine. See contact page.Internet upload is another way. Try www.yousendit.com for files up to 100mb.
Visit our shop with your USB drive, CD, DVD or hard copy.
CDs, DVDs & Hard Copy you can also courier or post
Can Red Octopus design for me?
Red Octopus have our own graphic designers on hand to create whatever graphics you require.
