CREATOR
DESIGNING
GUIDE.
To ensure a smooth process and optimal print quality, please follow this design guide when preparing your artwork.
CREATOR
DESIGNING
GUIDE.
To ensure a smooth process and optimal print quality, please follow this design guide when preparing your artwork.
SUBMIT YOUR
DIGITAL ART
DIGITAL ARTWORK GUIDE
A low-quality image file can ruin even the best design, leaving you with a subpar print that won’t do your work justice.
Core Print Quality Elements
3 main factors influence how well your designs translate to physical products:
The right
File Format.
Use Adobe Illustrator .ai or Photoshop .psd for adjustable designs, and .PNG for transparent backgrounds.
Make sure to outline all fonts.
The best
Color Mode.
We print CMYK files as this color model is best suited for accurately replicating digital colors on physical products
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is primarily used for computer monitors.
The best
File Resolution.
A resolution of 300 dpi is the standard. It produces high-quality prints with sharp details and vibrant colors.
Lower than 300DPI, it may cause pixelated and unclear images.
Managing Print Issues
There are a few more important things to consider when you’re designing your files for printing.
Forgetting to
Remove Background
Design with transparency. A white background in your file will print as a solid white rectangle.
Transparent background is required.
Design Semi-transparent elements
When using transparent glows or gradient effects on garments, the white base beneath the design will be visible. If you intend to print on black or another dark color try to avoid this effect in your designs.
Try to avoid this effect in your designs.
Design Artwork In An Actual Print Size
Resizing can affect the overall image as well. Ensure the edges of your artwork are clean and crisp, without being too blurry or jagged.
Low resolution will print with low quality.
SUBMIT YOUR
HANDMADE ART
HANDMADE ARTWORK GUIDE
If your art is on paper or canvas (or any other physical media)
you’ll need to digitize the work so it can be printed.
Scanning original artwork
Flatbed scanners are a fantastic tool for digitizing artwork into high-quality images. Of course, you’ll need to invest in a good scanner.
Pros of scanning
- High-resolution files. A good scanner can capture your artwork in great detail every time.
- Less time-consuming process. Unlike photographing, there’s no need to ensure proper lighting or angle.
- Color accuracy for artworks. Modern scanners have excellent color accuracy, meaning your digital art will closely match the original.
Cons of scanning
- Artwork size limitations. Standard scanners are usually no longer or wider than 11 inches. But you can still scan larger artwork in several parts and merge the files in Photoshop (more on that later).
- Artwork type limitations. The artwork must be in close contact with the scanner bed which is why it’s difficult to scan textured or delicate pieces.
Core Print Quality Elements
3 main factors influence how well your designs translate to physical products:
The right
File Format.
Save your digital file as a PNG or TIFF.
Save your digitized artwork in a non-lossy format.
The best
Color Mode.
Save your scanned print file in the sRGB color profile sRGB IEC61966-2.1.
sRGB has a broader, more vibrant color range/gamut than the CMYK color profile.
Choose the
Right DPI.
Go for a DPI of at least 150 and no higher than 300dpi for the best print results.
Going beyond 300 DPI won’t improve the print quality.
Managing Print Issues
There are a few more important things to consider when you’re scanning your hardcopy art for printing.
Clean the
Scanner
Before scanning, remove any dust or smudges from your artwork and the scanner bed.
This step is crucial to avoid unwanted marks in your digital file.
Clean the
Artwork
Adobe Photoshop to clean up your artwork or Clean up the paper background before scanning
This step is crucial to avoid unwanted marks in your digital file.
Photographing
original artwork
To digitize your artwork by photographing it, you’ll need a smartphone from 2021 or newer, or a digital camera. Good lighting and photographing skills will also come in handy.
Pros of photographing
- No size limitations. With a camera, you won’t need to capture your artwork in many takes.
- Portability. You can set up a photo session anywhere. You only need a smartphone, a neutral background, and good lighting.
- Depth and texture. A photograph captures the depth and texture of your artwork in more detail than a flatbed scanner, making your artwork look more 3D.
Cons of photographing
- Lighting challenges. Getting the lighting right can be tricky, but the photography tips below will help.
- Consistency issues. Without a studio set-up, it can be challenging to get consistent quality for each time you digitize your artwork.
- Distorted images. Incorrect angles or camera settings can lead to distorted images.
Core Print Quality Elements
3 main factors influence how well your designs translate to physical products:
Angle of your photographs.
It's important to be directly square-on to the artwork. If you have a tripod, use it to get directly above or in front of the work.
Settings > Camera > Grid should be toggled on.
Lighting
your artwork.
Don’t photograph your work in direct sunlight; you’re looking for diffused natural light.
There should be no dappled light or sunbeams across your work.
Leave enough
empty space around artwork.
You might need to edit your digitized artwork photos to get all the details of your work.
Give yourself room to crop and edit it later
Managing Print Issues
There are a few more important things to consider when you’re photographing your hardcopy art for printing.
Check your Distance
Don't zoom in
Avoid using digital zoom to fill the frame. Instead, physically move the camera closer to your artwork.
This preserves image quality and sharpness.
Avoid for
Glare and Shadows
Find a place where there is direct uninterrupted light from above, like in your garden or on the roof. Avoid places where shadows might fall (e.g., near trees).
Anything visible in your artwork file will appear in the final print.
Avoid for
Blurred image
If you don’t have steady hands or a level surface, use a tripod to keep the shot stable and sharp.
A clean, clear image is more attractive to buyers.
ART
PRINT SIZES
GUIDE.
We handle the technical details, ensuring your art is print-ready and perfectly sized for our products.
ART PRINT SAMPLE
To ensure a perfect fit, we'll adapt your artwork to the specific dimensions of your chosen product while preserving its creative integrity.
