First Person Promotions and Gifts can accept all types of artwork. The following is a list of preferred file types and artwork formats:

• Vector Artwork Files (Most Preferred Format)

We prefer original files be sent in Illustrator format so we can manipulate the artwork if necessary. Please do not include in your vector document any linked or embedded files, unless they are true vector images.

Adobe Illustrator CS
• All text converted to outlines
• Please export as EPS or AI file formats

Coral Draw
• All text converted to curves
• Export as EPS or AI file formats

Adobe Photoshop CS
• Send all Photoshop files at 100% of imprint size and at least 300 dpi.

TIFF (file format)
• Send all TIFF documents as one color.
• Multi-colored TIFF will not be acceptable unless image to be printed is in CMYK color format.
• All TIFF documents must also be sent at 100% of imprint size and at least 300 dpi.

• Rasterized Artwork Files

All other artwork formats such as JPG, GIF, BMP, PCX or other low resolution raster images will require additional artwork or conversion work over to a vector based piece of artwork. First Person Promotions and Gifts currently works with several graphic art companies that can use your existing art file and create a vector based file for a small fee. If for some reason you do not have artwork, don’t worry. We can assist in designing a new logo or image that will help you reach out to your customers or clients and get out your message.

ALWAYS PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPRESS YOUR ARTWORK FILE BEFORE SENDING VIA EMAIL.

Decorating Types

There are many types of decorating techniques used in producing promotional products. The following is a list of the most popular methods along with a brief description:

Screen Printing / Silk-Screening
An image is transferred to the printed surface by ink, which is pressed through a stenciled screen and treated with a light-sensitive emulsion. Film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to light, hardening the emulsion not covered by film and leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to press ink through. You must create a different screen for every color you are going to print and screen each color separately allowing drying time in between.

Embroidery
A design is stitched into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be "digitized;” the specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches or thread. The digitizer must recreate the artwork using stitches.

Deboss
The artwork image is a depression into a material’s surface. This causes the image to sit below the product surface. Artwork appears pressed or carved into the product.

Emboss
Opposite of Deboss. The image is impressed usually from the underside onto the surface of the product creating a raised look. We impress an image to achieve a raised surface.

Hot Stamp
Setting a design on a metal relief die or plate, which is then heated and pressed onto the printing surface to achieve a deboss.

Etching
A process in which an item is covered with a protective coating that resists acid to create the artwork. This leaves a bare surface and a protected surface. It is then exposed to acid. The acid attacks only the exposed surface leaving the image etched onto the surface.

Laser or Foil Stamp
Applying metallic or colored foil imprints to vinyl, leather or paper surfaces. Usually used with a Deboss technique or sometimes with a flat image pressing.

Die-casting
Creating a mold by injecting hot metal or aluminum into the cavity of a carved die (or a mold).

Die-striking
Production of emblems and other flat promotional products by striking a blank metal sheet with a hammer that holds the die.

Colorfill
Screen printing an image and debossing it onto a surface.

Pad Printing
Use of a silicone pad that has been pressed with ink and applying the pad to the desired object to be imprinted.

4-color Process
A color image is separated into 4 different color values using filters and screens (usually digital). The result is a color separation of 4 images. When transferred to printing plates and printed on a printing press with the colored inks, cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black, reproduces the original color image.

Laser (Engraving)
Art or lettering is cut into a material by a laser beam that vaporizes the portion exposed through openings in a template.

Sublimation
Dye transfer process where the image consists of a colored dye permanently embedded into the pores of the material surface. Used to imprint messages, graphics and photographs on a variety of items, primarily mouse pads, mugs, T-shirts, caps and trophy medals.

Decal
Artwork is produced on a transparent decal or sticker like material and applied to the product.

Offset Printing
The transfer of ink from a metal printing plate to a rubber-covered cylinder is used on more complex artwork and for higher quantity runs. Magazine and other high quality printing applications primarily use this method.