PPB December 2017

Viewing Artwork Files Many distributors are unable to see their clients’ files because they don’t have the computer programs to open the files. You may sometimes be able to view eps artwork in your email browser, but not always. One solution is to purchase and install a program such as Adobe Creative Cloud (www.adobe.com ). This will allow you to purchase a license to use programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator. You do not have to be a graphic artist to use these programs and you can save time and money in the long run by handling simple processes yourself, such as resizing graphics or creating your own virtuals. Tip: If you don’t want to purchase one of the graphic software programs, a simpler solution is to ask your client to take a screenshot of the le they are sending to you. If your client cannot open the le either, there is a risk you could receive the wrong artwork. I have heard many stories about distributors forwarding artwork to suppliers and the order being produced using an obsolete logo. If you or your client can open the le, you might also catch the inevitable “white le.” This is a le in which artwork is created in white and cannot be viewed in your browser. White les are sometimes created if the artwork is to be printed in white. Instead, have the artwork produced in black or any other color, but make sure the le is a one-color vector le and clearly specify that the artwork is to be printed in white when you send the le to your supplier. Working With Color— Pantone, CYMK And More If your supplier asks for artwork as spot color or the artwork has Pantone (formerly called PMS- PantoneMatching System) values attached, first ask your client if they have Pantone colors associated with their brand or artwork. If they don’t, youmay need to find the colors that match their artwork. If you haven’t already purchased a Pantone color matching guide, you will need one so you can best match the colors you see on their artwork with the Pantone values in the guide. PPAI offers discounted pricing for members on Pantone products at shop.ppai.org. Some Pantone color book options also contain CMYK (four-color process) values as well. Often, vector files that have previously been used for print will be set up as CMYK. Sending the vector artwork as-is to your supplier will normally do the trick without having to worry about conversions. Tip: Keep in mind when checking your client’s le that if the only artwork you are viewing is on your computer screen, it is being illuminated from behind and viewed in an RGB (an additive color model using red, green and blue) format. Thus, the colors you see on the screen are somewhat different from Vector File FORMATS Raster File FORMATS | DECEMBER 2017 | 73 THINK