Color Artwork for Printing
As of 2013, In A Flash Laser also offers CMYK+White+Clear full color printing. Â Suitable items for printing are flat and non-porous. Â White and Clear ink require special Roland DGA Spot Colors, we can help with adding that to your artwork files. Â Gloss varnish and clear ink textures are also available on some items.
File Preparation for Engraving
In order to provide the highest quality products we need the best images that you have. Please use the following information to help you do this. Â We would be happy to answer your questions at any time, so just get in touch.
COLORS
The laser engraves in a 2-bit, black/white, on/off method. It uses a dithering pattern for colors or gray scales to provide different shading. If you have an image other than pure line art we will work with you to convert it to the best format possible for engraving. We have software algorithms that were specifically designed for this type of conversion. Many times we find that what looks good on the screen is very different than what engraves the best.
FILE TYPES
VECTOR files
We can accept vector files in practically any format. The laser works from CorelDRAW, but we can convert your vector artwork from any format, even PDF. The laser works only with RGB mode pallets, we can help you convert if needed.
High-Res JPEG
We accept JPEG files. However, we recommend working from a lossless original (such as a TIFF or PSD file), and then saving the file as a highest-quality JPEG in RGB mode. This will keep any editing from degrading your files, but allow you to have quicker uploads of your artwork. If we need to edit or change the files that you upload, we will discuss this with you to minimize JPEG degradation. Using the high-res JPEG will also allow you to upload a file with larger dimensions and a greater resolution while staying within any upload limits.
PROOFS
We will email you a final proof of your artwork on our template but can send you a proof actually engraved on silver anodized aluminum for $10 (or deferral of your first royalty).
ADAPTING A DESIGN FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS
Artwork designed for the iPad may be easily adapted to other items such as laptops, netbooks and possibly even phones. Check out the dimension specs and templates in the next section. We will pay the royalty for any item sold with your design so let us know if you have designs for more than one item.
TEMPLATE FILES AND DIMENSIONS
Apple has dimensional drawings of their products available here:
http://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/cases.html
Our iPad templates are available here:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3316
And iPod Touch template is available here:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3315
We are creating more templates all the time. If you’d like us to focus on something specific let us know.
CREDIT TO ARTISTS
We can write as much or as little information about you and your artwork as you’d like and are more than happy to link to your website or other portfolio.
ROYALTY FEES
We are currently paying 10% of the retail cost per item sold with your artwork. For Artist Series iPads this will be $8 each.
AGREEMENT
The agreement text basically says that you retain your copyright, that you provided original artwork that is free from other copyrights that would prevent us from using it, that we are allowed to use your artwork, that we will pay you a royalty on each use, that you’re responsible for paying taxes on the royalty and that we can end the agreement at any time. We are set up so that you can do an electronic signature through EchoSign.com.
SUBMITTING ARTWORK
Use the form below or drop us an email with your artwork: info@inaflashlaser.com