Custom Stickers
People are always wanting us to do custom stickers they have seen somewhere. In order for us to do this, it is much easier to see what they have seen. Many times when doing vehicle graphics, because of different models, etc. seeing what we have to work with is important. With today’s technology and availability of a great camera on your cell phone, this is easier than ever.
That being said. Not everyone is a photographer. Every camera is different, but how you take the picture is the most important part. Three important factors; angle, zoom, and lighting will help us see what you want to be printed.
Angle
Always take your picture at a 90-degree angle and the same height (Figure 1A). Taking a picture at any other angle will distort proportions, shapes, and sizes.
Zoom
Depending on what you are wanting us to see. If they are just custom decals you want us to print, all we really need to see is the label. Zoom in as close as you can to see the label clearly. If there is any fuzziness, back off of the zoom or get closer to what you are photographing.
Still, there are reasons to zoom out past the edges of the label. Perhaps you want a larger label and want us to see the space we have to work with. Maybe there is a boundary that we need to be aware of. Zoom out just enough so we can see it and the label clearly.
In need of a vehicle graphic, send us a picture of the side you are wanting to mount the sticker. Paying close attention to the angle (90 degrees) and zoom to where we can see the whole side just inside the frame. In order to measure up the proportions for your specific vehicle model, having a photo include space outside your specific area will be helpful.
Lighting
Proper lighting is important for any picture. If it is difficult for you to see the object when you are taking the picture therefore the picture itself will be worse. Try taking the picture outside during the day. The sun is the best light you have! If you have to take the picture inside, make note of the type of lighting. Fluorescent lights make colors appear bluer. While incandescents make colors appear yellow to amber.
Color
When referencing color, photos are all wrong, especially digital ones. What you see on your camera or computer screen, may not reflect what I see. Settings for every computer screen are different. I have two computers on my desk and the colors between the two vary. The best means to match color is to send us a sample of the color or reference a known standard, perhaps a Pantone color or a paint chip. While if you are needing a certain color and have something that matches what you are wanting, for example a printed decal or painted sample, please send this to us with relevant information, company and contact information. If you have been working with a sales person, please also include their name.
Kewanna Screen Printing
% Color Match
PO Box 397
Kewanna IN 46939
Make sure we get it right the first time. Figures 2A-2E (below) show both correct and improper camera angle and zoom.
Artwork
Maybe you need us to print custom stickers you had printed elsewhere. This is totally doable. If so, great news, no photography needed. If you paid somebody to create a label, you paid them for the artwork. Ask to have your artwork. We prefer to have the vector artwork (drawings with detailed math regarding lines, angles, curves, fonts, colors, etc.). These files will be in *.eps, *.cdr, *.ai format. If one of these is not available a good *.pdf file can work. At very worst, a large *.jpg file will allow us to trace the image.
If you are not sure how to get us the required photo or file, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (800) 348-2454 or send an email to info@kspprints.com.
For more articles to aid in your purchasing decision, please check our other blog posts.