Questions & Answers: • Submitting Artwork • When artwork cannot be provided • Artwork • Preferable File Formats • Sharing Ideas • Layouts for Leather Maker stamps • Artwork for Magnesium Plates

Before After

Submitting Artwork

Infinity Stamps accepts artwork via mail, fax and email.
Virtaully any artwork received can be utilized.
The experienced Graphic Designers at ISI are available to assist upon request.

Preferable File Formats
The vector formats ISI prefers are: :
.dxf
.dwg
.eps
.pdf
.ai (Adobe Illustrator CS3 or earlier)
.cdr (Corel Draw 12 or earlier)
.fh_ (Freehand MX 04 or earlier)
If the artwork is received in one of the above formats and is suitable for computerized engraving, it is ready to go directly into the ISI Engraving System. The Infinity System uses the most sophisticated software in combination with CNC equipment, minimizing artwork preparation time and reducing cost to the customer.

When Infinity Stamps receives artwork, it is evaluated and, if necessary, changes are recommended. Artwork in raster (picture) format (such as .jpg) must be re-created in a vector format for the production of any stamp. If the customer chooses to use the ISI Graphic Design department, an ISI designer will make the necessary changes. The modified artwork will then be forwarded to the customer for approval.

The raster (picture) formats ISI prefers are: :
.jpg
.psd
.tif
.gif
.bmp
.wmf

ISI is able to open most graphic file formats.

ARTWORK SUBMISSION TIPS
The following illustrations have been created to assist with artwork preparation.
These tips are intended for graphic designers or the customer who has some graphic design experience .

• Raster files such as .JPG, .TIF, .GIF, .BMP & .PSD should be of the highest quality possible.
• Vector files should be free of any raster images. A useful way of spotting raster art is to zoom in close and see if it becomes pixilated. (See example below)
• Saving a file as a vector format such as EPS, AI or FH11, does not guarantee that the image will be in true vector format. If the document contains raster images, they need to be vectorized. An easy way to determine this is to preview the document in "outline" or "keyline" mode. In this mode, every outline will be a pathway for the engraving program.

When flat-face stamps are desired, the artwork should be prepared with outlines. 
(See example below).

Fonts
(Letter & Number Styles)

The ISI Font Gallery displays many fonts to choose from.

In addition to the ISI Font Gallery, most PC fonts can also be used. Simply provide Infinity Stamps with a copy of the specific font alphabet when placing an order. The font is evaluated, always with the clarity of the mark in mind and, when necessary, recommendations are suggested.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FONT:
Some fonts may be more suitable than others for certain stamps. When choosing a font, the total image size (for the stamp face) needs to be taken into consideration, as well as the material being marked and the marking method.

Bold fonts are not recommended for small stamp faces (such as jewelry stamps) or small branding dies. Single-Stroke fonts were created specifically for sharp-face stamps which are intended for marking steel and other hard materials. In some cases fonts other than single-stroke can be used, however only as outlines, not filled.

Should the customer wish to have a specific font which is not the most suitable, for the sake of creating stamps that will leave clear marks, the customer can elect to use Infinity’s Graphic Design assistance and request that specific letters be slightly altered.

Fonts used in other languages such as Asian, Arabic and Hebrew can also be used, and an original font created by the customer can be utilized by the Graphic Design department.

The clip art displayed in the gallery is shown as outlines. It can be used both as is and filled. However, clip art needs to remain as outlines when sharp face stamps are required (for marking hard materials).

The ISI Graphic Design department is available to cut, modify or multiply any clip art per customer requested specifications.

If customer cannot provide artwork for producing a stamp, the ISI Graphic Design Department can use sample stamps, marked parts or a clear photograph of a marked part to create the necessary artwork. When ready, the artwork and/or layout will be forwarded to customer for review and approval.

When Infinity Stamps has ideas for improving the stamp image or layout, it is suggested to the customer. Ideas can always be discussed back and forth over the phone. Customers are very welcome to call whenever they need advice and suggestions to achieve the best possible image on their stamps.

After an order is placed, the Graphic Design Department prepares the layout for the stamp face taking great care to create a well-balanced image. To achieve this balance the most appropriate character heights and widths are used. When necessary, standard, extended and condensed characters are combined. Appropriate spacing also contributes to a good balance between the image and the negative space (background area), resulting in a stamp image that will produce clear and appealing impressions. Prior to actual production of the Maker Stamp, the layout is forwarded to the customer for review and approval.

High quality camera-ready black & white artwork is required for producing Magnesium Plates. Vector format artwork is preferred, although good quality raster (picture) formats (such as .jpg) are acceptable. Artwork in any format other than Vector must be submitted in the actual size required for the magnesium plate image.