FAQs About Artwork

Question: Can I use my own logo or image?
Answer: That depends. Is your image a bitmap image or a vector image?


Question: What is the difference between bitmap (or raster) images and vector images?
Answer: There are two kinds of computer graphics – raster (composed of pixels) and vector (composed of paths). Raster images are more commonly called bitmap images.

A bitmap image uses a grid of individual pixels where each pixel can be a different color or shade. Bitmaps are composed of pixels.

Vector graphics use mathematical relationships between points and the paths connecting them to describe an image. Vector graphics are composed of paths.


Question: Why does it matter if the image is raster or vector?
Answer: An example of vector vs. bitmap artworkThe main reason is what happens when you enlarge the image. Many images (clip art et cetera)

that you find on the internet are bitmaps and are too small for a t-shirt. The larger you display a bitmap, the more jagged it appears, while a vector image remains smooth at any size.

The image to the left is representative of the difference between a bitmap and a vector graphic. They are shown at 7x magnification to exaggerate the fact that the edges of a bitmap become jagged as it is scaled up.


Question: What type of art files do you accept?
Answer: Vector Artwork (Preferred):

  • Adobe Illustrator CS3 or earlier (.AI, EPS, .ART, .WEF, etc)
  • CorelDraw Version X5 or earlier (.CDR)
  • Other vector formats may be acceptable. Please contact me to check.

* NOTE: Please make sure all text is converted to paths, curves, or outlines, or that all font files used in the artwork are also supplied.

Raster Artwork in High Resolution:

  • Adobe Photoshop version CS3 or earlier (.TIF, .BMP. .GIF, .JPG, .PSD, .EPS, .PNG)
  • Paint Shop Pro version XL or earlier (.PSP, .PNG, .TIF, etc)
  • Other raster formats may be acceptable. Please contact us to check.

* IMPORTANT NOTE: All raster/bitmap artwork should be 200 DPI and at the size you want it printed. Graphics pulled from the web at screen resolution (72 DPI) do not work well for high quality printing.


Question: What computer programs do you use?
Answer: I am using CorelDraw&#174 X5; with Smart Designer™ X4.5


Question: Do you charge for custom artwork?
Answer: No. I will work on the draft image(s) and all changes and modifications until you are satisfied.

However, if you decide not to order through me and would rather take the custom artwork in vector form to another printer, the cost will be $30.


Question: How big can an image be?
Answer: Your final printed image can be as large as 11″ x 14″