Here are a number of files that can be useful in guiding the artistic direction of the plaques and awards.
Camera ready artwork can also be sent and used. Whether that is a logo to be used by the Art Department or the entire layout.
Programs used in the Art Department are Freehand MX which is my favorite. Other programs are Illustrator CS, Photoshop CS and Quark 6. With any artwork that is sent it is important to convert text to curves/paths. This ensures the layout will not change with slight variations in typefaces between computers.
Logos sent as Camera ready artwork are best sent in Vector Formats. The universal file format for this is refered to as an EPS. Some programs can output PDF files which can be used.
JPEG and GIF formats are typically NOT Print Ready formats. These are great for sending small files for viewing on a computer. However when printed they will have jagged lines, odd shadows and inconsistant colors.
Photographs and some logos can be sent in a TIF format. This format is typically from image scanners. Scanned images are best done in an Expert mode where the resolution and size of the scan are easily controlled.
Photographs should be enlarged or reduced to the final size to be used at the shop and 200 to 300 Dots Per Inch, DPI. If the photograph is to be printed in Full color, then the color setting is needed. Photographs that will be printed in Black and White should be converted to a grayscale format before being sent. That will allow higher resolution files to be sent, without the extra time and storage space.
Scanned Logos require higher resolutions to maintain sharpe lines and text. Therefore 600 DPI is the suggested resolution. A typical format is a Bitmap or Black and White.
Lists of names can be submitted in a Word or Excel format.
Sending logos that have been saved in a Word format can produce unpredictable results. Word is NOT a graphic program and does not have exporting functions typically found with most programs. Logos sent within Word has to be converted to allow them to be used within other programs.
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There are Four Steps involved in the creation of a custom plaque:
1. Design the Message
2. Select the Plaque Style
3. Rough out the Layout
4. Select Material for the Engraving
1. The most creative aspect is the engraved message. Some of the standard copy used on an
award or recognition plaque is as follows:
Reason for the Plaque- The accomplishment, feat or achievement; usually this is a
prominent line of copy.
Descriptive Phrase- The specific purpose of the plaque or a detailed description of
the occasion. (example: for superior performance and outstanding sales
achievement.)
Presentor's Name- The name of the company, group or person presenting the award.
Location- The department, city, state, region of the presentor or recipient.
(example: Eastern Sales Region)
Date- When the plaque was earned or presented.
Connecting Phrases- These are used to tie the entire message together. (examples:
Presented To, In Apreciation Of, In Recognition, In Memory Of, For
Excellence, Dedicated To, etc.)
Graphics- This often includes borders, designs, artwork, and company logos. As we
can virtually engrave anything on paper, items such as photographs, or
newspaper clippings can also be engraved as a part of your message.
2. The plaque styles offer a wide variety of sizes, shapes, materials and finishes to choose
from. Select a plaque large enough to accomodate the area required by your message.
3. Rough out your message on a piece of paper. A "drawing" of the plaque helps you to
organize and put things in proportion. It is important to have a visual diagram to refer to.
G ive specific instructions: direction of plate, border, logos, designs, typestyles,
capitalization, and punctuation. Please check the spelling. The art department will follow
your instructions and complete the layout, giving the best appearance possible.
4. The selection of the engraving materials puts the final touch on the engraving. Different
materials, colors and finishes will produce unique, creative engravings.
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