How To Send Us Your Art
Before building your inflatable, we will need certain types of artwork from you. This might include logos, graphics, or other images. You can usually get these files from your company's art department, design house or ad agency.
Send Flat Art Files
Note: We cannot use a photograph of a three-dimensional object. Instead, please provide flat artwork, e.g. the files used to create the product's packaging.
If possible, supply a color correct file of your final graphics, including call-outs for critical Pantone swatch colors. Under normal circumstances, artwork must be provided 3 to 4 weeks prior to the shipment of your inflatable.
Art File Formats
Vector Graphics
Customers whose inflatable or banner will require digitally printed text or logos should use a vector-based file format. Vector graphics are good for producing crisp outlines for logos and illustrations, independent of size.
Instructions For Your Art Department
- Recommended file formats are .AI or .EPS.
- RGB Color mode is recommended.
- Convert all fonts to outlines and embed any linked images.
Bitmap Images (AKA Raster Images)
Customers who don't have vector graphics for their artwork will need to submit art files in bitmap form.
Instructions For Your Art Department:
- Recommended file formats are .PSD or .TIF.
- Do NOT use any type of file compression (such as .JPEG or .GIF files).
- RGB Color mode is recommended.
Raster Art Size Specifications:
Resolution: We recommend the final art be at least 50 dots/pixels-per-inch (DPI/PPI) when printed at full scale. You can quickly determine the minimum size of your art file by using the equation below:
Art size at scale (inches) x 50 (dpi) = Art File Dimensions Needed (in pixels)
For example, if the banner for your inflatable will be 60 inches by 24 inches, the art file you send should be at least 3000 x 1200 px
- 60 in x 50 dpi = 3000 px
- 24 in x 50 dpi = 1200 px
Additional Notes
If your files contain a combination of raster and vector artwork: Make sure to embed your raster images in the file, or include them separately if linked. Include a copy of all fonts used, and provide Pantone, HEX, or RGB color codes for us to match.
3D Models
Customers wishing to provide 3D assets should submit models and textures exported from their 3D software package. In most cases we are able to use this model as a direct reference for creating our production model and digital surface art.
Recommended Formats:
- 3D Model
- File formats: .FBX or .OBJ
- A smoothed final mesh will usually work well. Including a lower-res copy or version with smoothing history intact is ideal.
- Texture maps:
- File Formats: .PSD, .TIF, .PNG
- If we will be using your surface art for final production, keep in mind the large scale of real-world inflatables and, if possible, provide very high resolution maps or split into multiples (e.g. one 16k map, two 8k maps, four 4k maps).
Materials and Textures:
Please include any materials, surface maps and texture files for our reference when creating your inflatable. If there are rendered material elements that contribute to the look of your model (lighting, normal maps, cavity maps), please bake these down to a master texture file if possible.
If you have any further questions or concerns, contact us.
