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cies · February 14th, 2009

What does a screen printer need from an artist in order to complete a job?

From my understanding they need the a vector image format, but when supplying this do you need to do anything to the image to make it ready to be printed? For example converting any standard gradients into half-tone dot shading?

Basically, what I'm asking is can I supply a screen printer with a high-colour vector image and have them convert it to a 4-5 colour screen print?

PositiveDave · February 14th, 2009

well...
it depends...
If the print is to be two or three pantones, then the artwork needs setting up as pantones rather than RGB/CMYK.
Don't worry about halftoning, the printer should sort that out.
Either include all fonts, or, better still, convert all fonts to outlines.
Remember to include any linked files with the artwork.
Ask your printer how he need the file, format etc.
If the print is to be four colour or index separations then RGB is OK.
Save the files with their ICC profiles.

cies · February 14th, 2009

Ahhh! Okay I get it. Thank you. But what's an ICC profile?

PositiveDave · February 14th, 2009

It's the colour calibration file, when you save a tiff or similar file, you have an option to include the profile. Tick it.

cies · February 14th, 2009

Excellent! Thank you both.

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What does a screen printer need?