Artwork
Got questions? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about ordering, artwork, branding methods, shipping, and more. If you’re still unsure, feel free to get in touch.
In short, art that ensures a good print result. Art which maintains its clarity regardless of the level of magnification is a good sign.
To ensure the best print result, we require artwork files that are high resolution and correctly formatted. Ideally, this means:
A vector file (.AI, .EPS or high-res PDF) with all fonts outlined
Clearly labelled PMS colours (if required)
Images at 300dpi resolution (for non-vector elements)
Appropriate bleed and crop marks (for paper printing)
Providing artwork in this format reduces delays and ensures your product prints exactly as expected.
PMS (Pantone Matching System) colours are used in printing to ensure a consistent, exact colour match across different materials. They are pre-mixed inks with specific codes, making them ideal for logos and brand colours.
HEX and RGB colours, on the other hand, are used for digital applications. HEX codes are six-digit colour values used in web design, while RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is a colour model used for screens. These digital formats can appear differently depending on the device or display settings, so they are not suitable for accurate colour matching in print.
Firstly it depends on the decoration technique. Laser Engraving for example, implies an etching process with no colour used at all, while Full Colour Process means you can print as many colours as you like. It depends on the product itself.
A font is a specific style and size of text used in your design. Fonts are important for brand consistency and readability. When supplying artwork, it’s best to either convert fonts to outlines (or vector files) or provide the font files, so your chosen typeface appears exactly as intended across all printed or digital formats.
Vector files are digital artwork files made up of lines and shapes rather than pixels. This means they can be scaled to any size without losing quality, making them ideal for printing on anything from pens to posters. Common vector file types include .AI, .EPS and .PDF. These files allow for precise editing and are essential for professional printing.
An Art Detail Sheet will be emailed to you for your review and is typically sent along with an Order Acknowledgment and must be approved prior to the commencement of full production of your order. This step in our ordering process ensures that your order will be processed accurately.
A Pre-production Proof is a sample of the product imprinted with your design prior to full production of your order. Its purpose is to clarify the appearance of the product and the imprint prior to manufacturing. There are additional costs and of course time involved with this process
No problem. We will discuss the cost of producing print-ready artwork with you. Artwork should never get in the way of doing a promotion. If you can’t find art that meets our requirements, we can always assist. There is an additional cost for this.
The process with the reproduction of full-colour artwork through the combination of four process ink colours – magenta (red), cyan (blue), yellow and black – in specified intensities. Colours are separated into individual colour plates so that when printed in register, they produce a full-color illustration. Four-colour separations refer specifically to the process colours: magenta, cyan, yellow and black. Typically used for Mouse Mats, Magnets & Stickers.
Spot colour refers to a method of specifying and printing colours in which each colour is printed with its own ink. For example, our one colour / one location items are printed this way. In contrast, process colour printing uses four inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black or CMYK) to produce all other colours. Spot colour printing is effective when the printed matter contains only one to three different colours, but it becomes prohibitively expensive for more colours
The process of stitching your design onto material through the use of high speed, computer controlled sewing machines. The design is reproduced with tightly-stitched thread. Fine details can be difficult to achieve. Typically used for products such as Polo Shirts, Bags, Jackets & Headwear.
The process of Heat Transfer Printing with Sublimation is one in which a design is transferred to a synthetic fabric by heat and pressure. The heat causes the inks to turn into a gas so that they penetrate the fabric and combine with it to form a permanent imprint.
is the practice of using lasers to engrave or mark an object. The technique does not involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out. Typically used for products such as high end pens, keytags & desktop accessories, often metal or wooden items
The most prominent decoration technique used to brand products after production. Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset printing process that involves an image being transferred from the printing via a silicone pad onto a substrate. Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products in many industries including medical, automotive, promotional, apparel, electronics, appliances, sports equipment and toys.
Screen Printing in general is the process of forcing ink, by pressing with a squeegee, through the mesh or netting of a screen stretched on a frame onto the product to be printed. Screens are treated with a light-sensitive emulsion, and then the film positives are put in contact with the screens and exposed to a strong light. The light hardens the emulsion not covered by the film leaving a soft area on the screen for the squeegee to force ink through. Also called “silk screening” or “serigraphy”. Typically used for products such as tote bags, t-shirts, signs, stubby coolers & pens.
Blind embossing is the process of creating a three dimensional image or design into a product. This process is achieved through means of applying heat and pressure to an engraved metal block of the image desired on to the item. To be blind embossed, this heat and pressure stamps the image into the product much like branding a cow. Blind embossing is most commonly used on products such as compendiums, diaries & business card holders.
Foil stamping process uses heat and pressure to transfer colour from a coloured roll of foil to the product. It requires an etched metal plate that heat and pressure is applied and then between the metal block and the product to be foil stamped the coloured foil is run through. Foil stamping can be applied to surfaces such as plastic, timber, leather, cardboard and paper & is most commonly used on compendiums & diaries.
Offset lithography is the most commonly used commercial printing process for the bulk of desktop publishing on paper requiring high volume mass production. Print projects such as glossy magazines and brochures with spot colour or full colour photographs will most likely utilize offset printing.
Modern printing methods such as laser and ink-jet printing are known as digital printing. In digital printing, an image is sent directly to the printer using digital files such as PDFs and those from graphics software such as Illustrator and InDesign. This eliminates the need for a printing plate, which is used in offset printing, which can save money and time.
Without the need to create a plate, digital printing has brought about fast turnaround times and printing on demand. Instead of having to print large, pre-determined runs, requests can be made for as little as one print. While offset printing still often results in slightly better quality prints, digital methods are being worked on at a fast rate to improve quality and lower costs.
A dye-sublimation printer (or dye-sub printer) is a computer printer which employs a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto medium materials such as a plastic card, paper, or fabric. This means that you can print any 4 colour process design offering the options to have full colour print on shirts, hoodies, caps and other items – you are only limited by your imagination!
We understand it can be disappointing if a product doesn’t look exactly as imagined. However, all custom merchandise, whether sourced off the shelf or fully made for you, is produced specifically for your order and cannot be returned for change-of-mind or subjective reasons (such as colour variation or feel). If there is a genuine fault or error, we’ll work with you to resolve it.
Returns are accepted only if the item is damaged, incorrectly produced (e.g. wrong logo or layout), or if the wrong product was supplied. If this occurs, please notify us immediately. We’ll assess the issue and may offer a reprint, replacement, or refund.
Colour variations can occur due to differences in material, finishes, or print methods. For example, a colour printed on fabric may appear different to the same colour on plastic or metal. These variations are not considered faults. Where possible, we’ll advise you of any noticeable differences before production begins.
We always produce items after receiving your formal approval of both costs and artwork proofs. Slight variations may still occur during production, particularly with colour, texture, or finish, this is a normal part of custom manufacturing and not considered an error. Flourish includes a quality check before we send anything to a client and will aim to catch any mismatch between the product and the approved proof. If you believe that the final product differs significantly from the approved proof, please contact us so we can investigate.
Please contact us in writing as soon as possible after receiving your items. Include your order number, a clear description of the problem, and photos if available. This helps us assess the situation quickly and fairly.
Once you’ve approved the artwork and costs, production begins and the order becomes final. If you cancel after this point, charges will apply for any completed work including design, setup, or manufacturing stages already in progress.
Yes – for most items
Yes
The minimum order quantity is the lowest number of units set by the manufacturer or that we can supply at a reasonable rate. Sometimes we can offer less. Please make contact with us to find out about the product you would like.
Yes. We state the decoration process beside the prices (ie. 1 Colour 1 Position).
A setup is the cost associated with the creation of a die, plate or screen that is used to print your branding on your desired item. Since each item has a unique imprint area and imprint methods vary from item to item its necessary to creative imprints each time an order is completed. A setup fee is not an artwork fee. Designing your artwork is a completely different cost.
The prices on Flourish Express do not include set ups so you will see the additional costs listed.
Depending on the nature of your printing order, other charges may apply. Examples of such charges include:
All charges will be fully disclosed up front in our quotes and agreed on before you place an order. These charges are the exception and not the rule.
1-2 weeks is the standard production time for the majority of stock held items on Flourish Express unless otherwise stated when they are shorter!. For deadlines of an urgent nature, please contact us and we can provide definitive advice and suggestions that will meet your deadline.
That’s the plan! While we can guarantee a ship date, it is not possible to guarantee the delivery schedule of 3rd party couriers. We strive to ensure delivery of your order happens on time & are happy to discuss your requirements in further details.
We try to produce your order in the exact quantity ordered, but this is not always possible due to fast running machines. We reserve the right to deliver and subsequently invoice up to 10% over or under the desired quantity.
No. Once you have selected your product, colour & quantity has been specified please contact Flourish and we will supply a quote specifically for your request.
Once an Order Acknowledgment and Art Detail Sheet is approved, we cannot guarantee our ability to make changes or cancellations to an order. We will make every effort to comply with your request. If you have already signed your Order Acknowledgement & Art Detail Sheet, a minimum charge of $80.00 will be applied to cover order entry and preparation expenses. In addition, you are liable to pay the agreed upon price for any work that may have been completed up to the time that we are able to cancel your order. These charges may include but are not limited to setup charges, artwork preparation charges, shipping charges and restocking fees. All completed work and costs incurred will be the responsibility of the customer.
Yes. Due to the extensive range of promotional products we offer, it’s not possible to feature them all. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
We understand the technical and logistical side of building successful tactical campaigns – so we can recommend the right products at the right price. We take into consideration your industry, your company brand values, your budget and most important of all – your target audience. We have a lot of experience in finding the right idea for you… so that means if you’re not sure what you need, we can supply a great range of options to best suit your needs. Please contact us to discuss your objectives, tasks and your timing and we will help fill in the blanks.
We love meeting new people and would welcome the chance to work with you. We would prefer that first-time orders should be paid in full prior to delivery.
We recommend the use of paypal (where you can use your credit cards, note this carries at least a 3.5% surcharge) or EFT.
Yes. All of our promotional products are available for shipment worldwide. The quote supplied by Flourish will include the required taxes, freight allowance and any other costs stipulated.