Artwork Guidelines

Submitting properly prepared artwork helps us produce your custom signs, banners, decals, displays, and printed graphics accurately and without unnecessary delays.

Preferred File Types

Vector artwork is preferred whenever available.

Recommended file formats:

  • PDF
  • AI
  • EPS
  • SVG
  • High-resolution PNG
  • High-resolution JPG or JPEG

Editable Adobe Illustrator or PDF files generally provide the best results for logos, text, and graphics.

Microsoft Word documents, screenshots, website images, and low-resolution social media images may not reproduce clearly at larger sizes.

Artwork Size

Whenever possible, artwork should be created at the final printed size.

For example, artwork for a 24-inch-wide by 36-inch-tall banner should be created on a 24-inch by 36-inch canvas.

Large-format artwork may also be submitted at a proportional scale, such as 50% or 25% of the final size. Please tell us the intended finished dimensions when uploading your file.

Image Resolution

For best results:

  • Large-format signs and banners should generally be at least 150 pixels per inch at final printed size.
  • Smaller decals, stickers, and detailed printed pieces should generally be 300 pixels per inch at final size.
  • Logos should be submitted as vector artwork whenever possible.

Increasing the resolution of a small or blurry image does not restore missing detail.

Fonts and Text

Please convert fonts to outlines before submitting editable vector files.

When fonts cannot be outlined, include the necessary font files or submit a print-ready PDF with the fonts properly embedded.

Before approving your artwork, carefully review:

  • Names
  • Dates
  • Phone numbers
  • Email addresses
  • Website addresses
  • Spelling
  • Prices
  • Event details

Howdy Owl is not responsible for customer-approved spelling, grammar, or content errors.

Colors

Computer screens, phones, and printed materials display color differently. Exact color matches cannot always be guaranteed from files viewed on a screen.

For important brand colors, please provide:

  • Pantone color numbers
  • CMYK color values
  • A previous printed sample, when available

Files intended for printing should preferably be prepared using CMYK colors.

Margins, Bleed, and Safe Areas

Keep important text, logos, faces, and identifying details away from trimmed edges, hems, grommets, pole pockets, and hardware locations.

When artwork extends to the edge of the finished product, additional bleed may be required. Bleed requirements vary by product, so contact us when you are unsure.

For senior banners and other 24-inch by 36-inch banner designs, keep important information comfortably inside the perimeter so grommets and finishing do not interfere with names, faces, logos, or other key details.

Transparencies and Effects

Flatten transparencies, shadows, gradients, and special effects when exporting print-ready files. This helps reduce unexpected changes during printing.

Review the exported PDF carefully before sending it.

Proof Approval

A digital proof may be provided before production when Howdy Owl prepares, adjusts, or modifies artwork.

Production begins after the customer approves the proof. Customers are responsible for reviewing all text, layout, colors, images, dimensions, and other design details before approval.

Changes requested after proof approval or after production begins may result in additional charges.

Artwork Setup and Design Assistance

Need help preparing your artwork? Howdy Owl can assist with basic file setup, text changes, image placement, resizing, and design adjustments.

Additional artwork or design charges may apply depending on the condition of the submitted file and the amount of work required.

We will explain any additional charges before completing the work.

Uploading Large Files

Artwork can be submitted through our quote or contact form when the file size allows.

For larger files, contact Howdy Owl and we will provide an appropriate file-transfer option.

Questions About Your File?

Not sure whether your artwork is ready to print? Send it to us before ordering. We will review the file and let you know whether any changes are recommended.

Howdy Owl
1323 Boyd St.
Ashland, NE 68003
402-875-0450