File Types:
- Preferred File Type: Adobe Illustrator or a similar vector-based format.
- Other Acceptable File Types: AI, EPS, TIFF, PSD, PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF.
Artwork Specifications & Guidelines:
- Black-and-White Graphic Art: Ideal artwork consists of your design in black on a white background. All black areas of the artwork will be engraved and appear raised in the finished wax impression.
- Artwork with Shading or Color: If your artwork is available only in color, our expert Graphic Art Department will review your design and attempt to convert the artwork to black and white.
- Hand Drawings: We can convert most hand-drawn designs into suitable graphic artwork. For the best results, drawings should have crisp, clean lines that can be easily converted.
- AI-Generated Artwork: AI can be an excellent tool for creating a custom design. AI programs will often generate a realistic image of the finished wax seal; however, as explained in the guidelines above, we need black-and-white artwork containing only the design to be engraved. To make the process smoother and avoid delays, please submit the isolated design that will appear within the seal. Helpful Tip: We suggest once your design is complete, to instruct your AI program to isolate the artwork and create it in black only on a white background, with crisp, clear, bold lines.
Please also note: AI-generated designs may also contain extremely fine details, shading, textures, gradients, or realistic 3D effects that cannot be reproduced through standard two-dimensional laser engraving. We will make every effort to preserve the character of your design, but certain elements may need to be simplified or adjusted to create a clear impression in wax. Any changes, concerns or recommendations will be expressed in the proofing process.
· Graphic Art Fees: Our complementary white-glove service includes file preparation, basic color conversion, and basic line thickening, when possible, to help ensure that every wax seal leaving our premises meets our quality standards. A Graphic Art Fee may be required when artwork needs more extensive redrawing, cleanup, separation from a finished seal image, simplification, alteration, or other detailed design work. If your artwork falls into this category, we will provide recommendations for changes you may make yourself, as well as advising you of the cost for our Graphic Art Department to complete the work for you.
Proofing Process:
- Every custom order receives a detailed first proof from our Custom Art Department, typically within one business day. Your artwork is personally reviewed by an experienced member of our team.
- Our white-glove review includes an evaluation of line thickness, spacing, fine details, overall design clarity, and suitability for the selected die size. If the artwork is too detailed for the chosen size, contains lines that may not reproduce clearly, or would benefit from another adjustment, we will provide notes, recommendations, and available alternatives to help produce the best possible wax impression.
Optional Prepaid Art Fees and Artwork Creation:
Our complimentary basic service includes standard file preparation for engraving, basic conversion of colored artwork when possible and basic line thickening when needed for the best possible outcome. If your artwork requires additional adjustments or you would like us to redesign an existing image, we offer graphic design services for an additional fee which will be quoted upon request or stated in your proof.
Reversing Artwork: We will reverse your artwork during the engraving process. Please submit the design exactly as you would like it to appear in the finished wax impression.
Artwork Templates: All dies are engraved within a safe area approximately 2-3 mm from the edge of the die. Artwork is typically maximized within this area. If you would like your artwork placed or sized in a specific way, please use our templates when preparing your design so we can accurately follow your preferred placement and sizing.
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