When it comes to screen printing, not all designs will transfer equally well. A logo that looks stunning on a website or in a digital ad might not translate when printed on fabric, sheet metal, or even glass. That’s where production art comes in. It’s a crucial step in adapting your existing logos and graphic designs for screen printing. At Northeast Silk Screen, we have an in-house design team that will help you adapt your current logos or graphics to versions that align with your brand and will transfer onto your required materials.
What is Production Art?
Production art refers to the final version of artwork that’s ready for manufacturing. In screen printing, this means preparing your design to meet the technical requirements of the printing process. It’s not just about resizing; it’s about rethinking your design so it prints cleanly, clearly, and consistently on fabric or other surfaces.
Key Considerations When Adapting Designs
- Color Separation: Screen printing uses one screen per color. If your logo has gradients or lots of colors, you’ll need to simplify it or separate the colors into individual layers. Spot colors work best, and Pantone matching ensures color consistency.
- Line Thickness and Detail: Fine lines and tiny text may get lost during the printing process, especially when printing on porous materials. Make sure all elements are bold enough to withstand screen exposure and ink application.
- Vector Artwork: Always convert your design to vector format (like AI or EPS files). Vectors are scalable without loss of quality and allow for easier editing during the production art stage.
- Material and Ink Behavior: The texture and color of the material can affect how the ink sits and how colors appear. Darker materials might require a white underbase, while stretchy or porous materials might need special inks, which can limit your color choices.
Why It Matters
Good production art isn’t just about aesthetics. Properly designing images for screen printing saves time, money, and frustration. It ensures your brand looks professional no matter where it appears and minimizes surprises during production.
Production Art for Screen Printing by Northeast Silk Screen
Screen printing is both an art and a science. By investing time in properly adapting your logo or graphic design for screen printing, you ensure the final product reflects the quality and intention behind your brand. Our team at Northeast Silk Screen regularly works with top brands, so you can trust that you’re getting the best service when you work with us.