Your Embroidered Logo: Artwork Issues

Need to create artwork in a word processing software program such as Microsoft Word? Careful - you might get unexpected results. Word processing programs are designed to handle text and aren't as capable of managing fonts, colors and images as artwork programs like Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. What problems can occur?  Files can be misinterpreted when opened on another computer system and your design won't look right. How can you prevent this? If you can't switch to an artwork program then have your decorator email you a screen shot of your design so you know what your file looks like on his system.

Your Branded Apparel: Logo Colors

What is one of  primary pitfalls facing business owners when choosing shirts for custom embroidery? Wanting shirts that are the same color as one of the colors in their logo. Can that work? Yes, depending on how the logo is handled.

One option is to eliminate one of colors in the logo and use that color for the shirt color. For example, if your colors are royal, red and silver and your logo can be simplified to a two color design in royal and silver then it can be embroidered on red shirts. 

Another solution is to use an inner logo color (color that's surrounded by contrasting color(s) as the shirt color.  This adds emphasis to the logo but not all logos can be dealt with this way.

Sometimes a contrasting border is added behind a logo element so it will stand out against a similar background. This works well if there is space but often the logo is too detailed for this.

Another option is to add a neutral color such as white, black, silver or grey and use the remaining color as the shirt color. Not happy with those options? You may need to reconsider the shirt color if you want your logo to be seen.

Your Branded Apparel: Logo Mockups?

Planning to order custom embroidered polos with names or possibly a second logo on the back? Thinking about creating your own shirt mockup to send to potential embroiderers so they know what you want? Careful... Make sure your mockup reflects what you want. 

Mockups are good for showing placement especially when more than one logo is involved or the placement is unusual but they can be deceiving. If your logo is unusually large or improperly placed your intentions may be misread and you may be unhappy with the final product. How do you avoid misinterpretations?  Include a note describing each placement such as "typical left chest size and placement" or "6 inches wide located 2 inches below the collar on the back".  Then, when you receive your embroidery proof, check the sizing to make sure it works for you.

Your Branded Apparel: Plaids, Stripes, Textures

Time to refresh your logo apparel? Try embroidered shirts with a patterned or textured fabric.  Great choices include subtle stripes, waffle weave and vertical pique fabrics. Create a unique style by pairing a subtle check or plaid with your logo embroidered in a shade darker than the shirt color and you've updated your business look!

Your Custom Embroidered Logo: Love Turtlenecks?

Love wearing turtlenecks to protect against the winter's cold? Wondering if they can be embroidered with your business logo? Turtleneck and mock turtleneck shirts can be embroidered in the left chest location but they look best when embroidered on the collar. The area is limited to a 1.75" - 2" high design so your logo will look best if one line such as your business name is used. If you do need two lines keep in mind that your text will be small.

Business Branding: Tone-On-Tone Embroidery

Want a classy, upscale image that always looks good?  Try tone-on-tone embroidery!  What is tone-on-tone embroidery? Its when a logo is embroidered in one thread color that is slightly different than the shirt color.  For example, have your logo embroidered in a light medium blue thread on light blue shirts and you have tone-on-tone embroidery. The affect is subtle yet very professional-looking. Let custom embroidered polo shirts help brand your company image!

Your Custom Embroidered Logo: Avoid Snags!

Love 100% polyester polos but don't like snags? Check-out snag-free polyester polos, use a polyester fabric with a tighter weave or consider trying a cotton/polyester blend shirt. Wondering how 100% cotton shirts are with snags? Cotton is less likely to snag than polyester so its a good choice.  Not sure what your best style option is?  Ask your embroiderer!

Embroidered Polos: Tricolor Performance!

Need a sharp new look for your team polos? Sport-Tek's tricolor sport shirts, the ST658 (men's) / LST658 (ladies) and ST654/ LST654 shirts are cool-looking (and wearing) performers.  These 100% polyester micropique shirts with mesh inserts are light-weight, tag and snag-free. They are available in popular color combinations such as black/red/white and blue/gold/white with dyed-to-match buttons.  Strengthen your game with mositure-wicking sport shirts guaranteed to show your team spirit!

Embroidered Logos: Best Artwork Format?

What's the best artwork file format to send to your embroiderer?  Usually the format with the highest resolution works best.  High resolution files such as ai, eps and cdr files contain more detailed information so they make it easier for your decorator to create your embroidered design in less time. Not sure which file has the highest resolution?  Send what you have and let your decorator choose whats best.  Concerned about sending files you can't open?  Include a file that you can view such as a jpeg and mention that this is the correct design so your decorator knows what you want.

Custom Embroidery Tips: Be Noticed at Trade Shows

Want to be noticed at your next trade show?  Try these ideas with your custom embroidered shirts:

1. Wear Red!  Our eyes see red before any other color.  Be noticed by wearing bright red shirts.

2. Use a Bold Font!  Simplify your logo and use a thick-lettered font. Place text on an angle for added emphasis.

3. Wear Striking Colors! Update your logo and shirt colors to bright, high-contrast shades.

4. Wear New Styles! Try plaid button downs, contrast stitch polos or color block sport shirts for a new look.

5. Add Embroidery! Try embroidery on the collar, back or sleeve. This is a great way to add text without overloading your left chest logo.