Your Embroidered Logo: Questions About Sending Artwork?

Uncertain about sending artwork to your embroiderer?  Many people are unsure about sending artwork to an embroiderer.  Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:


What file type should I send?

Have your artwork in different file types but don't know which your embroider prefers?  Ask them. Everyone can open a jpeg but if its a low resolution image a higher resolution file may be necessary. In that case vector formats such as eps, ai or cdr are better.

Afraid to send a file you can't open?

Reluctant to send artwork files you can't open because you don't have the right software? Include a jpeg file with a note saying that the two files should have the same basic content.

Afraid to include your artwork when requesting a quote?

Hesitant to send artwork to a group of decorators because it might be stolen?  While the chance of this happening is extremely rare you can send the stitch count instead if you know it.

Your Embroidered Logo: Enlarge Your Impact

Want your embroidered logo to be seen? You've seen logos that seem too small. Can't the size be increased? Possibly but there are limits for chest-sized logos. Four inches wide is usually the maximum size.  You might be able to add an extra quarter inch but anything larger looks too big on smaller sizes and  may not fit between the sleeve and placket seams. Sometimes text can be divided into two lines and enlarged but then you have more to read within the confines of a left chest logo.

Instead of increasing the size of your design focus on how its presented. Eliminate or downsize unnecessary elements and increase the size of your business name.  Have a  long name? Consider enlarging part of it. Stick to the primary components and be careful how you arrange them. Your embroidered logo will be easier to read and have more impact if you present the key elements in a memorable arrangement rather than trying to include too much text in a limited space.

Your Embroidered Logo: Shirt Color Options?

Want to give your employees some color choices for shirts while maintaining a uniform look? Many employees grow tired of wearing the same color shirt each day and would prefer some choices.  You can  allow everyone to wear whatever they want but if you want to maintain some uniformity then choose a few colors for them to pick from.

When offering more shirt color options consider how your logo colors will be handled. You might decide to maintain the same logo colors for all shirts and base your shirt color choices on what works well with your logo.  This option works fine for many logo designs but can be limiting for other logos.

Another option is to have light and dark versions of your logo so it works well with both light and dark colored shirts. You also might want to switch your logo colors depending on the shirt color and use shirt colors that are the same as your logo colors.  For example, if your logo colors are black and red you could use black, red and white shirts and substitute the shirt color with the remaining color. So, your logo would be in white and red thread on black shirts, black and red on white shirts and white and black on red shirts. This option helpes strengthen the association of those colors with your brand name and work well with simple 2-3 color logos.

Your Embroidered Logo: The Perfect 100% Cotton Polo?

Looking for a good cotton polo that doesn't shrink or fade? Shirts containing cotton fibers are subject to shrinkage over time even if the fabric is preshrunk or shrink-resistant. To lessen shrinkage avoid hot dryers and over drying. Cotton that has been dyed a darker color is more likely to fade over time so switching to a lighter colored shirt will help make fading less noticeable.  When choosing a shirt consider a style that offers performance features such as anti-shrink and anti-fade. While you are aren't limited to high-end styles, you should avoid budget priced shirts to obtain a good quality shirt.

If you haven't tried one of the new 100% polyester performance shirts you may discover your new best shirt.  In addition to being anti-shrink and anti-fade, these styles will keep you comfortable in hot weather with their moisture-wicking capabilities. Finally, don't forget polos made from bamboo.  In addition to their wicking capabilities, these shirts will help keep you warm when its cold, are UV resistant, anti-microbial, easy to care for and made from an earth-sustainable product. You might need to spend a bit a bit more for a shirt with the qualities you want but there are lots of great polos that will meet your needs and earn the part of your new favorite shirt!

Your Embroidered Logo: Tradeshow Impact!

Need shirts for a trade show?  Stand out wearing bright shirts embroidered in a one-color logo in a contrasting color. Try cactus green shirts embroidered with orange. Or, how about aqua shirts embroidered in a light teal? Don't forget sleeve and back designs for more visibility. Shirts with contrasting logo colors in different locations such as maize yellow shirts embroidered with warm purple in the front and back and bright blue on the sleeves will create additional impact!

Your Embroidered Logo: Reality Check

Is your custom embroidered logo working for you? It should represent your business and appeal to your customers. 

• Is it readable or does it include too much small text or unnecessary images? 
• Is it appropriate for your business or does it convey the wrong message? 
• Is it unique or does it remind viewers of a better known logo?
• Is it memorable or indistinct?

Is your logo working for you? If not, its time for an update!

Your Embroidered Logo: Colors?

Choosing logo colors? Top priority is to make sure your colors support your business brand and appeal to your customers.  Also remember what forms your logo will appear in - web page, letterhead, social media, email signature... You'll want to be sure your logo (or a simplified version) works in each medium.

So, what about embroidered apparel? Are there special considerations? A common issue involves choosing a shirt color.  Since artwork is usually presented against a white background most logo colors work on white shirts unless reverse colors are intended (white logo on black shirts for example).  But, what if you want another shirt color such as light green or medium blue?  You may discover that your colors must be adjusted to read well against the new background.

What about choosing a shirt that is your primary business color such as the same color as your business name?  That works as long as the text is surrounded by another color so its still readable.

What's your best option? Pick a shirt color that contrasts well with your logo colors and allow a little flexibility so your logo colors can be changed slightly to accommodate the background. Then your logo will do its job and advertise your business!