Illustrator

The following guidelines are designed to help you set up your file so that
there will be as few delays and problems as possible in the production of
your job.

What size should my images be set up at?

Your file may be set up at any size as long as it is to scale with the final
image size. Please indicate crop marks. To eliminate jagged edges on
vector art, the Graphics Department suggests you design your Illustrator
files at 800 dpi/800 in attributes for full size. When creating at 50% use
1600 dpi in output resolution from your document set up window. For
example, when placing a small Vector image in Quark that will eventually
be enlarged, it is recommended to set your output resolution at 9600
dpi/9600 attributes. These settings will ensure smooth curves on text and
vector graphics.

What colors can I use in my layout?

Indicate color matches by specifying a PMS color that you would like to
have matched.

What about fonts?

To avoid any problems with fonts, include all fonts all the time. PC and
MAC fonts are not compatible. Therefore when working in a PC format, the
Graphics Department requests that you convert all fonts to outlines. The
Graphics Department may end up having to substitute fonts if the font is
not supplied. Supplying MAC fonts is strongly recommended. Due to slight
variations in fonts (kerning, baseline, etc) substituting fonts may slightly
change the layout.

Can I use Transparencies and Shadow Features in Illustrator?

Illustrator has some nice design effects and features that work
unpredictably with the Graphics Department's large format rip systems.
Although some of these features are great for design, they increase the
probability that what is produced is not what the designer intended.
Shadows are a problem and the Graphics Department recommends these
be achieved through PhotoShop.
PhotoShop has some great new features, which work wonderful. Not only
do some of these features in Illustrator increase turnaround time, but
images are produced with unexpected results. Illustrator also includes new
color management features that do not work as effectively as they do in
Photoshop. The Graphics Department does not recommend you use these
features in Illustrator. Sending any files created in Illustrator that do not
contain any of the previously mentioned features is acceptable.

What do I need to do if I have a placed image in my document?

If your Illustrator document has placed images (logos and/or photos) in it,
make sure that the original logo file or photo file is included on the disk.
The Graphics Department does not recommend using embedded images
(an image that has been placed into Illustrator but is not linked to the
original file), as we have no way of knowing whether or not the original
image is of high enough quality. Please provide a low-resolution .pdf for
placement.

How should I save my file?

Save your document as a regular Illustrator file (.ai). There is no need to
save it as an EPS. Saving an Illustrator file as an EPS can affect the
Graphic Department's ability to use it, it makes the file larger than is
needed.

What else do I need to send?

Please make sure your disk contains both the screen and the printer fonts.
Along with your disk, also send a hard copy of all files that the Graphics
Department will be producing, a printout of the contents of the disk,
marking the files that will be used, and high resolution photos, if using a
low resolution photo that is placed for position only.

Single or Multiple pages?

Q. My layout is for multiple mural panels, should I set my artwork up in
separate pages? A. No, you should not set up any continuous images, ie.
Multiple mural panel systems, in separate pages or files.
In an effort to insure the best possible line-up of continuous images, the
Graphics Department requests that all art be set up in one file. Precision
tiling of your image will take place in our production process. The Graphics
Department requests that you supply your images at the exact width. Of
course, it is always a good idea to include the guides on all layouts to
better communicate your expectations. In order to insure accurate line-up
of all your mural graphics, a charge may be incurred to rebuild separate
files into a single layout.