Most computer generated artwork is created in one of two methods - vector or raster/bitmap graphics. 

Vector Graphics:
	Vector graphics is used to create images constructed of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based upon mathematical vector equations.  Because of this, the image can be scaled without losing any line quality, resulting in a crisp, clean image.  The image below is an example of a logo created in vector format which could be enlarged to any size and still retain the high quality of the image.  We typically ask that you send us a vector graphic in the form of an Adobe Illustrator (.ai) file.  If you send a vector file in a different format please include a .pdf if the final design as well.  If your team is using logos or artwork supplied by a sponsor or company, they well typically (99%) have the artwork in a vector format, though you may need to do a little probing.
Raster/Bitmap Graphics:
	Raster/Bitmap graphics is the representation of an image using an array of pixels, or tiny colored squares, typically used in digital photos.  These pixels are small enough that your eye doesn't see them.  A photo can easily have more than 500,000 pixels, all with a specific color.  Since this type of image is made up of all these little squares, when the image gets enlarged those little squares become big squares causing it to become blurry (shown below).  Because of this, and to ensure a quality product, we require all raster artwork to be sent to us at 100% scale of the final size, with a minimum resolution of 150 D.P.I.  Keep in mind that if the raster image needs to be scaled up, each time that its size is doubled its D.P.I is reduced by half.  For instance if you have a 2" x 2" image at 150 D.P.I and the size needs to be doubled it then becomes 4"x4" @ 75 D.P.I, which could be blurry.  On the other hand if you had a 2" x 2" image at 300 D.P.I, it would become 4"x4" @ 150 D.P.I.  Depending on the artwork and its quality, we may request a vector image in order to achieve the desired results.

Image Tips

For the best printed image quality try following:

• Whenever possible send a vector image.
• Avoid raster/bitmap images.
• Avoid importing Photoshop documents into vector software (it still remains as a raster).
• Do not send us any image pulled off a web site.  These are typically very low resolution raster graphics made specifically for the web.
• Convert all text to curves or paths.

If you are unable to come up with vector artwork and your raster artwork does not produce good quality images we are more than capable of assisting with this.  Simply email us your and we can send you an estimate on the cost to "vectorize" your design.   The majority of logos are simple and take minimal amount of time to reproduce, though complex designs can add up.  When finished, we will also send you your vectorized artwork for future use.