Your Logo Is Unique.
Your logo was most likely created by a graphic designer, or in some cases you may have designed it yourself using an online application. However, most designers do not take into consideration how the logo will turnout when printed on various promotional products including imprint colors, sizing, orientation and factory print methods. Today’s standard factory print methods include screen printing, pad printing, embroidery, digital 4 color process, heat transfers, emboss/deboss and or laser engraving. Simply put, the promotional product you choose will determine the print method available and the maximum imprintable area for that product.
When choosing a promotional product, it’s smart to consider the design elements you need on a product first. Common elements used on promotional products vary but are typically a combination of one or more elements including a logo, tagline, telephone number, website and or a physical address. You then want to choose a product that has a large enough imprintable area that will accommodate those elements. For example, if you have a vertically shaped logo and need your phone number and website underneath it on a promotional pen, you most likely won’t be able to read the information if the pen has a maximum imprintable area of 1/4″ height. In this particular case, you may want to choose a pen with an imprintable area that has a 3/4″ height so the information will be readable when scaled down to fit the imprint area.
Here are some important things to think about before purchasing promotional products:
Maximum Imprintable Area
Each promotional product has a maximum imprintable area which varies depending on the product you choose. The illustration below shows a logo scaled down to fit on a product that has a small imprintable area. (pens, golf balls, keychains, etc.)
Why it matters?
Fine details will most likely fill in distorting your logo or design. Text may be too small to read easily.
Pro Tip
Send your logo to our graphics department by clicking here so we can review it and let you know our concerns. We can also send you your logo at actual imprint size based on the item you like. This way you can print it and see the potential issues before you buy. It’s free! Or, choose a different product that has a larger imprintable area.
Stock Imprint Colors vs. PMS Color Matching
What are stock imprint colors?
Stock imprint colors are the ink colors the factory deems the most popular. Depending on the product you choose, each factory can vary in which stock imprint colors they feel are the most popular.
Pros
No additional charge to use the factories stock imprint colors. You’re provided a general variety of colors to choose from similar to a box of crayons.
Cons
The factory stock imprint colors may not match your actual logo color.
Pro Tip
Contact us to find out if the item you want has a stock factory imprint color that matches yours. If so, there’s no additional charge to use it.
What is PMS color matching?
Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a color standardization system that helps in color identification and matching. It uses the Pantone numbering system to identify colors, and through this numbering system our factories can match specific imprint colors. The Pantone color numbers consist of a three or four digit number followed by the letter C, U or M, which stands for “coated,” “uncoated” and “matte”.
For the majority of our customers, matching their actual logo color is priority one. This is primarily due to having strict identity guidelines given to different departments within the organization to follow. Some logos have 1 color or can be multicolored and may require PMS color matching to maintain brand consistency.
Pros
Consistent branding across your marketing strategies which helps customers identify your unique messaging.
Cons
Additional charges may apply if it’s not one of the factories stock imprint colors. Please note, exact pantone matching is not guaranteed on dark backgrounds or when using full color (4 color process CMYK) print methods.
If you have questions, need help with your logo or need help finding the perfect promotional item, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
