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hotstamp process/program

Question... when you are creating a hotstamp for a disc what program have you found the works the best. I know that illustrator is the program of choice for vector art, however i have found that i work much better in the adobe/macromedia flash environment... and then export as an .ai file. I run into issues quite often with this process but i can usually get it worked out after time.

I do use illustrator for text, especially along a path.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 16, 2008 at 10:31pm

vector is vecotor it dosent mater what program you use (honestly i cant imagine useing flash over illustrator for still vector work kind of funny when i do flash i make all my symbols in illustrator i do as little drawing as possible in flash)

anyway just export the file out to a format that the people that are hot stamping your discs have. so contact innova or discraft and find out what formate they can use. i know Innova has illustrator and photoshop cuz i have sent them both ai files and psd files.... and i think dga use a png file i sent them..... if you send them non-vector(raster) art make sure you keep the resolution high (like 300+) so as to keep detail tight.....

Permalink Reply by scuba joe on February 16, 2008 at 11:23pm

Yea, i am completely opposite than you. I don as much in flash before i export to illustrator. I spend the majority of my day job programing in flash for distance learning. I have created designs for innova, discraft and gateway... that pretty up sums up my print experience.

I think my weakness lies in that i don't have complete control of the pen tool so i avoid it at all costs. I have found illustrators pen tool is considerably easier to use than flashes.

If you want use the wacom tablet do you still use illustrator?

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 17, 2008 at 8:12pm

i do but i am pretty handy with the wacom.... for vector work tho the mouse is just fine

Permalink Reply by TeamSulser on February 20, 2008 at 8:28pm

Illustrator cs3 is awesome. (live trace) I work at a sign company so I am very fluent in a program called Omega. It is made by Gerber Scientific Products. (Scan to Vector) It also contians a seperate engine that sends the vector lines to my viny plotter or printer. Both have pros & cons. I designed the discs for Region 7 2006 and Innove accepted illustrator for the hot stamps.

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 21, 2008 at 4:53pm

hey team suleser how much dose it cost to get the little transparent stickers made to put on car windows??

Permalink Reply by TeamSulser on February 21, 2008 at 11:30pm

I need to know size and by saying transparent do you mean printed on a clear square decal or no "suare" just the decal by itself. I also need a quantity. Whatever it is that you need I'm sure I can help you out or have a good source. You can call me at work if you want to discuss this further. 406.656.6165 ask for Andy I work 8-5 Mountain time.

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 22, 2008 at 6:32pm

the clear square is fine and i am looking for like 25, 50 to 100 depending on price just somthing to hand out untill i can make me some shirts..... pluss i wnat one for my car

Permalink Reply by TeamSulser on February 23, 2008 at 9:18am

size & single color or full color on clear.. can you send me the design so i know what i am getting in to. all in all sounds like a easy thing for me to produce for you. btw today is our ice bowl looks like billings montana will be about 60 degrees hopefully a good turnout more like a melted ice bowl. god i love global warming!

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 23, 2008 at 1:47pm

somthing like that i would thinking bumbersticker size the round one could probl be like on a 4 X 4 square?? or 6 X 6 square

i actually have a new version of the top one but it is basicly the same

Permalink Reply by TeamSulser on February 26, 2008 at 7:52pm

it would be much easier to print on a white background if we print on clear the price goes up because the vinyl is more expensive. If we printed on a less expensive white 4ml vinyl at a small quantity you are looking at about $25 for (20 ) 3"x9" for the top design and $27 for (36) in a 4" circle. plus shipping. when the quantity goes up the cost per each goes down.
great designs!

Permalink Reply by Spin Theory on February 28, 2008 at 5:35pm

i want clear how much more is it for clear

Permalink Reply by TeamSulser on February 28, 2008 at 7:29pm

$35 for (20 ) 3"x9" for the top design and $37 for (36) in a 4" circle. plus shipping.
It dosen't go up much. Another thing to think about is at a distance windows look black. Putting a clear decal on the window sometimes gets lost unless you print white on clear . That would be the same price.