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Advice needed on artwork designing
Hi,
I’m new to the graphics world currently doing vinyl cut work.
Any printed logos or images I normally source online but then can only do small ish prints.I can’t afford a printer cutter yet so I’m debating doing the artwork my self and getting it made at somewhere like William smiths etc.
My only questions are which software would be best to use so I can make the
Graphics ready to be printed and cut?Thanks in advance
Shaun -
12 Replies
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Hi Shaun,
I use Corel draw to design in, each to thier own though really.
I started the same as you, but now have print and cut facilities if you need someone to help with smaller print runs -
Yeah Corel Draw is pretty robust and you Can’t really go wrong. The Adobe suite is what I use now since I’m on Mac but I started out with Corel Draw
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Never used Corel Draw so cant comment, I’ve always used Adobe Creative Suite as i originally come from a litho print background, in all the years I’ve been in this trade I’ve only know one of my customers thats use Corel Draw. And i think most colleges/art school would teach in Adobe…..
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Thanks guys really appreciate the help
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I started 12/13 yrs ago with coreldraw, still using it now! AI or Corel are quite similar, though I find things like single layer fills etc easier to accomplish with corel. You’ll need a cut program plug-in generally too, I use Summa cutters and have always used winplot, unless cutting from the onyx rip (print).
I use Smiths when doing large batches of printed signs (just takes the ball ache out of applying dozens of prints) but you may find a local signmaker who’s prepared to do your printing for you.
H
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Thanks Hugh that’s great advice
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Adobe suite user here too. Great value for the small monthly outlay. If I were you, I’d outsource until
You get to the point where you have too much printing work to make it viable anymore and you won’t have to worry about monthly equipment repayments putting pressure on you. Very easy to get sold on buying the latest gadgets when at trade shows such as sign uk -
If I were starting out again and didn’t come from adobe background myself I would definitely see if I could test and compare both programs to see which one best suited me.
I don’t know if they offer any trials currently on these programs but if you can I think using both for a couple of weeks each would be beneficial.
Adobe CC is great in my opinion and the Typekit program comes in handy as you can sync fonts directly into workspace with one click.
Also now they have adobe stock and that is also one click and you can create proofs without having to purchase the file first before artwork approval. Once approved you can then purchase the stock images/graphics used which will remove watermark.
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I started 14 years ago with no graphic background, mainly doing cut vinyl on 24" plotter & outsourcing printed stuff always used flexi sign pro which has cut & rip included. I have dabbled in illustrator & photoshop but never really spent the time to learn them properly & flexi is able to do nearly everything anyway. You can trial it for a week free if you contact Pete at graphtec UK. After that you can have it on a monthly no ties subscription or yearly if you like it.
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I have been doing this 27 years now…
Have dabbled in various design software but settled on Signlab & Photoshop about 15+ years ago.
Currently using the latest Signlab and the Photoshop CC via Adobe CC.
Signlab is a must have as far as i am concerned, so easy to use and learn.We do have the likes of indesign and illustrator via Adobe CC too but thats more for opening and converting customers artwork and the like.
Signlab comes in modules too, so no need to purchase the full package if not required.
any info you require on this you should speak to Brian Hays or Paul at Impact https://www.impactgs.co.uk -
Rob do you design vehicle wraps in Signlab too? Or edit images in photoshop then import them in to signlab?
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Thanks guys I really Appreciate the help.
I’ll have to have a good look into this.
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