It can be costly to keep up on the latest versions of all your software. If you're like us, you don't automatically upgrade as soon as a new version comes out. However, if you have to work with files someone else has created in a newer version, it can cause some problems if you don't upgrade.
I just came across a neat little trick if you're dealing with this situation in Illustrator. We've started receiving files created in CS6, while we currently are running CS5. Now if the files are saved as PDF's instead of EPS or AI format, it's not an issue. They will open up fine in CS5. However, if they are EPS or AI, they won't open. This can cause some lost time and also some frustration on both sides, trying to get files in a different format.
However, instead of requesting a new file format, here's a simple work around:
Create a new document in Illustrator, then place the newer version file. It will bring in the outlines and elements from the newer version. You may need to remove a clipping path or two, but all the elements will be there, available for editing.
Next time you run into this situation, give it a try!
The Creative J is a promotional products distributorship specializing in extreme customer service. Our focus is on listening to our customer's needs in order to find the best solution for each individual. Responsiveness and intensive research are our top priorities, with a little fun thrown in!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Friday, October 4, 2013
Congratulations Rachel - T.A.S.
Congrats to our Rachel Valdez for achieving the industry's Trained Advertising Specialist designation, T.A.S. In order to receive this designation, she completed a set of required courses spanning a wide range of areas covering promotional product sales, service, artwork, decorating, safety, product and business topics.
Education and continuing training for our staff is a high priority at The Creative J. It is our focus to be as educated and knowledgable about all aspects of our industry so that we can provide our customers with the most up to date and informed information possible.
Education and continuing training for our staff is a high priority at The Creative J. It is our focus to be as educated and knowledgable about all aspects of our industry so that we can provide our customers with the most up to date and informed information possible.
Friday, September 27, 2013
2013 Best Boss Award – PPB Magazine
I was surprised to open my email about a month ago and find that I had been selected as one of 2013 Best Boss Awards by Promotional Products Business magazine.
We truly have a special group of people here at The Creative J. Without the dedication and caring they all give to me and each other, what we do and how well we do it certainly would not be possible. I am forever grateful to all of them for their continued support and all the FUN we have working together each day. Thank you – Val, Rachel, Risa, Lindsey & Jeff – for everything you have done and are for me!
To read more about this and the common themes they found with the 2013 award recipients, click here: 2013 PPB Best Boss Awards – Top Secrets of Savvy Supervisors.
To read more about this and the common themes they found with the 2013 award recipients, click here: 2013 PPB Best Boss Awards – Top Secrets of Savvy Supervisors.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Creative Bag Imprinting Ideas
Bags are a common promotional item businesses are buying these days. Be it die cut plastic bags, recyclable grocery bags, coolers or totes, you see them everywhere you go. And because they are an item that gets used and reused, it's a great advertising vehicle for your logo.
But, problem is, since you do see them everywhere, we tend to not pay attention to them as much since most bags utilize the most basic decorating – a one color imprint centered on the front panel.
To really help your message and your brand stand out, how about trying some more creative and unique decorating methods? With just a little creative twist, what was once a plain looking bag will now stand out and help show off your brand.
So here's just a few ideas on how you can make your next bag project unique:
In addition, by utilizing a full color imprint, you've just opened the possibilities for imprint content. How about a map of the event? Or, a schedule of events? Photos of your product? The possibilities are endless and you've created a marketing piece that really promotes your brand or product, instead of just displaying your logo.
But, problem is, since you do see them everywhere, we tend to not pay attention to them as much since most bags utilize the most basic decorating – a one color imprint centered on the front panel.
To really help your message and your brand stand out, how about trying some more creative and unique decorating methods? With just a little creative twist, what was once a plain looking bag will now stand out and help show off your brand.
So here's just a few ideas on how you can make your next bag project unique:
Full Color Imprinting:
Going from a simple one color imprint to a full color logo or even photo, can make a big impact. Look at these two examples – which one demands more attention? Upgrading to a full color doesn't always add a lot to the price of the item either. In most cases, it's just a bit over $1 with no additional set up charges.
In addition, by utilizing a full color imprint, you've just opened the possibilities for imprint content. How about a map of the event? Or, a schedule of events? Photos of your product? The possibilities are endless and you've created a marketing piece that really promotes your brand or product, instead of just displaying your logo.
Custom Design
If you've got a large quantity (minimums vary, but usually over 3000 pieces), the opportunity for a completely unique and custom design is wide open. All aspects of the bag can be designed from scratch and present a great way to really stand out. From selecting materials to imprint colors and locations, the options are endless. It's a great way to create a bag that will be memorable and will be used time and time again, presenting your message each time it's used.
Unique Imprint Locations
Another option for a unique look is to place your imprint in non-standard locations. Depending on the bag supplier, your options may include handle imprints, imprinting inside the bag and on the gussets. Combining multiple imprints and locations on the same bag can truly provide a custom look.
These are just a few ideas for getting creative with bags. If you've got an occasion coming up where a bag is part of your marketing plans, give us a call and we'll present you with some creative, custom ideas that will make your bag get noticed.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Price Drops on Sanmar District Line
Sanmar, a leading clothing wholesaler to our industry, has just announced price drops on it's District® and District Made® lines, at an average of 15%. The District® line features apparel with a trimmer cut and shorter sleeves, while the District Made® line features a more relaxed fit with longer sleeves.
At The Creative J we're really excited to see this price drop as it will allow us to offer our customers some newer more fashion forward styles at an even better price point.
In addition, Sanmar has introduced a dozen new fabrics including Microburn™, an aged-looking fabric that has a weathered look and feel. Available in a variety of colors and styles, it's soft feel can't be beat.
View more of the latest styles from Sanmar, click here to go to view the District® & District Made® lines.
At The Creative J we're really excited to see this price drop as it will allow us to offer our customers some newer more fashion forward styles at an even better price point.
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| Microburn Junior's Raglan Tee |
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| Microburn Men's Crew Tee |
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| Men's Dip Dye Crew Tee |
Another addition, the Dip Dye, offers shirts with graduated color variations which are so popular today. In both men's and ladies versions, this is a great option for company tshirts with a little pizzazz.
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| Ladies Dip Dye Rounded Deep V-Neck Tee |
View more of the latest styles from Sanmar, click here to go to view the District® & District Made® lines.
For pricing on these or other decorated apparel, contact one of our knowledgeable specialists here at The Creative J.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Heat Seal Decorating
Everyone's used embroidery for decorating polos, bags, jackets and other items, but have you ever considered, or even heard of heat seal as an alternative?
At first listen, heat seal may conjure up memories of tshirt imprinting of the past – those thick, plasticy transfer imprints that would crack and peel over time. Today's heat seal or transfers are much more durable and offer a variety of materials.
Heat seal is an excellent option for full-color graphics with great detail. If you've got a complicated logo or one with many colors, digital heat seal transfers are a very cost effective solution. Often heat transfer can be a less expensive option than embroidery, especially for imprints with lots of detail or solidly-filled areas.
Transfers are usually digitally printed on a transfer paper or onto printable heat transfer material which is then heat sealed or pressed to the fabric. Photo-quality images can be reproduced for unlimited options.
In addition, since the transfers can be applied to practically any location on an item (as long as it can lie flat), the options are endless for a more creative approach to decorating.
Locations
Consider these ideas for imprint locations: pockets, hem, collar, upper back shoulder, sides, trim areas, or shoulder tops. You are only limited by the ability to lay the heat transfer flat for pressing.
Materials
There are a variety of heat seal materials available such as glitter, reflective, rhinestones, sequins, foil, felt, and twill.
Ask about using heat seal decoration as an option on your next apparel project. We'll brainstorm with you to come up with some unique and creative ways to make your apparel stand out from the rest of the crowd.
At first listen, heat seal may conjure up memories of tshirt imprinting of the past – those thick, plasticy transfer imprints that would crack and peel over time. Today's heat seal or transfers are much more durable and offer a variety of materials.
Heat seal is an excellent option for full-color graphics with great detail. If you've got a complicated logo or one with many colors, digital heat seal transfers are a very cost effective solution. Often heat transfer can be a less expensive option than embroidery, especially for imprints with lots of detail or solidly-filled areas.
Transfers are usually digitally printed on a transfer paper or onto printable heat transfer material which is then heat sealed or pressed to the fabric. Photo-quality images can be reproduced for unlimited options.
In addition, since the transfers can be applied to practically any location on an item (as long as it can lie flat), the options are endless for a more creative approach to decorating.
Locations
Consider these ideas for imprint locations: pockets, hem, collar, upper back shoulder, sides, trim areas, or shoulder tops. You are only limited by the ability to lay the heat transfer flat for pressing.
Materials
There are a variety of heat seal materials available such as glitter, reflective, rhinestones, sequins, foil, felt, and twill.
Ask about using heat seal decoration as an option on your next apparel project. We'll brainstorm with you to come up with some unique and creative ways to make your apparel stand out from the rest of the crowd.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Cotton Prices on the Rise...Again
An article released today by www.business-standard.com details the rise of cotton prices over the past two months. Apparel manufacturers were waiting to see if prices would fall or stabilize, but instead, have seen an upward tick in pricing, causing them to consider 10-15% increases to apparel.
In the promotional products business, we see the effects of such price increases mainly in the week-to-week costs of tshirts. Tshirts are considered a commodity item, and pricing can fluctuate wildly when cotton pricing is unstable. This can cause it to be extremely difficult to hold pricing on quotes for longer than a week or two.
At The Creative J, we have many sources for our blank apparel, which help us to keep your costs down. When quoting apparel pricing, we search through a multitude of vendors to find the best current pricing so we can pass the savings on to our customers. You can be assured that the price we quote has been thoroughly researched by the time it reaches your eyes.
Click here to read more about the current cotton situation.
In the promotional products business, we see the effects of such price increases mainly in the week-to-week costs of tshirts. Tshirts are considered a commodity item, and pricing can fluctuate wildly when cotton pricing is unstable. This can cause it to be extremely difficult to hold pricing on quotes for longer than a week or two.
At The Creative J, we have many sources for our blank apparel, which help us to keep your costs down. When quoting apparel pricing, we search through a multitude of vendors to find the best current pricing so we can pass the savings on to our customers. You can be assured that the price we quote has been thoroughly researched by the time it reaches your eyes.
Click here to read more about the current cotton situation.
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