NorthStar Flags

The proof is the last step in getting your custom flag made.

The custom flag maker that you choose will send you a proof in pdf format.

However you can request for a physical sample which will be a small swatch of your custom flag.

It is vitally important that you are careful in reviewing your proof.

In most companies once you have signed off the proof, the flag is considered sold and you are expected to pay for it even if you find a mistake later. So be very careful!

If you are using Adobe Illustrator or any other drawing program then you have to convert first your “text to paths”.

Doing this will turn your text into vector art and thus you can no longer make edit with your keyboard.

Raster art means artwork that can no longer be edited as curves and lines.

One great example of raster art is a photograph.

You may scale it from smaller or larger sizes but when you change its size you will run the risk of getting pixelated or blurry image.

As mentioned previously, simplicity is the main point when designing custom flags.

If possible utilize vector art in creating simple design with just minimum number of text.

Then you may use PMS colors to ensure that the flag manufacturer knows exactly the color that you want to use in your artwork.

Once you are contented with the colors and design then your flag will be printed and delivered to you. With the tips shared above then you should be able to have the custom flag that will fit your needs and desired purpose.

There are two general kinds of materials used when making a custom flag. Dacron polyester and nylon have long been used by reliable manufacturers because these have the characteristics of being tough and lightweight. There are makers that use low-grade polyester or nylon which may not be too tough. Dacron polyester is also more lightweight compared to nylon and will last longer. The preferred material is Dacron polyester when it comes to inkjet printing because it is tightly made. The inks used for printing do not easily fade when using Dacron polyester and images appear crisp for a long time.

During screen printing, custom flags will be made when ink is pushed via a screen. The screen will already have the layout or image. The technique, however, only applies for solid and spot colors. It will not be effective for photos and sharp images.

Inkjet printing involves printing documents and text. It is quite the same as an inkjet printer wherein ink is sprayed on the flag material. The ink will go into the fabric to come up with the desired design.

Finally, dye-sublimation printing involves applying powdered dye on the material which will move through a fuser to stick the toner to the material. It is the same as a laser printer for documents. The final design is a highly attractive custom flag. You might notice that the design or toner only appears on one side of the material. The toner is placed only on the surface and not soaked into the material to appear in reverse on the other side.

There are two main materials incorporated when printing a custom flag. These are namely Dacron polyester and nylon. The two materials are favored by makers because these last long and weigh less compared to others. There are also printers that may use low quality polyester or nylon. Nylon is a bit heavier compared to Dacron polyester but also lasts longer. The preferred material for inkjet-printed flags is Dacron because of the tight weave that lets it last a long time. Inks for printing will also stay longer and the design stays visible and looking new for many months. Screen-printed flag printing prefers nylon material.

Screen printing flags involve the use of a screen. Ink will be pushed through the medium or screen with the design on the material. This is recommended only for solid or spot colors but not on gradients or pictures.

Inkjet printing is the second mode which will work similar to a computer printer wherein documents and text can easily be placed on the material. Ink will be sprayed on the material which will soak the fabric. The reverse image will appear afterwards.

Dye-sublimation printing is the third approach which works similar to a laser printer for text and documents. When using this approach, powdered dye is sprayed on the fabric which will go through a fuser to put the fabric and toner together. The resulting artwork is very sharp and attractive. The image, however, can only be found on one side of the custom flag, not on both, since the toner stays on the surface of the material.

If you wish to know more about converting colors to PMS tones using Adobe Illustrator, look no further. People who are still new to graphic design might find the approach completely unrelated. You can also hire a professional if you’re not fond of making flag design yourself. You can discover and print custom flags according to the occasion quickly.

When making these flags, you will find that PMS colors are only among the many options. These are regularly used by flag manufacturers to come up with the proper tones and colors that will suit the specifications of clients. You can also opt to have the flags screen-printed, which in turn, will require PMS colors.

If you like to have a photographic look on the flag, you should use full color instead of PMS tones.

Comparing vector and raster art

When you start comparing the available options, you will also come across “vector art” which refers to having each curve and line calculated using mathematic equations. A computer will make the necessary computations to ensure that the design, colors and layout will appear just like you envisioned. The layout can also feature drawings, which generally means that it is vector art. Custom flag manufacturers also like vector lines and shapes then apply PMS colors or inks to match.

When putting text and slogans on the custom flag, you have to use vectors first. Feel free to experiment between the two types then determine which one will better suit your objectives and next flag design.

Begin the flag-making process by determining how the layout or art will appear on both sides of the custom flag. Flags that are printed using screen or inkjet will cause the ink to seep through the material. As a result, you have the exact same design on both sides of the flag. However, the layout on the opposite side will be in reverse.

You will also come across the terms single and double-faced flags which refers to how the flag will appear when seen on both sides. There are flags that appear identical on both sides while others will feature the reverse on one side.

Double-faced banners are generally identical because these comprise of two similar flags sewn back to back. However, the result is a heavy flag that does not fly well in the wind. The use of more materials also causes the total price to go up. Most experts would not advise you to get this kind.

Instead, they will tell you to get a single-sided flag. Check the image if you like how it looks on both sides.

Single-sided flags, however, will show the reverse on one side. You can fix the problem by eliminating text fully or using only a few words to avoid confusion.

Choose between spot or full color

Also find the best colors and printing mechanism to use when making custom flags. When you show the design to a professional, he will most likely ask you about PMS colors. PMS refers to Pantone Matching System. You can create the best flag designs by mixing and matching the right colors.

Finding the idea custom flags may be a bit of a challenge for many individuals. Those who are still new to the approach will have to rely on research and other experts in the field. Start by seeking the best materials that will result to a colorful and attractive design. The type of material will also determine the longevity of the flag. You will become more familiar with usual flag terms as you go along.

Meeting some of the experts in the industry will increase your knowledge and give you more ideas on how to conceptualize the flag. You can also browse through galleries or look at actual flags hanging from poles until you decide which design will work best for your needs.

Rules for the Design

You can either create your own original art for the flag or have a professional prepare you one based on the objectives.

High resolution art is recommended if you wish to attract a lot of people. The flag design should also be simple so as not to confuse the target audience. Consider how the wind will affect the flag. Strong gusts let the flag fly so more people can actually see the design while it hangs down when there’s no breeze blowing. Other great places to hang the flag include the wall or a window. The quality of custom flags will depend on the type of material used. You can also pick between single or double-sided designs. Generally, these items have the design on both sides.