large format printing matters

[pk]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie, just got a freelance project to do large banners and stage backdrops...

i'd like to know what's the minimum image size(pixels and dpi)for a photo to be used onsay a banner 12ft by 6ft? The photo'll be used to cover the whole banner...

If i have to enlarge my images tomore than 20%,
would saving the .bmp or .jpgimages inillustrator firstand then doaenlargement besafe?

any other related tips would be appreciated..

I onlyhave illustrator and photoshop..

thanks http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/emoticons/hop.gif

pk

[D-Frag]

Hello, first please refer to this thread http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/?f=36&m=29948 secondly I would say that a transparency scan is going to be needed to get the best quality if you actually did the photo. If your buying the image then go with the biggest size available for you to download or buy. Normally the compression on these images is so high that you can literally blow them up without losing to much resolution. You may need to do a un-sharp mask too to strengthen the image once its blown up. Do all of this in photoshop, if you do it in Illustrator your asking for problems if you don't do this kind of stuff on a regular basis. Minimum image size, 8X10 @300dpi....and that is by far the lowest you want to go.




http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/13115/killer_cartoon.gif

[pk]

THANKS SO MUCH!

[PrintDriver]

What are you getting them printed on?
Cuz if it's a Vutek or similar the DPI only needs to be 50dpi at final size. You can go as low as 30dpi on a backdrop that is viewed from 15 to 20 feet. 8x10 at 300dpi isn't going to cut it. If 10' = 144' you're at 21dpi. And you want bleed.

A chrome is best like DFrag says but your really need to talk to your printer because you will need bleed for finishing details like reinforcing webbing and grommets or even more bleed if you are hemming sides and using pole pockets (12' is pushing a pole pocket, it is so heavy it may 'smile' the pipe you use).

You want to bleed your color and image to the back for all hems and pockets (and have it stitched or taped neatly if the back is seen.

For Scenery that will be lit you want to go with something semi-matte. There are only a few materials out there that print matte. There is one 16oz vinyl that is relatively matte and there is one called Saturn that is good too but usually only comes in 70' printable widths.

What layout program are you using?
Be very careful of enlarging your file. Use eps images and specify if the file is taken up 2x or 4x whatever. Never bmp or jpg. Ever. Sometime tif is ok but you have to ask the printer.
If you are working in Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign, work at actual size. If Quark, use 1/2 scale, 1/4 scale or 1'=1'

Edit: you might also want to check out this thread:
www.graphicdesignforum.com/?f=36&m=22127 (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/?f=36&m=22127)

PrintDriver is a large format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

Post Edited (PrintDriver) : 6/29/2004 4:39:59 PM GMT

[PrintDriver]

have you ever done theater before?

PrintDriver is a large format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing

[pk]

Would love to if i had the chance.. :)