I have 4 projects on my desk that all include logos and the artwork provided is such low resolution that I can't use any of it. I explained to the clients that it will look terrible if we use what they gave me but none of them seem to understand. "It looks okay on my computer" is the standard response (with an underlying implication that maybe I don't know what I'm doing) If it's simple, I don't usually say anything and just re-do it, but these are all very busy and would require hours to fix.
Is there an easier way to handle this?
[ August 06, 2012, 12:03 PM: Message edited by: Sonny Franks ]
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
No.
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
For digital printing I usually say in my estimate to the client that resolution should be 100 - 150 dpi at full size. And say a proof is an additional $50. Once you start throwing numbers out, it gets them thinking. And also require a signature on the estimate.
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
Sonny, here's how I handle it. The customer gets it or not, but at least they see and understand.
In Photoshop (or whatever you use there for images), blow their "art" up to what will be the final size. No need to spend even a minute manipulating the image. Print out whatever section of it will fit onto an 8 1/2 x 11. Plain paper, inkjet.
Minimal materials and minimal use of your time, and the customer will see what you already know. If they are still gung ho on you using that image without paying to get it done right, you can ask them to initial and date your print out. This way they can't complain after the fact that they didn't know it was going to look THAT bad.
Also, when I have to charge to reproduce a customer's logo, I make sure to let them know they will get a cd of the new art, so next time they need it, they will have it. That usually takes a little sting out of the extra charge.
[ August 06, 2012, 01:37 PM: Message edited by: Don Coplen ]
Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Hey Sonny,
I have dealt with this quite a few times myself. Sometimes they just send low-res art that cannot be worked with at all.
If on the other hand you want to increase the size of some (fairly decent) small artwork and still be able to print with good results, you might want to give Perfect Resize 7 Pro a try (formerly called Genuine Fractals). I purchased a copy a while back and find it very helpful in increasing image files for large format printing.
I have found that if stock art is only available in smaller sizes, I can convert it up to the size I need using Perfect Resize Pro. I can also up-size low-rez reference images for a clearer look.
Hope all is well down that way for ya'll...take care mate
Posted by Bill Modzel (Member # 22) on :
What Don says. A picture is worth a thousand words in this case.
I've used Perfect Resize/Genuine Fractils for many years and it does a great job but you need enough pixels for it to work with. A 250kb photo will not be enough.
Posted by Regina Rae (Member # 4024) on :
You have your hands full. Wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now. The advice given, is terrific, so helpful. Thanks everyone!
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
Retire.
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
Actually, Don is right.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Dittos to what Don said.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Thanks for all the responses. There are some good ideas here, although Ray's succinct answer may have said it all.....
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
The word "easier" nullified everything else.
If it was easy, anybody could do it.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Actually Michael is right...on both of his answers.
Posted by Rusty Bradley (Member # 6938) on :
Sonny...check your email...I've sent you something.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Don's suggestion worked well- I just used a screen capture to send an enlarged portion of this customer's logo and here's her response:
"Oh I see. Very fuzzy as you enlarge the pic. OK. I will reach out to Tony and see if he can forward the redrawing that was done at his shop. He also had an artist to do the drawing that I sent you earlier with the sign dimensions. I will get back to you as soon as I contact him. Thanks."
For whatever reason, people seem to be reluctant to go to the source of the artwork first, but simply showing her the results will hopefully save me a lot of time.....
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
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