Personalisation. What Are Your Options?
You have two options for personalisation. Either we set your wording out for you in one of the fonts listed below (Option 1), or you can send us an .ai or .eps file with your own logo or artwork (Option 2).
Option 1 - Using one of our H&Co Fonts
An ideal choice if you don't have a particular font you want to use. We set out your wording with any of the fonts below. Your wording can have up to 3 lines within the maximum size of the die plate.
How it works
- Choose a typeface from the options above.
- When you come to placing an order, select the typeface you have chosen.
- On the order, tell us the name or wording that you would like.
- Tell us where on the product you would like the wording placed and the approximate typeface size.
A week before production we will email you with a PDF proof so you can approve the design/layout and spelling. At this point you can still make any changes that you would like to. Once we have an emailed final confirmation of your approval we will get to work. It’s as simple as that!
Option 2 - Supply us with your own artwork
Please ensure that all artwork sent follows the guidelines below.
- Please ensure that all artwork is to scale (the size you would like it to appear). Maximum artwork size for blind embossing and foil stamped artwork is 25cm/10” long.
- Your artwork must be 100% black on a white on a transparent background (no colour or grey scale).
- Artwork should be supplied as a vector generated image (.ai .eps). If you are unsure, take a look at these videos for guidance on how to create a vector.
Illustrator: How to convert text to outlines
https://youtu.be/CygQcHrkVGI
Photoshop: How to convert an image to a vector
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZX890lABFQ
Photoshop: How to convert text into a vector
https://hartnackandco.com/pages/adobe-photoshop-guidelines
If your artwork contains very fine detail, it may require a brass die instead of a magnesium one. Unfortunately brass dies are more expensive and we will quote for this separately. We will always discuss with you if we feel that a brass die will be more suitable and we will give you the cost of the surcharge required.
There is an option to upload the artwork when placing the order or you can send your artwork and positioning diagram to artwork@hartnackandco.com.
Lastly, but very importantly, if we have to do any remedial work on the artwork you send us, there will be a charge based on £60.00 p/hour. Just send it exactly as above and we'll be good to go!!
How It Works
Once we receive your instructions as per option 1 or 2, we will have the metal die plate made which will look like the plates below.
We send your artwork to our die makers. The process works by creating a picture negative film of your name/artwork and placing it over a piece of magnesium metal. Anything that is covered in black is washed off by a Hydrosolvent developer and water, anything left exposed stays. You are then left metal die, as per the examples above.
The film is very light sensitive, which is why we need smooth vector images and not pixel bit map images. If we develop dies from pixel images then the risk is that we get 'jagged' dies as below
We then attach the die to the hot plate of a stamping machine and either blind deboss or foil the logo onto the surface of your box, portfolio or album as below.
The Different Types of Personalisation
Blind Deboss
Blind deboss creates a deep impression in the material or the leather or fabric without using a coloured foil. You are left with an impression of the image or wording.
It is worth noting that if you are using a fine and small typeface, your name will not stand out as well as if it were foiled.
Hot Foil Stamping
Hot foil stamping creates an impression in the material or the leather with a coloured or metallic foil.
Ensuring a successful impression of a large foiled area with small type can sometimes be very difficult to achieve so we might suggest that you consider UV printing for the best result.
Plaque
A plaque, or recess, cut into the cover of your portfolio or box which can then be personalised. There is no limit to the size or colour of the plaque (other than the size of the stamping) and it can be placed anywhere you like.
Recessed Window
A bit of added impact to your presentation portfolio or box. Your name or logo is foiled or debossed onto your portfolio cover, but appears through a cut out window.
Recess Only
A recess only is when we leave a recessed space into which a card can be glued. The two advantages of an inlay is that on the one hand it is cost effective and on the other, being a printed card, you are not limited by colour, design or size. It can be as big as you want or alternatively, you can also just place a business card in the recess.
Full Colour UV Printing
If you are looking for a full colour personalisation in a variety of places, then UV printing is the best method of customising your portfolio or box. UV Printing uses a large flat-bed multi colour ink jet system to print. As there are no dies involved, the size of the logo can be as big or small and in as many places, as you like. Please note though, it is an image printed onto your portfolio and as such may not be as sharp and vibrant as a foiled logo.
