Dot-Tone Designs - Graphics and Products

Graphics and Products

CHOOSING A SEPARATION SOURCE

KEY POINTS WHEN DECIDING HOW TO GET YOUR SEPARATIONS:

All of our separations come standard with pms color call outs and detailed technical printing recommendations stemming from over 20 years of screen printing experience. We don�t charge by color as our prices are based on difficulty and the requirements for each individual job needs.

Some company's may require an itemized job costing form be filled out that result in a (per color) pricing structure that others offer. This is a result of a standardization of the separation process using specialized separation software, photoshop actions and plug in's. While this is very beneficial for new and specialized printers, we feel that our target market of clientele will be those who have need for a more accurate, fine tuned approach to our separations.

Customers who are sure to benefit from this type of specialized separation service are, �but not limited to�Retail shops, Events, Souvenir items, Resort wear, Licensed characters, Brands, and any large volume orders as well as those with printed special effects.

Each design requires human attention to the files unique characteristics of the art. For that reason, we specialize in manually separating our files for those that require the benefits of �file integrity, accuracy, production consistency, pantone color matches and image detail.

� PRE-SEPARATED STOCK ART:

No pre-separated art is going to be 100% perfect because each shop is different. Each one has it�s own unique variables. Some coat screens 1:1 some coat 1:2 or 2:3 Then you have film output device differences. Some use this and some use that. Then, ink types. Some use thicker non modified inks and some use inks that are specifically used for sim process. Then you have the skill of your press person who sets up the screens and gets the print registered and sets adjustment to look correct. Some have all single durometor and some have multiple. Some use have 60�s and some have 90�s and 70�s Some are used to using 110 mesh and some have only reached the heights of a 230 mesh at best when a 300 is needed. The list goes on. Now, that is only dealing with the issue of each shop having different variables. With automated separation software/plug ins/actions, one would think that your taking out variables when in fact, you end up adding another that is unchangeable.

� AUTOMATED SEPARATION SOFTWARE/PLUG IN'S/ACTIONS.

When you include the variable of automated separation software or plug in actions, you are treating each design the same way. Imagine a soft pastel watercolor traditional painting and contrast that with a high impact, vibrant color sci fi illustration. With automated separation software or plug in actions, each of those get treated/separated with the same process. No difference. Sure, the amount of color coming out will change and the art is different, but much of that art make use of blending 2-5 colors to achieve what a separation artist would do in one spot color or blending two. So in essence, the automated separations are actually making your print job harder than it needs to be and often times with mediocre results at best.

With that said, you can see that it's not apples to apples when comparing Dot-Tone-Design's separations to that of an automated service or that of the lowest costing separator. If you absolutely need to show a comparison for a cost proposal, our pricing breaks down between an average of $25.00 and $45.00 per color. We do not recommend that you base separation service decisions on price alone.

Dan Campbell

DOT-TONE-DESIGNS

http://www.Dot-Tone.com

e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 407-922-0664

Limited color examples

The following will be limited color, duo-tone or quad tonal prints including grayscale / black and white photo reproduction. These are achieved with usually a highlight, mid tone and a shadow tone at minimum. You can use less color but will sacrifice tonal quality.

Services Price Structure

DOT-TONE-DESIGNS PRICING STRUCTURE

OVER 23 YEARS IN THE SCREEN PRINT ART INDUSTRY RELATED TO

CUSTOM, RETAIL, RESORT, EVENT & THEME PARK ATTRACTIONS.

TURNAROUND TIME:
Below, you will find various services we offer. We have different turnaround times In each. How fast do you need it? This is our most important question for every job. We offer top quality art but schedules fill up fast and art and production is not a fail safe process. A best practice is to allow yourself some cushion time for changes or unexpected delays. Contact us for an update on our current schedule and availability.

DESIGN ONLY:

The standard turnaround time for design is 10 business days from date of 50% deposit. Pricing is typically on a (by job) quote. This can be from $60.00-$1000.00 One free revision request is included. Photoshop separations are supplied at a lower rate if I am doing the design as well. Call for quote.

FOUR COLOR PROCESS SEPARATION:
The standard turnaround time is two business days from date of 50% deposit. Pricing is typically on a (by job) quote. Depending if we simply need to sep or if we also need to enhance/make changes. Extensive editing is additional and based on an hourly rate. Some minor clean up would be included in initial quote. Call for quote.

SIMULATED PROCESS SEPARATION:

The standard turnaround time is three business days from date of 50% deposit.. Sim process will fall under a different pricing structure than traditional process and are typically on a (by job) quote. All of my separations come with pms colors and detailed print suggestions. I don�t charge by color as my prices are based on ease or difficulty. Call for quote.

VECTOR CONVERSION TURNAROUND / PRICING:
The standard turnaround times are one (1) business day from date of 50% deposit.. References images such as photo�s/jpg images, patch�s, business cards, etc. that need to be converted to production ready art is described below. Price depends on the level of difficulty in the job.
(Easy Vector) $5.00, (Easy) would be defined as a down and dirty conversion where no clean up is involved. Just a fast and simple conversion to make it work in production or for further editing on your end.

(CLEANED UP) Basic $10.00, Med. $20.00, Semi-detailed $30.00, Detailed $50.00

PHOTO RETOUCH:
Retouching and editing service�Editing is based on an hourly rate. Call for details.

SENDING ART:
I can take large e-mail up to about 10 megs. Anything over that, should be send via http://www.yousendit.com You can send as large as 100 megs for free and it�s simple to use. I then send the big files back to you the same way.

PAYMENTS:

Is done via https://www.Paypal.com If your not signed up for it now, you should go ahead and do that so that when your ready, your able to get your order in the schedule right away. It's easy and one of the most safest payment methods. You can now pay through Paypal via credit card.

DEPOSITS:

Unless credit has been established, we require payment in advance or jobs under $100.00, For jobs over $100.00 we require a 50% deposit up front� for all customers.
We offer a 5% discount to all who pay above $100.00 (in advance). Discounts and payments must be requested prior to the completion of your order.

WHEN INITIATING A NEW REQUEST:
Please describe the work requested (in full and complete detail). Leave nothing in the job description/request to be vague or unanswered. Job Sheets / email request that are un answered, incomplete or non specific will be held up for approval and additional days will be added to the completion date. Please provide your (in hands) due date. Note our normal production turnaround times above. Please include all details such as �quantity, garment color and cotton blend content.

COPY RIGHTS/OWNERSHIP:
All original art created by (Dan Campbell) for DOT-TONE-DESIGNS for the production of your order, remains the property of DOT-TONE-DESIGNS unless other arrangements/contracts have been made to purchase complete rights. All digital files, disks, plates, screen charges or original drawings are for the �production� needed to produce the order and ownership or re-use of art is not transferable to the client unless prier arrangements/contracts have been made. Art charges are for the labor and material cost needed for the production of the order. Dot-tone-Designs is the sole owner of all created art as protected by copyright law as well as any and all derivative works in part or in whole, molds, plates, engravings digital files, digital or physical film separations and all other devises used to produce the material created by and owned by Dot-Tone-Designs.

We hope to here from you very soon. Thank you for checking us out!

Dan Campbell
DOT-TONE-DESIGNS
e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 407-922-0664

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