Start With the Best Logo File You Have
For most branding work, the cleaner the artwork the better the result. A logo that is sharp, correctly sized and easy to read helps us move faster through digitising, artwork checks and production. If you are sending a file from your office, your designer, or an old supplier, send the original version where possible rather than a screenshot or a photo of a business card.
Vector artwork is usually the best option because it scales without losing quality. That is especially useful for embroidered golf shirts, caps and larger print runs where the logo may need to sit on different garments and promo items. If you only have a flat image, send the highest resolution file you can find so we can assess it properly before work begins.
- Best file types: AI, EPS, PDF with editable vector artwork, or SVG
- Good backup files: high resolution PNG or JPG
- Avoid: screenshots, WhatsApp forwards, and images copied from social media
What We Need for Embroidery and Digitising
Embroidery needs more than just a logo. We need to see the shapes, the small lettering, the colours and where the artwork will sit on the garment. Thin lines, tiny text and shaded effects often need adjustment for stitching, so the clearer your source file the easier it is to prepare the digitising properly. On caps, for example, a logo may need to be simplified a little to suit the curved front panel.
If your branding job includes school wear, club shirts or corporate uniforms, it helps to tell us the garment type and placement up front. A left chest logo, back logo, sleeve mark or cap front can all need different stitch settings and sizing. If there are specific brand rules, send them with the file so we can keep the job consistent.
- Include your preferred logo size if you already know it
- Tell us where the logo should go on each item
- Send any brand colours, font names or layout rules you must keep
- If the artwork has fine detail, note whether it must stay exact or can be simplified
Artwork Details That Help Printing Stay Accurate
For screen printing and heat press printing, colour accuracy and placement are important. A file that clearly shows each colour layer or has a proper colour reference makes the setup smoother. If you need printing on golf shirts, overalls, jackets or promo items, we also need to know the fabric type because some surfaces take print differently, especially in Durban humidity where garments can arrive with more moisture than expected.
Where possible, send artwork with fonts outlined and images embedded. That avoids missing text or broken links when the file is opened. If your logo includes gradients, shadows or complex shading, tell us whether you want those kept as is or simplified for print. The more detail we have at the start, the fewer surprises later on, and that saves time if you are working to a rush order or 24 hour turnaround.
- Send artwork in CMYK for print jobs where possible
- Outline all fonts if the file is being supplied in editable form
- Keep text legible at the actual print size
- Let us know if the job is for one colour, two colour, or full colour printing
How to Prepare Files Before You Send Them
A simple check before you upload artwork can prevent delays. Make sure the logo is complete, the spelling is correct, and the file opens properly on your side. If you have multiple versions of the logo, send the one you want used most often and mark any alternates clearly. We often work with businesses across Durban North, Umhlanga, Westville, Pinetown and Ballito, so clear instructions help us keep the process moving without extra calls back and forth.
If you are sending a full uniform pack or a bulk order for a school, club or company, please group the items in one message where possible. That makes it easier for our team to check sizes, positions and finishing details before production starts. A little structure at the beginning saves a lot of time later on, especially when a team needs caps, shirts and promo items done together.
- Name the files clearly, for example: logo-name-primary.pdf
- Attach notes for each item if the order has more than one product
- Check that the artwork is not blurred when zoomed in
- Confirm any deadline if the order is urgent
What to Include in Your Enquiry
When you use the enquiry form on our contact page, include the basics so we can assess the job properly. A good enquiry tells us what you want branded, how many pieces you need, what the artwork is, and when you need it. If you are based in eThekwini or surrounding areas like La Lucia, Mount Edgecombe or Hillcrest, you can also mention delivery needs if the order must go straight to a site, school or office.
For quote accuracy, include the garment colour and the logo colours, especially if the artwork will be printed on dark fabric or stitched on a textured item. If you need sample runs before bulk production, say so at the start. That helps us plan the best route and avoid delays in approval. We also check artwork carefully before production so that issues are spotted early, not after the job is already underway.
- What item you need branded
- Quantity required
- Preferred branding method
- Artwork file attached or a clear description of what you have
- Deadline, delivery point and any special instructions
When a File Needs Work Before We Can Use It
Not every file arrives ready to go. Sometimes the logo is too small, the colours are inconsistent, or the text has been flattened into an image that is too soft for clean production. In those cases we may need to do artwork checks, redraw parts of the logo, or prepare digitising from scratch. That is normal and it is often the only way to get a proper finish on embroidery or print.
If your logo comes from an older flyer, a social media post or a cropped image, expect that it may need extra attention. Send the clearest version you have and tell us what the final use will be. That way we can advise whether it is suitable for embroidery, print, cap branding or promo item printing. Good preparation upfront helps the finished work look tidy and professional, and keeps the order on track.
Our team works from a Durban North base and handles branding for businesses, schools and clubs across the area, so we understand the practical side of getting jobs out on time. When the file is ready, the rest of the process is much easier for everyone.
