Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.

As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Just start by following one of the links below.

If you think of question that is not on this list, please click on "Ask a Question" and let us know what you're thinking. If enough people ask the same question, we'll post the answer in this section for future visitors.

1. Are there different design specs for cutting vinyl?
2. How big should the letters be?
3. How long does it take for you to complete my order?
4. What are Oconee County's Sign Ordinances?
5. What are the specifications to uploading my own designs?
6. What is a "proof"?
7. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
8. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
9. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

1. Are there different design specs for cutting vinyl?

   Instructions for submitting files to be cut in vinyl

   We can accept graphic files from the latest versions of the following programs: Coreldraw or Adobe Illustrator (.ai, .eps and .pdf with Illustrator editing capabilities). If vector files are not available, Photoshop Tiff files in black and white at a minimum of 12” at 300 dpi to vectorize. Text should be converted to outlines.

   No gradients, please. Files should be set up with spot colors only. Vinyl is manufactured in solid colors only. If gradients are absolutely necessary the image must be printed on our large format digital printing equipment. Please see the requirements for submission of digital printing files.

   The Sign Brothers prefer if you convert all fonts to curves before sending. In cases when this is not possible, please include your fonts with the file. Please provide a hard copy of the file to be cut or, if the file is sent via the web, a pdf or jpeg of the file for proofing purposes. Failure to set up files per this instruction sheet may result in unexpected charges for art time. If you have ANY questions, please feel free to direct them to our art department.

   You may submit files from this website using the Send File button or via flash drive, DVD, CD, or .zip files via email.

   File Submission Checklist
   __ I have provided a hard copy, pdf or jpeg of my final file for proofing

   __ I have outlined all fonts, or provided fonts that I am unable to outline

   __ I have not used any gradients, as vinyl uses spot colors only

   __ If I do not have a vector file, I have provided a high resolution tiff file for The Sign Brothers to vectorize

2. How big should the letters be?

   As a general rule, the greatest IMPACT readable distance is 10 feet for every 1 inch of letter height.

   The greatest READABLE distance is 40 feet for every 1" of letter height.

   Remember - Block letters can be read from a greater distance than decorative or script letters.

   6" Letters.......60 feet Greatest Impact...... 240 feet Maximum Readability
   12" Letters...120 feet Greatest Impact.... 480 feet Maximum Readability
   24" Letters...240 feet Greatest Impact.... 960 feet Maximum Readability
   36" Letters...360 feet Greatest Impact... 1440 feet Maximum Readability

3. How long does it take for you to complete my order?

   There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some jobs can be produced in minutes and some may take weeks or months. Let us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most stringent demands.

4. What are Oconee County's Sign Ordinances?

   Follow the link provided to review Oconee County's Sign Ordinances.

5. What are the specifications to uploading my own designs?

   Instructions for submitting digital printing files

   Programs
   We can accept graphic files from the latest versions of the following programs: CorelDraw (.eps), Adobe Illustrator (.ai and .eps) and Adobe Photoshop (.psd, .tif and .eps). QuarkXPress and Corel files should be saved as .eps prior to sending to The Sign Brothers. Fonts must be converted to curves.

   Color
   Illustrator: Please specify any PMS colors that you would like to match. Note that we do NOT print with PMS ink. We use a pantone matching system as a guide to get as close as possible to your intended color. Please provide a hard copy of your file if color matching is desired and note there is an additional charge for this service. Leave any placed images in their original RGB color.
   Photoshop: Leave files in RGB color. The Sign Brothers will convert to CMYK using specialized methods. If files are not RGB, The Sign Brothers cannot properly control the color. For an additional fee, The Sign Brothers will provide a color proof for approval prior to production.

   Resolution
   Illustrator: Files should be set up at 100% of their original size. If it is necessary to set up files proportional to the final size, please specify (1/2, 1/3 or 1/4 size) in the file. Any linked or embedded images should be 100 dpi at their final size.
   Photoshop: Files need to be created with a resolution of 100 dpi at final size. Note that images must be scanned at a high enough resolution - simply increasing the resolution on a low resolution file will not work.

   General Specs
   Please make sure all files can be opened by Photoshop. Be sure to embed linked images in your file. The Sign Brothers prefer if you convert all fonts to curves before sending. In cases when this is not possible, please include your fonts with the file. Bleed is not necessary but may improve the mounting process. You should not put important graphics or copy within 1/2" of the edge. Please provide a hard copy of the file to be printed or, if the file is sent via the web, a pdf or jpeg of the file for proofing purposes. Failure to set up files per this instruction sheet may result in unexpected charges for art time. If you have ANY questions, please feel free to direct them to our art department.

   Media
   You may submit files from this website using the Send File button or on a flash drive, DVD, or CD.

   Customer Checklist
   _ I have provided a hard copy, pdf or jpeg of my final file for proofing
   _ I have used RGB for my Photoshop files, and specified PMS colors in my Illustrator files
   _ I have converted all fonts to curves, or provided fonts that I am unable to convert
   _ All of my images are 100 dpi at their final size
   _ I have embedded all images, or provided linked images that I am unable to embed

6. What is a "proof"?

   A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.

   On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show an accurate representation of the final product.

7. Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?

   We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

8. Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?

   It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it really is. Output devices process digital information using a variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

9. How do I go about getting an estimate from you?

   Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.