Seed Paper Ink Coverage
We require that your seed paper custom design has light ink coverage (no large solid areas, background images, etc.), although your artwork can include full-color graphics, logos, and text (see samples at right). Due to the handmade nature of the seed paper and the soft paper fibers, we cannot print full or heavy ink coverage. When in doubt, please submit your artwork for approval or guidance.
Working with the Template Get a template from art@bloomin.com.
1. The template is a PDF and can be viewed in Adobe Reader.
2. Open the PDF in Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop (place into InDesign/QuarkXpress).
3. Apply your artwork to the template.
4. If there is a glue strip, then the attached seed paper shape can be moved.
5. The planting instructions are only a suggestion/reminder to include planting instruction verbiage and can be edited or removed. Remove the planting instructions from the back for 1-sided printing; they are not stock art.
6. Outline all the fonts, or send fonts separately.
7. Embed all the images (photos, logos, etc.), or send all images separately.
8. Two-sided documents should be saved as separate PDFs.
9. Include all registration marks when submitting a document with bleed.
Accepted File Formats Submit art to art@bloomin.com.
Adobe Illustrator (CC or lower) Save as EPS file, fonts converted to paths or outlines. If images are linked, please remember to submit separately or embed them.
InDesign (CC or lower) Save as PDFX-1a, Press or Print Optimized. Remember to include bleed in your PDF settings.
Photoshop (CC or lower) Save as TIFF or JPEG, in CMYK or Grayscale, 300-400dpi. Image size must be printed size plus 1/8” bleed all around when applicable.
Publisher, Word, Powerpoint Save/export as high resolution (Print Quality) PDF.
Preparing Your Files Get info from art@bloomin.com.
Bleed – A bleed is a printed image, graphic or background that extends beyond the trim edge. For trimming purposes, bleeds must extend 1/8” beyond the trim edge. (Bleed may not be available on some products; see item template.)
Live Area –Live area describes the imprint area that is deemed “safe” from trimming. It is 1/8” in from all trim edges on the front, and 3/16” in from all trim edges on the back.
Image Resolution 300-400dpi at 100%.
Color – Color must be saved as CMYK. Conversions from Pantone (PMS) to CMYK may produce unexpected results. Included/requested PMS colors cannot be exactly matched in our 4-color (CMYK) printing process.
Letterpress – Artwork can be submitted as line (vector) art only. Save as PDF or EPS.
Planting Instructions
We encourage you to include planting instructions on your seed paper promotions. Use the template version, or write your own. Visit bloominpromotions.com for options.
Second Side Artwork Limitations
Artwork with tight registration or borders of any kind cannot be printed on the second side. With digital short run printing it is very difficult to line up the second side precisely to the front. There is a “bounce” on the second side that is not noticeable as long as all art is kept away from the edges; the border/art is never completely centered top-to-bottom or side-to-side. This is especially true for seed paper.
Printing
Cardstock – Full coverage, 4-color (CMYK) process.
Seed Paper – Light ink coverage required as dark, solid areas can affect germination. Slight variation in color should be expected.
Color Seed Paper – Letterpress printing only; dark ink on light seed paper is best.
1- vs 2-Sided Printing – Printing is considered 1-sided when only one side is printed and 2-sided when both sides of the flat card are printed. For instance, on a folding card, the front and back of the card are considered 1-side, and the two inside pages are considered the second side (2-sided).