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Supplying graphic images for reproduction: A quick guide for business owners
The best image files for heat branding by Carpenter Core.
For the best results, please provide a single-color or black-and-white vector file in formats such as .ai, .eps, or .svg. Full-color vector files are also acceptable. If a vector file is not available, a high-resolution raster file (.jpg or .png) is an alternative. However, avoid using low-resolution raster files as they can compromise quality. To ensure clarity, the image should have a minimum resolution of 1800 pixels on the shortest side. Images with less than 1,000 pixels on the shortest side are more likely to produce suboptimal results.
A more comprehensive guide.
When it comes to branding, understanding how to supply the right graphic images is crucial for achieving professional results across various materials like business cards, websites, and custom products.
Choose the right file formats.
- Vector Files: (.ai, .eps, .svg): Always request vector files from your designer. These files can be scaled without losing quality, making them ideal for print materials like signs and packaging.
- Raster Files: (.jpg, .png): Use high-resolution raster files (300 dpi) for print and lower resolution (72 dpi) for digital use, like websites and social media.
Prepare for different applications.
- Print Materials: Supply high-resolution vector files for crisp, clear prints. These are essential for items like business cards, door signs, and promotional materials.
- Digital Use: For websites and online use, provide web-optimized files (.jpg, .png). Ensure they're sized appropriately to prevent slow loading times.
Request comprehensive files from your designer.
- Full Set: Ask for your logo in various formats (.ai, .eps, .svg, .jpg, .png) and in different color variations, including full color, black and white, and single-color.
- Editable Files: Ensure you receive the original design files. Having these allows for future edits or resizing without starting from scratch.
Supply the correct files to vendors.
- Match the Format to the Need: Send vector files to vendors needing scalable graphics, like sign makers. Use high-resolution raster files for products like business cards or brochures.
- File Transfer: Use reliable file-sharing services for sending large files. Confirm with your vendor that they've received the correct formats.
Avoid common pitfalls.
- Low-Resolution Issues: Never use low-resolution images for print; they result in blurry, unprofessional outputs. Always supply the highest quality available.
- Consistency: Use embedded fonts and standard color codes to ensure uniformity across different applications.
Create a simple graphic standards guide.
- Usage Instructions: Draft a basic guide that includes instructions on how and where each file format should be used.
- Maintain Consistency: Include guidelines on logo placement and sizing to maintain a professional look.
Store and organize your files.
- Organization: Keep files organized and clearly labeled to make it easy to find the right version when needed.
- Backups: Regularly back up your files to avoid losing important graphics.
Use this bonus clue to evaluate design effectiveness.
When evaluating artwork provided by your graphic designer, ask for a black-and-white version without any shading. Consider how it looks when viewed at the size of a fingernail and also when enlarged to the size of a computer monitor. If it looks good at both sizes, then it’s a good design. If it looks bad at either size, then it’s a bad design. It’s that simple. If a skilled and talented artist knows that you will perform this test, they will take care of the necessary work upfront to prevent any issues that may arise later on.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your brand’s graphic images look great across all formats and uses, from business cards to engraved wooden gift crates.
More information
Material
Crates and boxes are fabricated from select-grade southern pine culled for aesthetic appearance and structural integrity. The optional hinges are made from sturdy and durable steel plated to resist rust.
Construction
Features full ⅜-inch thick side slats with ¾-inch thick end panels securely glued and nailed at all stress points.
Finish
Natural untreated wood crates and boxes look great as-is or will readily accept your paint, stain, or sealer for bare wood surfaces. Our optional stained finishes are low odor, low VOC, water-based, and mar-resilient.
Country of origin
Sourced, fabricated, and assembled in the USA.
Care and cleaning
Wipe clean with a dry cloth. Mars can be removed from the surface by using a white eraser. Those with a natural unfinished wood surface may also be lightly sanded.
Sustainability
Carpenter Core embraces the common sense approach to sustainability practiced by past generations. Our forefathers lived the concept of reduce, reuse, and repurpose long before they became marketing buzzwords. This is how we do it.
- Reusable design - The nature of Carpenter Core products incentivize the end user to reuse or repurpose them as keepsake storage containers, reducing the pressure on our waste disposal and recycling infrastructure.
- Responsibly sourced raw material - The southern pine timber Carpenter Core products are made of is locally sourced in our geographic region. It grows in abundance and is responsibly farmed, making it naturally renewable.
- Minimal processing - Carpenter Core products are made of solid wood. Unlike plywood, particle board, paper, plastic, and cardboard, there is no raw material processing. This minimizes energy consumption, the introduction of chemical additives, and the resulting environmental consequences.
- Zero impact packaging - Carpenter Core products are sold without consumer packaging and are shipped in boxes with no plastic or needless filler, eliminating the need for landfill disposal by the end user.
- Responsible transport - Our products are only made available in the contiguous United States, eliminating the need for overseas transport via sea or air. Everything is shipped in bulk using the most efficient UPS Ground system, minimizing the impact of transport on our environment.
- Naturally biodegradable - Being made of solid wood with no chemical additives, our products are naturally biodegradable. At the end of their useful lifecycle, they return harmlessly to the soil they came from.
Guarantee
Carpenter Core offers a comprehensive lifetime warranty on all of our products for indoor non-commercial use against structural integrity throughout the product's lifetime that is valid for the original customer.
Unless otherwise stated, our products are not intended to withstand user abuse or outdoor exposure. We do not warrant product finishes including natural, stain, paint, clear coat, or other finishes.
We care about your satisfaction. Should you experience any issue, simply contact us to make it right.
Shipping and returns
Shipping
We ship orders within ten business days, much sooner in most cases. The default transport method is UPS Ground, which arrives in one to five days, depending on the distance from our location in North Alabama. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any particular questions or concerns.
Refunds
We do not accept the return of customized or personalized products unless they arrive damaged or defective. If your purchase does not meet your expectations for any other reason, you may return it for a refund of the purchase price. In any case, please get in touch immediately if you have concerns about any products received from us. We will do everything we can to make your experience a positive one.
Custom quote
Carpenter Core has a growing selection of wooden crate and box types, sizes, styles, and finishes, but also understands that’s not always enough. With decades of experience in design development and fabrication, there’s a good chance we can propose a quick and affordable solution based on your specific needs.
Shop other wooden crates
Some of our clients
Why small wooden crates from Carpenter Core?
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The CORE difference
Every Carpenter CORE crate is handcrafted in the USA using solid wood, reinforced with nails and glue at every stress point. The wood is selected for its striking grain pattern and finished with a subtle sawtooth texture.
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Stylish versatility
Our crates transcend traditional storage solutions, offering elegance for gifting, packaging, display, and decor. They are designed to enhance any setting, meeting a wide range of needs with style and versatility.
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Customizable elegance
Customize your crates with various options, including size, style, color, lid, and additional features such as hinges, handles, or rounded edges. Add your message or image to make them truly unique.
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Eco-friendly utility
Our crates are made from wood sourced from responsibly managed forests, promoting environmental stewardship. Designed for repurposing over disposal, they offer a greener, more sustainable solution.
Request custom quote
We design and fabricate a lot of custom wood boxes and crates so your special requests are always welcome.
Welcome to Carpenter Core
Crafted with passion, delivered with care. Every small wooden crate at Carpenter Core is a testament to the enduring beauty of old-world craftsmanship. As the founder, I personally guide the creation and delivery of each crate and box. This ensures that every piece not only elevates your presentation but also strengthens our connection through unparalleled personal service. Our materials are handpicked, our products are proudly made in the USA, and every detail is crafted with you in mind.
Alan Derrick, Owner