What kind of file do I use to e-mail a logo to a client?

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

Ann said to make a new topic for this so here it is:

The logo is the name of the client's boat and he's going to have it put on the boat. The logo is just letters with a graphic that forms one of the letters. It's all in color. I can change the colors easily from RGB to CMYK or Pantone if it's necessary.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

PDF

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

Oh, thanks.

[Scott_Weichert@adobeforums.com]

Actually.. it kind of depends upon the client. If they have Illustrator, I imagine they'd much prefer the .ai file.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

Don't think there would be much difference considering AIs relative compatibility to PDF. And it is the safest way to send it and who knows what platform and all that.

PDF is just the easiest and safest way.

[LRK@adobeforums.com]

Nilk:

Whenever I create a logo I ususally start by presenting the client with several labelled variations on a page or two. I use PDF files during the comping stage. I use Illustrator or Indesign Files for the printing stage. After receiving payment I provide the logo to the client in Illustrator format, ususally saved as an Illustrator EPS and any other formats and/or variations the client may need.

Make sure that when the logo is finished that all text is converted to outlines.

Linda

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

Thanks y'all.

Linda: What are "labelled variations"? Do you print out the variations and present them to the client in person? Or can you e-mail the variations before being paid?

And how do you convert the text into outlines? I couldn't find it in FAQ or the manual. I have a graphic with it. Do I convert that into outlines, too?

I decided to do the logo in black and white. Does that make a difference?

BTW, this client is a page layout designer. He's interested in my artwork. How do I know he won't pay me a little and charge HIS clients a lot? Eeks.

[LRK@adobeforums.com]

Nilk:

I'll take your last question first. That's not your problem. You agreed to a certain price. As long as you get paid what you agreed upon, you don't need to worry about what the designer charges.

As for text to outlines, I like to use keyboard shortcuts. Select the text with the Selection Tool (black arrow), do Command-Shift-O and then Command-G to group it together.

Doing a logo in black and white is good. A good logo should always be able to work well in black and white. You can always assign a PMS color or colors later.

Labelled versions: I usually start with a letter for a particular group, and then a number for the variations within that group. First version might be LogoA1, LogoA2, etc.

Then if I change to a different look or a new phase in the job (such as after the client has previewed first group and requests changes) I name that group the next letter, such as LogoB1, etc.

As for printing the variations, it all depends on the client and whether they are local or not. In the early stages of submitting ideas I might not print anything but rather send them a printable PDF file. I also have been known to post comps on my Web site and then narrow them down to a few for print. It all depends on what the client requests and is comfortable with. I do offer a print later in the process.

As for emailing before being paid, if you are concerned about whether you will get paid or not, you might request 50% payment to begin and then 50% payment upon completiion.

Linda

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

Nik they are making this complicated you really want to send this as a PDF. If they have illustrator they won't have a problem opening it and editing if they have to and if they don't they they can use Acrobat to output it. Or they can place it in InDesign or Quark.

Linda is trying to make this into one of her off topic discussions.

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Linda and Wade. Y'all are very helpful. :)

[LRK@adobeforums.com]

Wade: To what do I owe your kindness? Thanks, I'll bow out and let you take over.

[Ann_Shelbourne@adobeforums.com]

Linda produced an excellent tutorial in both client-management and logo-design issues.

It is insane to just lob-out PDFs before you have established a clear line of communication with the client; agreed terms and signed a contract for the work; fully understood the requirements (marketing-wise, artistic and technical); and agreed on the production techniques for which you must cater.

Just send a PDF? I certainly wouldn't before ALL of the above criteria were met.

[John_Kallios@adobeforums.com]

Wade neglected to mention that the preserve Illustrator editting capabilities be checked when saving out to pdf from Illustrator.

Also the ability to place pdf in Xpress requires the pdf xtension (for older versions of Xpress) and that any spot color in a pdf (excluding CMYK) is not retained when placed in any version of Xpress.

The final file format that you provide your customer is dependant upon their needs. You are generally safe with eps and pdf. But, you need to ask exactly how they are to use the file in order to prepare the file for them. This not only dictates the file format but will also influence the design.

Since you are doing black ink only, a lot of items are simplified. But, you mentioned that this will be used for lettering on a boat.

How is the lettering going to be applied?
What are the requirements for the company applying the lettering? (this includes version numbers of the formats being saved)
Will the client want to use the artwork for any other application?
Are you selling the complete rights to the artwork or limited rights?
and so on...

Either way, follow Linda's advice and adjust the workflow as needed for future jobs to fit your lifestyle.

Your question dictated a more "complicated" answer. Why? Because there is no one answer to this question.

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

John: The client didn't tell me which company was applying the lettering. He didn't know himself. He just said he was going to take my design to a company and have them put it on vinyl. I don't know if he meant directly on the boat or on a piece of vinyl to put on the boat.

Are you selling the complete rights to the artwork or limited rights?




I don't know. What do you suggest? I'm very interested in this part. Thanks.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

If they don't make a decal I would jump overboard.

It's a boat!

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

What do you mean, Wade?

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

They will probably print a decal and apply that to the boat I think it is the most practical method. That's all!

If you are interested in learning the various possibilities I have no reason to through a monkey wrench into this thread. I just thought you had a simple question that deserved a simple answer.

The decal is made by printing your logo backwards on a clear vinyl material and laminated to the surface of the boat.

They could silkscreen it as well. But I don't see many choices here.

Also no one was responding to your question and I usually don't respond as the first poster unless no one else responds as in this case and I gave you a simple straight forward answer. A PDF you can send to just about anyone and they will be able to do something with it. On the other hand that might not be the case with AI files and there are always problems when e-mailing such files in that they are best to Stuff or ZIO and then if it is cross platform the type could present a problem, they where being very glib about what they were telling you and I was trying to spare you a little grief.

PDF is the safest easiest way and if the client wanted a specific format they would have requested it. I would send it as a PDF if there is a problem then the client would get back to either himself or the sign company or the boat builder.

See how some of these guys can take a simple answer and make it into mountain!

You are certainly free to do as you see fit. I hope you find the confusion enjoyable
and trust me it will be confusing!

[Ann_Shelbourne@adobeforums.com]

I don't find anything confusing in the point which almost everyone has made here:

TALK to your client and get clear and detailed instructions on how they will use the artwork and EXACTLY what they want you to provide. (Size, file format, etc.).

And agree terms, and get a signed contract, before you do anything.

[nilk_narf@adobeforums.com]

A contract? Do I write up the contract? What do I put? He didn't say anything about size or file format. Please post a sample contract for me to go by. Thanks.

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

Well if you didn't get an agreement and all the necessary business requirements then
it would be to your advantage that Linda and Ann and the others assist you.

Under these circumstances you need more help than I was aware of it.

I think there was link that Ann posted earlier to Linda's tutorial in your case you should visit that link.

In a contract you should state the scope of your responsibility, any claim to copyright you will reserve, all rights, partial rights or complete transfer to the client, the cost of the project as outlined, an outline line of the project, how much of an advance you require 1/3 or 1/2 something like that and you might want to state at what point you expect final payment, that is on final approval, on delivery of files or art.

Actual example of a standard type contract that is more likely that Linda or Ann would have something like that.