Technical Specifications
- Magic Media supports all software below for IBM computers:
- Corel Draw 12.0
- Photo Paint 12.0
- Adobe Illustrator CS
- Adobe Photoshop CS
- If you use a program that is not listed above, we can accept the following formats, in order of preference:
- eps
- ai (Adobe Illustrator)
- jpeg
- tiff
- When sending vector-based files, always convert text to outlines.
- Magic Media vinyls are printed in 4-color process. Please list all PMS colors when sending your artwork.
- All bitmap graphics should be in CMYK and at least 600 dpi.
- Make sure that if you are scanning a picture or logo to email to us, it is scanned at a high resolution. The minimum resolution for good quality images is 300 pixels/inch, whether you are sending a billboard, picture, logo, etc.
- When using a digital camera:
- Use the highest resolution available
- Make sure there is adequate lighting
- Get as close to the object as possible
- Media types accepted in Mac and IBM:
- 3.5" floppy disk
- CD-ROM
- DVD
- Send a printed copy of the artwork.
- Please include the customer and sales representative's name on all material, including email.
- We do not support Quark Express files. If this file is received, it will be returned.
- Please do not send color separations, slides or color transparencies.
- Please do not send Polaroids, blurry or dark photos.
Design Tips
When designing an outdoor ad, there are three things you should keep in mind: simplicity, boldness and color.
Simplicity
The most effective outdoor designs are those that are simple and to the point. Keep in mind, the outdoor audience is mobile and has limited exposure to the message. Use short and simple words so the audience can grasp the message fast and easy. There should be no more than 10 words overall and less than five words in a headline. When designing an outdoor message, less is more.
Boldness
Logos and brand names should be large and bold. This will ensure strong brand identification. Keep photos and graphics simple with key focal points.
Use large and legible typefaces and choose fonts that are easy to read from a long distance. A one foot letter height is unreadable but two foot is acceptable. Therefore, the larger the font the better.
Color
Choose colors with high contrast in both hue and value. Contrasting colors are viewed well from great distances while colors with low contrast will blend together and obscure a message. Opposite colors on the color wheel work best since they have good contrast in both hue and value.
When creating a design for a digital display, avoid using a white background. White does not carry the same vibrancy as other colors in this situation. Again, high contrast colors, bold colors are best. The following color combinations work best in digital displays for readability.
