For the past 5 years we’ve created branding and promotional materials for the Half Madness 13.1 race. This Chicago-area half marathon is organized by the Multisport Madness Triathlon Club. The “Mad to the Bone” theme we developed projects the energetic and fun atmosphere of the race. Here’s a sneak peek at the postcards we developed to help promote this year’s race. (You can check out all of the promotional materials in our portfolio.) If you’re going to be in the Chicago area on August 26, 2012, you should definitely check out this race!

What is this vector thing my design studio is requesting, you wonder? And are they even speaking English? You’ve sent them a JPG of your logo file (which by the way, is the only one you can open), only to find out it’s not the right format. What is a vector file, why do they need it, and how do you get one? Let’s get to the bottom of this…

What is a vector-based graphic?
Professional logos are designed in vector-based graphic programs, such as Adobe Illustrator. Vector graphics are comprised of points and paths (which are based on mathematical formulas) that represent the image on a computer.

What is a pixel-based graphic?
Pixel-based graphics (often called raster or bitmap) are comprised of individual bits, or pixels, that when combined, make up the entire image. Adobe Photoshop is a pixel-based program that is used for photo or graphic manipulation.

What’s the benefit of having a vector-based logo?
Vector-based images can be scaled by any amount (large or small) without degrading the quality of the image. This is essential with a logo design since it will be used in a vast number of formats at a variety of sizes. You want the large logo on your tradeshow signage to print just as clear and sharp as the small logo on your business card.

Pixel-based images, on the other hand, do not enlarge well. Enlarging a pixel-based logo or image from its original size will result in degraded quality (i.e. a blurry logo or image). Logos for website use are saved as pixel-based images. So, if you copy your logo off your website, it is a low resolution file and it will print blurry in a high-resolution print format.

How do you know which file is the vector file?
A vector logo saved out of Illustrator will most likely have the extension .eps (Encapsulated Post Script) or .ai (Adobe Illustrator). Unless you have the Adobe Illustrator software you won’t be able to open this file. It can be scary to forward along a file without viewing it first, but relax, it’s OK. This is the file that your design professional or print vendor needs to ensure the best print quality for your projects.

Pixel-based images saved out of Photoshop will most likely be saved as a .jpg, .tif, .gif, .png, or .psd file.

It’s important to note that saving a pixel-based logo from Photoshop as an eps file does not produce a vector file. The logo has to be created as vector-based file in a vector-based program to begin with.

To sum it up
A vector logo will be the most universally useful to you, your printers, and other vendors. When you’re working with a logo designer, make sure your logo is being created in a vector format and make sure you request the final vector files.

When we complete a logo design for a client, we provide a library of final logo files. It includes the vector (eps) logo files in all necessary color formats, as well as pixel-based logo files (jpg and gif) for use on websites and in Word or PowerPoint documents.

Does your logo file library include a vector file?

It’s not often that you get the opportunity to see multiple client projects live in one location. Last week I attended the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, where the marketing materials I designed for Verallia were in use at the tradeshow. It was exciting to see the materials together as a unified campaign as you worked your way through the event:

01) As you rode the escalator up to registration, you couldn’t miss Verallia’s huge 18 ft. x 19 ft. banner. The banner mentioned their distributor’s booth number where you could view Verallia’s wine bottles.
02) At registration, you were handed a Program & Exhibit Directory. Verallia’s ad was prominently displayed next to the Table of Contents.
03) While walking around the Exhibit Hall, it was a thrill to see attendees carrying the Verallia shopping bag. It was fun to push the creative envelope with this project…developing a unique way to integrate the glass wine bottle into the bag’s diecut handle.
04) Verallia’s wine bottle catalog was handed out at their distributor’s booth along with a 2012 desktop calendar.

It was a true pleasure collaborating with the client to develop the strategy and ideas behind this campaign. And it was a real treat to have the opportunity to see it all come together at the event!

Big thanks to the partners that I worked with to bring these projects to life: Tim Gleason Photography (wine bottle photography) and Precision Litho (catalog and calendar printing).

Mesa Rim Climbing & Fitness Center is one of the largest (and tallest) climbing gyms in the country. Their space oozes with activity, health, and adventure, so we were thrilled to have the opportunity help them with an Open House invitation. How could we resist? Their goal with the Open House event was to build awareness of Mesa Rim within the surrounding business community. They wanted a unique, interactive direct mail invitation that would give a sense of what you experience when you walk in their door. Our solution? A short z-fold format that when expanded, shows off one of their largest climbing walls. The invite was mailed in a translucent envelope, so it was sure to get noticed. The Open House event took place this week, and it was a success. If you’re in the San Diego area, Mesa Rim is definitely worth checking out!

We’re full swing into 2012, and I thought I’d share what’s been sitting on my desk since January 1st. Fuston Creative designed this desktop calendar for Verallia, a leader in the glass packaging industry. The calendar was a gift to partners and customers and showcases Verallia’s broad line of glass bottles and jars. The back of the cover card features a QR code that can be scanned to view Verallia’s bottle catalog on a smart phone. The high-quality photography featured on each card really shows off the variety in product shapes and colors…and gives you a beautiful photo to enjoy all month!

Happy Holidays from Fuston Creative!

Fuston Creative recently participated in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC), a fundraising event for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). It’s been coined “the best day in triathlon”, and we have to agree. It’s a day full of inspiration. CAF is an amazing organization that provides adaptive sports equipment to individuals with physical challenges so they can live full and active lifestyles. The event raised more than $1.2 million for CAF, and will make a difference in the lives of over 1,000 challenged athletes.

Fuston Creative was honored to have the opportunity to design a t-shirt for the event. It was exciting to see participants (like Ironman Champion, Chrissie Wellington) wearing the shirt on race day.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts!

Click here to view CAF’s video recap of the event.

Thanks for following Fuston Creative!