Promotional sunglasses artwork requirements

What should an artwork package contain?

Print-ready promotional sunglasses artwork must do more than display the correct logo. It should define the usable file, final logo size, placement, color reference, orientation and approval version clearly enough that the supplier can reproduce the design on a curved, narrow product surface.

Most artwork delays come from missing production information rather than poor design. A logo may arrive as a small JPEG, a Pantone color may be unspecified, or the proof may not show whether branding appears on one temple or both. A controlled artwork package prevents those questions from becoming production delays.

A complete handoff normally includes:

If the project uses several logos, product colors or campaign versions, add a simple matrix that maps each artwork version to the correct SKU and quantity.

• an editable vector logo file;
• a PDF reference that shows the intended appearance;
• the logo color or Pantone reference;
• the required placement and orientation;
• the intended logo width or maximum available area;
• one-side or two-side branding instructions;
• the selected product code or approved product image;
• packaging artwork, if applicable;
• the name of the person authorized to approve the proof.

Use vector files for logos and line artwork

Vector artwork is built from paths rather than pixels. It can be resized without becoming blurry and allows the supplier to separate colors or prepare production files.

Common usable formats include:

Convert fonts to outlines or include the required font files. Embed linked elements, expand special effects where appropriate and remove hidden layers that are not part of the final design. If a PDF contains only a placed raster image, it is not automatically a true vector file.

Raster files such as PNG, TIFF or high-quality JPEG can still be useful for photographs, textures or visual references. They should be supplied at the final production size with enough resolution for the selected process. Do not enlarge a small website image and treat it as print-ready artwork.

A practical file check. Before sending the file, zoom in closely. Smooth edges and editable anchor points usually indicate vector artwork. Visible pixels at high zoom indicate a raster image. The supplier should still perform a preflight check because some effects, masks or transparencies may need adjustment for the selected process.

• AI;
• EPS;
• SVG;
• editable PDF.

Simplify artwork for a small curved surface

A sunglasses temple is not a poster. Fine details that look clear on a monitor may merge, fill in or disappear when reduced and applied to a narrow, curved surface.

Review:

There is no universal minimum line width or minimum text size for every pair of sunglasses. The workable limit depends on the product surface, decoration method, ink or transfer system, color count and viewing distance. Ask the supplier to confirm the limit on the exact product before finalizing the artwork.

When simplification is needed, keep the recognizable brand shape and remove details that do not survive at production size. A simplified campaign mark is usually more effective than a technically faithful logo that cannot print cleanly.

• very thin lines;
• small gaps inside letters or symbols;
• tiny registered marks or taglines;
• complex gradients and shadows;
• closely spaced colors;
• distressed textures;
• low-contrast combinations.

Define logo size, placement and orientation

The artwork file alone does not tell the supplier where the logo belongs. The proof should show:

Use the supplier's product template or a dimensioned product image when available. If no template exists, request the printable area for the selected model and ask the supplier to place the logo within that area before issuing the proof.

Why printable area varies. Usable area changes with temple curvature, taper, hinge location, surface texture, molded details and decoration equipment. The largest visible flat area is not always the safest production area. A logo positioned too close to an edge, hinge or bend can distort or lose adhesion.

For more context on placement and decoration options, see DOMI's sunglasses logo printing guide and custom logo sunglasses overview.

• left temple, right temple or both temples;
• outside or inside surface;
• distance from the hinge or temple tip;
• logo width and height;
• reading direction when the sunglasses are worn;
• whether both sides use the same artwork or mirrored artwork;
• any lens or packaging branding.

Specify color with the right reference

Screens display RGB color, while printing, transfer films, molded plastics and coatings use physical color systems. A screen preview therefore cannot guarantee a physical match.

Use a Pantone reference when a specific spot color is required. Also state whether the color target applies to:

If exact matching is critical, approve a physical color sample under consistent lighting. Define an acceptable range rather than assuming that different materials and finishes will look identical. A matte plastic, glossy plastic, metal badge and fabric pouch can reflect the same nominal color differently.

For multi-color graphics, provide the production artwork and a visual reference. Ask whether the selected process reproduces gradients, transparency and small color registration reliably on the chosen surface.

• the frame;
• the temple;
• the printed logo;
• the lens decoration;
• the pouch, case, box, label or hangtag.

Match the artwork to the decoration method

The artwork should be prepared for the method that will actually be used. Method selection belongs to the product-and-artwork feasibility review, not to the designer alone.

At DOMI, a simple single-color logo generally points toward screen printing. A large-area graphic or a design covering much of the sunglasses more often points toward heat transfer, which normally costs more. Pad printing, laser engraving and metal logos may also be considered. The final choice depends on the artwork, coverage, product structure, quantity and budget.

This article focuses on the handoff requirements. For a fuller comparison of methods, durability considerations and suitable placements, use the logo printing methods guide.

Method-related questions to answer before proofing. Do not add fixed tolerances to the artwork package until the supplier has confirmed them for the selected product and process.

• How many solid colors are in the logo?
• Does the design include gradients, photographs or transparency?
• Is the surface flat, tapered, curved or textured?
• Is the logo intended to be subtle or highly visible?
• Does the design cross an edge, joint or molded feature?
• Will the buyer require a physical adhesion or wear check?

Prepare packaging artwork as a separate controlled file

Packaging may involve different dimensions, color systems and suppliers from the sunglasses decoration. Keep pouch, case, box, sticker, insert card and hangtag files separate and name them clearly.

Each packaging file should state:

Do not assume that a logo approved for a temple is automatically approved for a box or pouch. Each production surface needs its own proof.

• finished size and dieline version;
• bleed and safe area where applicable;
• material and finish reference;
• print colors;
• front, back and side orientation;
• barcode or SKU data;
• required legal or buyer-specific text;
• the corresponding sunglasses SKU.

Use a disciplined naming and version system

Ambiguous filenames create avoidable risk. Avoid names such as final.ai, final2.ai or latest-approved.pdf.

A useful pattern is: Campaign_Product_Color_ArtworkVersion_Date.

For example: SummerRun_DMstyle_Black_Logo-V03_Approved.

The exact pattern can vary, but the team should maintain one approved version and archive superseded files. If a change is made after approval, issue a new version and obtain a new written approval.

Review the digital proof line by line

A digital proof is an approval document, not a decorative mockup. It should identify the product, artwork version and production instructions.

Check:

One person should consolidate feedback and provide the final approval. Statements such as “looks good” are weaker than a written approval that names the proof version.

• correct logo and spelling;
• correct product and color;
• exact logo width and position;
• correct left/right side and reading direction;
• correct color reference;
• one-side or two-side application;
• decoration method;
• packaging artwork version;
• quantity allocation by version;
• notes or limitations recorded by the supplier.

Know when a physical sample is necessary

A digital proof confirms layout, but it cannot fully show physical color, print edge quality, adhesion, surface distortion or the feel of the product.

A physical sample is especially useful when:

Record the approved sample with photos and a written sample reference. Bulk production should follow the approved artwork version and sample rather than a later email screenshot.

• the product or process is new;
• brand color is critical;
• the logo is close to the confirmed production limit;
• the artwork covers a large area;
• several colors must align;
• the order is high value or tied to a fixed event;
• packaging presentation is important.

Production handoff checklist

Before production, verify that the supplier has:

If one of these items changes, update the handoff rather than relying on an informal message.

• editable vector files and visual PDFs;
• outlined fonts or supplied font files;
• Pantone or other approved color references;
• product code, color and quantity by artwork version;
• placement, dimensions, side and orientation;
• confirmed decoration method;
• packaging and label files;
• target-market text or document requirements;
• the approved digital proof version;
• the approved physical sample reference, when used;
• final approval from the authorized reviewer.

Common artwork problems and fixes

Only a small JPEG is available. Ask the brand team or designer for the original vector source. If it cannot be located, the logo may need to be recreated and approved before production.

The logo is too detailed at the available size. Create a simplified small-format mark. Remove tiny copy, narrow gaps and effects that do not survive production size.

The Pantone color is missing. Do not sample a color from a screenshot. Ask the brand owner for the official reference or obtain written approval for a supplier-proposed match.

Several people send conflicting revisions. Appoint one artwork owner, maintain a single revision log and approve one named proof version.

The proof does not show the actual placement. Request a dimensioned proof on the selected product. Do not approve a floating logo on a blank page.

Final rule for artwork approval

Approve a production instruction, not just an attractive picture. The final file package should tell the supplier exactly what to produce, where to place it, which color reference to follow and which version is authorized.

DOMI can review the product reference and artwork package before sampling through the project inquiry form.