Art Considerations:
This effect relies upon parallax; the ability to see slightly around an object.
Because of this, extra image is needed all the way around the image to make
up for variances in trimming. We require an additional 1/4" top and bottom
and 1" left and right beyond the final trim size. The best case is to send
us the file uncropped. Layered files are required. Our use of the term layered
goes beyond simply placing images etc on different layers. We require that the
overlapping areas be removed and the element behind it is filled in. For example,
if in a picture of me, my arm was in front of a tree trunk, the arm would have
to be removed digitally and the part of the tree covered by my arm rebuilt and
my arm replaced. If we receive a flattened file or improperly layered file,
we can still complete the work. It will; however, take more time and increase
the cost of the pre-press.
Art Considerations:
Once again we require the elements that we will be flipping to and from. Usually,
we do not recommend more than a 2 image flip. Depending on the size of the image,
flipping between 3 elements or sets of elements minimizes the number of frames
we can apply to each flip thereby weakening the overall effectiveness of the
presentation.
Art Considerations:
In morphing, it is important to have elements that have a similar shape and
color density. This minimizes “ghosting” of one image while the other
image is all you should be seeing. To create a morph, we require both the before
and after art elements included in the morph.
Art Considerations:
This effect shows a progressive movement from the background to the foreground.
We require that the element be provided in its largest size. Our software can
decrease and incrementally increase the size and perspective to finish the effect.
Art Considerations:
We can work with either video or sequenced still image source material. It is
a common belief that our medium can capture X number of seconds of animation,
we are in reality not capturing a measure of time. What we really do is to recreate
the essence of motion by selection of video frames or the positioning of still
images to capture the desired effect. The amount of motion captured is determined
by the action or movement of the elements contained in the supplied medium.
Motion is by far the most complex subject medium we work with. There are different video formats in Europe (PAL) and North America (NTSC). In either format, we prefer to receive and work with digital betacam to ensure the highest possible quality. Betacam SP is also acceptable, but the quality difference is readily noticeable. More than any other medium, this is an area of source material that really reflects the garbage in, garbage out axiom. Video quality is determined by the format the footage was originally captured on (i.e. the quality of the equipment used to tape the sequence). The photographic or technical elements ultimately determine the amount of motion that can be shown.
When designing your artwork here are
some design and file considerations:
A range of graphical effects can be created that are not mutually exclusive.
For example, you can have a 3D piece with elements that flip, morph, zoom and/or
have motion. Our Lenticular Solutions system is very flexible and capable of
customizing the graphical information we receive to create; in lenticular, what
a designer envisions. At its highest levels, interlacing and mastering is a
mix of art, animation, and print to meet an expressed design idea that in turn
meets a planned marketing objective.
We strongly urge companies to involve their designers with our design staff prior to starting the art phase to maximize the use of our medium.
Additional Notes:
This was mentioned in the 3D section, but really applies to all files we
receive. Layered files are required. Our use of the term layered goes beyond
simply placing images etc on different layers. We require that the overlapping
areas be removed and the element behind it is filled in. For example, if in
a picture of me, my arm was in front of a tree trunk, the arm would have to
be removed digitally and the part of the tree covered by my arm rebuilt and
my arm replaced. If we receive a flattened file or improperly layered file,
we can still complete the work. It will; however, take more time and increase
the cost of the pre-press.
Backgrounds. Textured or colored backgrounds provide reference (especially 3D presentations) and can be a deterrent for ghosting issues found in flip, morph and motion presentations. White backgrounds; for example, offer the least amount of reference or camouflage for minimizing ghosting.
Type. We can add extra depth to an image by substituting flat type for type that appears to have a bevel or extruded look. White type is best when pushed back or forward in a scene and can be improved by adding a fine hairline rule around it. This can prevent possible misalignment of colors and subsequent “color leaks”. As you may or may not know, this occurs in standard litho printing as well. It is a phenomena that is especially noticeable because of the magnification of the lenticular lens. Another production note with respect to type would be adding a hairline border to trap color around the white areas of type or logos. Alternating white and black type in a flip sequence will promote ghosting.
Trimming.
It is important that any image or type be kept a minimum of .02" of an
inch from the trim edge.
Files.
We prefer that electronic files be prepared in either Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop
with the following considerations:
300 pixels per inch at 100% of the final size (plus bleed for 3D)
Apple compatible preferred
If a file is in CYMK, leave it in CYMK and send it to us.
If a file is in RGB, leave it in RGB and send it to us.
If a file is new, we prefer it in CYMK
Text or Type.
Provide it in Adobe Illustrator unless text line work and logos are on layers
and built into Photoshop files.
Transparencies (we scan)
Send positive transparency
Better sharpness will yield greater depth and motion
Reflective Art
25" x 25" maximum (63.5mm x 63.5mm)
We will wrap the artwork around a scanner drum, so it must be flexible
3D Program Files
Prefer Strata StudioPro 2.5.3
Rendered files saved as RGB tiff at 300 pixels per inch
Rendered files saved as DFX files
Media
Prefer that information be burned to a CD with MAC compatible files. If a file
is under 1 MB, it can be e-mailed to us as an attachment.