Not new to Qdigitizing – but yet to be introduced to our customers is a woman by the name of Cora Kromer. Cora has been in the field of graphics arts for many years and is one of the most professional and knowledgeable people I have met in all the years I have been working in apparel embellishment. Most important to Qdigitizing, Cora knows how to pass her years of experience and knowledge on to our staff. Cora has been working in the background of Qdigitizing training and advising our art staff current techniques and technologies in regard to art for apparel embellishment. We are proud to have her on our team and we are pleased to introduce her to you now. Cora will be contributing to this blog on a monthly basis as well as adding content to our newsletters. Be sure to check back often for new information.<\/p>\n
For Now \u2013 let me welcome you to Cora\u2019s Corner\u2026<\/p>\n
Welcome To Cora\u2019s Corner, where every month I am going to help you with your artwork issues. Let me introduce myself. I am Cora Kromer, Owner of Awearness Ink. Awearness Ink was established in 1996. We do Graphic Design, Training and Consulting. We have partnered with Qdigitizing to bring better graphics to you.<\/p>\n
Let me give you a little background information. I was introduced to screen printing in a seventh grade class, and have been involved with it ever since. Without telling you how ancient I am. Let\u2019s just say I have been involved for a very long time.<\/p>\n
I started working for big companies in 1988. I have performed every job associated with screen printing and embroidery. It is in my blood. During this time I realized the success of the job started with having good artwork. In 1994, I went back to college and earned a Degree in Computer Graphic Design. This was in the early stages of graphic<\/p>\n
software. You may be familiar with some of these software programs. For example, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Freehand Graphics, Corel Draw, Corel Paint and Painter. Soon after separation software and methods also emerged.<\/p>\n
Back then, most Art Departments were using darkrooms and stat cameras. I soon realized that computers and the right software could make us more creative and productive. I became involved with software companies as a beta tester and<\/p>\n
consultant to help bring better products to our industries.<\/p>\n
Enough about me though, because this is really about helping you help your customers.<\/p>\n
Today, there is even more technology available to help the customer with their artwork needs. With these new technologies big and small companies can be more cost effective, productive and creative.<\/p>\n
However, even with all these tools available to us, it still comes down to a creative idea. First, you must get a clear picture of your customer[s needs. The more information the customer can provide about the job, the easier it will be to provide them with what they want. Some of the factors to consider are; purpose, color(s) of ink, color(s) of shirt, budget and time. Sometimes the customer has artwork. More often than not, but they always have an idea. It becomes your job to produce artwork and separations to complete the job. And sometimes your job includes finding a company like Qdigitizing to help you out. But that is OK, because getting to the finish line is the goal. And sometimes knowing the right path to take is just as important as having the skill, time and resources to do it yourself.<\/p>\n
There are many resources to help you with this task. I will go into more in-depth<\/p>\n
in future newsletters but for now I don\u2019t to want to give up all my secrets on our first date.<\/p>\n
Any good art department will require at a minimum the following resources;<\/p>\n
Computer(s) (good ones!)<\/p>\n
External Hard-drive (to store graphics),<\/p>\n
Thumb drives (to transfer files from one computer to another)<\/p>\n
Graphic Software (producing graphics and separations),<\/p>\n
Word Document software (NOT to be used for graphics, but for instructions)<\/p>\n
Printer(s) (producing films and proofs)<\/p>\n
Clipart (books, CD\u2019s and online),<\/p>\n
Digital camera and scanner<\/p>\n
Artist (in-house, freelance, and\/or graphic\\services)<\/p>\n
Pantone Color Guide,<\/p>\n
Font Collections,<\/p>\n
Internet access.<\/p>\n