Design Tips and Tricks

The Pantone Matching System® (aka PMS) is the world standard for communicating color.

Pepsi® for example has PMS 185 C Red in its logo.  Since the Pantone Matching System is adopted globally it will be the same shade of red anywhere in the world which is essential to keep brands consistent across the world.

 

The simplest way is by using the Pantone® Color book.  The printer holds us the printed material up next to the target color chip in the PMS book and compares the two.  If the printed color does not match the specified color chip in the PMS book (within tolerance) the ink is rejected. 


No worries, most of our customers don't.  We use Adobe Illustrator to match the colors in your artwork.

We will list these colors in the proof for your approval.  If there is a specific color you need us to match but don't have the Pantone® color number please inform us so we can help you select the appropriate color.

We will list all colors to be printed in the proof for your approval.

See this video which explains what vector artwork is.



A proof is a template, mockup, layout or illustration of how your printed cups will look.

It has all the job details and we use it as a guide when printing your cups or bags.

We email you the proof so you can approve it or request a revision.

Nothing will be printed without your written approval via email.

The proof contains the following details:

  • The item that is to be printed.  For example 24oz clear plastic cups.
  • The placement and size of the artwork on the cup.
  • Specific colors that will be used to print your cups.

This is what it looks like.


Artwork


Approval Process

The first step in getting cups printed with us is to send us your logo. We will then optimize it for printability if necessary, and nothing will be printed without your approval. When sending your logo, please let us know if there are any specific Pantone® colors that need to be matched. If you are unsure of your logo's PMS colors, don't worry, as many of our customers are in the same situation. We can assist in determining the PMS colors in your logo and will include the ink colors we plan to use on the proof.


Artwork Submission

In order to print on cups, we require vector artwork. This file is typically provided by a graphic designer and is usually in the form of an EPS, AI (Adobe Illustrator) or PDF file. If you are unable to locate the vector artwork, you can send us any raster image you have in the form of JPG or PNG. However, if your logo is complex, there may be an additional charge for vectorizing it. In such cases, we will provide you with a quote before proceeding with the task.


Design Services


We offer two types of designs:

1-Simple Layout

Laying out the logo, adding any slogans, social media handles and what ever elements you provide or which we can easily source online.  Your US Cups sales rep will revise the design to your satisfaction.  This design service is complementary.

2-Unique design from scratch.

 If you are looking for something from scratch we can help you without breaking the bank.  We take inspiration from your social media pages, website, photos on Google maps and Yelp.  We figure out what you are trying to achieve be it a modern look, or a limited run holiday design, the possibilities are endless.  

Below is an example of a hand drawn custom print that we designed in-house.  Our artist drew each element with a Wacom according to our client's requirements.

Printing Capabilities


Artwork

Artwork


Approval Process

The first step in getting cups printed with us is to send us your logo. We will then optimize it for printability if necessary, and nothing will be printed without your approval. When sending your logo, please let us know if there are any specific Pantone® colors that need to be matched. If you are unsure of your logo's PMS colors, don't worry, as many of our customers are in the same situation. We can assist in determining the PMS colors in your logo and will include the ink colors we plan to use on the proof.


Artwork Submission

In order to print on cups, we require vector artwork. This file is typically provided by a graphic designer and is usually in the form of an EPS, AI (Adobe Illustrator) or PDF file. If you are unable to locate the vector artwork, you can send us any raster image you have in the form of JPG or PNG. However, if your logo is complex, there may be an additional charge for vectorizing it. In such cases, we will provide you with a quote before proceeding with the task.


Design Services


We offer two types of designs:

1-Simple Layout

Laying out the logo, adding any slogans, social media handles and what ever elements you provide or which we can easily source online.  Your US Cups sales rep will revise the design to your satisfaction.  This design service is complementary.

2-Unique design from scratch.

 If you are looking for something from scratch we can help you without breaking the bank.  We take inspiration from your social media pages, website, photos on Google maps and Yelp.  We figure out what you are trying to achieve be it a modern look, or a limited run holiday design, the possibilities are endless.  

Below is an example of a hand drawn custom print that we designed in-house.  Our artist drew each element with a Wacom according to our client's requirements.




Printing Capabilities


Paper Cups Plastic Cups Paper Bags
Printing method Flexo Printing Dry Offset Printing Flexo Printing
Max number of colors 4 Colors 4 Colors 2 Colors
Wrap Around Design Yes Yes* No
Front and back Print Yes Yes Yes
Flood ink background Yes No No
CMYK Printing No No No
Spot Color Printing Yes Yes Yes

* Full wrap around designs on clear cups will have a gap where the beginning and the end of the wrap design meet (the gap is smaller than 1/4"). 

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