Digitizing for promotional products: one logo, many versions
A single client order can put the same logo on an embroidered polo, a screen printed tote, a laser engraved tumbler, a pad printed pen and a DTF transfer on a hat. Every one of those methods wants the artwork in a different form. The embroiderer wants a stitch file, or a clean image to digitize from. The screen printer wants vector art or separations. The engraver wants a single-color vector. The DTF supplier wants a high-resolution file with a transparent background.
Clients rarely have any of that. They send a logo from their email signature, a screenshot from their website or a file their old designer made years ago. So the distributor ends up chasing art, paying supplier art fees on every line of the order, or waiting days for a supplier's art department to turn around a redraw before the quote can even go out. Our digitizing for promotional products work exists to fix that part of the job.
Logo art services for promo distributors
The simplest way to work with us is to build a complete file set once per client logo, then send the right file to each supplier as orders come in.
| Decoration method | What the supplier needs | Our service |
|---|---|---|
| Embroidery (apparel, caps, bags) | Stitch file sized for the placement | Embroidery digitizing, from $14 |
| Screen print | Vector art or color separations | Vector redraw from $12, separations from $25 |
| Laser engraving, pad print, deboss | Clean one-color vector | Vector redraw, with a one-color version on request |
| DTF and DTG transfers | High-resolution file at print size, transparent background | Print-ready file, $15 |
| Patches | Stitch file with a border, or vector art for woven and PVC | Patch digitizing, border $5 |
Vector redraws are $12, $22 or $38 depending on complexity. Once a clean vector exists, many suppliers can use it directly, which often saves their art fees. For stitch work, the logo digitizing page explains how we handle small text, gradients and brand colors in thread.
Order the vector redraw first when a client logo arrives as a low-quality image. It becomes the master file: we can digitize from it, separate it and print from it, and you have a clean copy to send to any supplier.
Fast enough for quoting
Promo sales move on speed. A buyer who asks for a quote on Monday may have chosen another distributor by Wednesday. Our standard turnaround is 24 hours from when you place the order. When a quote or a sample is urgent, rush is 12 hours for $5 more and express is 6 hours for $10 more.
Because the price appears in the order form before you submit, you can build the art cost into your quote straight away instead of waiting for a supplier to tell you what their redraw will cost.
Virtual proofs and client approvals
For embroidery, every order comes with a stitch simulation proof: an image showing how the design will look in thread, plus a PDF worksheet with the stitch count, finished size and color sequence. We do not place logos on product mockups. Many distributors take our stitch simulation image into their own virtual proof or mockup tool, so the client sees realistic stitching on the product rather than a flat logo. That tends to cut down on surprises when the goods arrive, because the client has already seen how small text and fine lines look at the real size.
Revisions are unlimited until you approve. If the client wants the tagline removed or the colors changed after seeing the proof, send the change through the order messages. Nothing is charged until you approve.
Stitch counts on the worksheet help with pricing too. Many contract embroiderers price by stitch count, so you can check a run cost before you finalize the quote. The free stitch estimator gives a rough count before you even order.
Your client logo library
Promo is repeat business. The same client orders again for the next trade show, the holiday gift program or new-hire kits. Every file you order stays in your dashboard, and the saved logo library keeps each client's versions together: the stitch file at left-chest size, the cap version, the vector master and the one-color version for engraving. When the client comes back, you download what you need or order a new size from the existing file. Resizing by more than about 20% is a new size ($6), because density and underlay have to change with the size.
White-label by default
Files carry no StitchQuill branding, and we never contact your clients or your suppliers. You send the files and proofs out as part of your own service. Distributors who order often can buy credit packs with bonus credit that never expires, and weekly invoicing is available on request for regular accounts.
Have a client logo sitting in your inbox? Your first design is free up to $24, and you see the proof before anything is charged. Start with one logo
A quick checklist for promo artwork
- Get the largest, clearest version of the logo the client has, even if it is a photo.
- List every product and decoration method on the order, so we know which versions to build.
- Note the imprint or embroidery size for each product. A left-chest logo is usually around 3 to 4 in wide, and a structured cap front is usually no more than about 2.25 in tall.
- Ask for Pantone references or brand thread colors if the client has them.
- Check that the client has the right to use the artwork, especially for licensed characters or event logos.
Our guide to left chest logo size helps when a client is unsure how big the logo should be.