Foil Stamping Print Design Submission Guide

PICKBOY CUSTOM MADE GUITAR PICKS

Foil stamping print
Design Submission Guide

To beautifully finish your logo or name with gold, silver, or other foil stamping, we will guide you step-by step through the process of creating designs suitable for foil stamping, how to create black-and-white data, and how to save and submit your files.

箔押しプリントの正しいデータ例と使用できないデータ例
Introduction: Understanding Foil Stamping

What is foil stamping?

Foil stamping is a printing method that uses heat and pressure to transfer gold, silver, or other foils onto a pick to create logos, names, letters, symbols, and other designs. The shine changes depending on how the light hits it and the viewing angle, creating a unique presence and sense of luxury that differs from regular color printing.

Because the design does not completely cover the pick itself,The body color and material texture can be incorporated as part of the design.This is one of the unique charms of foil stamping. The simpler the design with limited information, the more strongly the logo or name will leave a lasting impression.

Foil stamping is recommended.

  • I want the logo and name to be the main focus.
  • I want to use the shine of gold, silver, etc.
  • I want to create a commemorative item with a luxurious feel.
  • I want to make the most of the original color and material.
  • I want to finish it in a way that makes it look like a signature model.

Full color is recommended.

  • I want to use the photo as is.
  • I want to create multi-colored illustrations.
  • I want to use a gradient.
  • I want to design the entire surface of the pick.
  • I want to make the colors and the worldview of the artwork the main focus.

Foil stamping is ideal if the logo, name, and foil shine are the main focus; full color is best if the world of the photograph, colors, and illustrations are the main focus.
For detailed differences,How to compare and choose between full-color and foil stamping.But you can also check it.

01 First, please check the following:

The data for foil stamping will be created in black only.

In foil stamping, dataThe black parts will become foil.Yes. We create a foil stamping plate based on a black image, and then use that plate to transfer the foil. Therefore, please provide a design that is clearly black and white, rather than a photograph or variations in color.

The black color in the data does not represent the actual foil color.Based on a design created in black ink, we will apply the foil color selected at the time of order.

Available data

  • Data created in black only
  • Logos, text, simple illustrations
  • Design with clear lines and fills
  • A clear motif without a background.

Data that cannot be used as is

  • Photographs and color images
  • Gradient and translucent
  • A drawing created with pencil tones and shading.
  • Lines that are too fine or letters that are too small
  • Design expressed through blurring and shading.

Instead of a color image that closely resembles the final product,Design data showing the areas to be foil-covered in black.Please prepare the following.

02 Items to submit

Design data and positioning data

To accurately confirm the intended position and size, please prepare the following two items:

Design data

This is the data containing only the logo, text, and image to be foil-stamped. It is saved in black only, without any guide lines.

Location-specified data

This image shows a design overlaid on a pick-shaped guide, allowing you to check its position, size, and orientation.

While the layout may be clear from the design data alone, sending position specification data along with it allows for a more accurate sharing of your desired final result.

03 Data Creation

Size, format, and points to note when creating

Recommended size

Please provide image data that is at least 1000 x 1000 pixels in size. Enlarging small images may cause the outlines to become blurry.

Supported formats

We support AI (outlined), PDF, PSD, PNG, JPG, and other formats. Please provide images that are as clear as possible.

Lines and letters

Make sure the lines aren't too thin and the letters are large enough. If you fill in the small gaps too tightly, it may not reproduce clearly.

Please do not add a background color; only place the image you want to foil stamp.For complex patterns or intricate details, we may need to discuss adjustments during the data review process.

04 Created on a smartphone

Creating foil stamping data with ibisPaint X

Even if you don't have Illustrator, you can use the free app "ibisPaint X" to create a design data in black and white and specify the position of elements.

ibisPaint X アプリアイコン

Detailed explanation using actual app screenshots

You can check each step in order, from setting up the canvas and placing guide images to entering text and saving as a transparent PNG.

See detailed instructions on how to create artwork using ibisPaint X.
05 Confirmation before sending

Pre-submission check

  • The area to be foil-stamped is a single color of black.
  • Does not include photographs, colors, grayscale, or gradients.
  • Image data is created with a minimum resolution of 1000 x 1000 pixels.
  • The letters and lines are not too thin, but have sufficient thickness.
  • It only includes the necessary images, not the background.
  • There is position specification data that shows the position, size, and orientation of the design.
  • I opened the saved file and confirmed that there were no missing parts or unintended backgrounds.
06 Send data

How to submit design data

Cloud storage

Please upload the file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another service, and enter the downloadable URL in the comments section when placing your order. If sending by email, please also include your name and order number.

email

Please attach the design data.pickboy@pickboy.jpPlease send it to [email address]. Please also include your name and order number used when placing your order.

mail

Submitted materials, such as handwritten manuscripts, sent by mail will not be returned regardless of whether or not production is approved. Please send copies only; do not send the originals.

158-0096
2-13-3-2F Tamagawadai, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
To: Nakano Co., Ltd., PICKBOY Custom-Made Pick Department
TEL: 03-6826-1422

If you wish to use logos or characters that are protected by copyright, trademark, or other rights, you must obtain permission from the rights holder in advance.

Regarding designs we cannot produce:
We reserve the right to refuse production and cancel orders for picks that resemble existing products or designs used by artists, or designs that may infringe on the rights of third parties.

07 It can be created even without digital data.

Submission of handwritten manuscripts

We can create designs from hand-drawn illustrations and text. Simply draw clearly in black on white paper and take a picture or scan it with your smartphone.

手描き原稿の例
1. Prepare the manuscript.
手描き原稿を白黒化した例
2. Make it clear which is right and which is wrong.
手描き原稿から作った版下
3. Create the layout.
手描きデザインを箔押しした完成品
4. The pick is complete.

A format for handwritten submissions is also available.
Open the handwritten submission format (PDF).

08 Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order quantity is 50 pieces.
Is it okay if I send photos or color images?
While this can be used as a reference image, it needs to be adjusted to a single-color black plate for foil stamping. Subtle variations in shade and color cannot be reproduced.
Why are foil stamping designs created in black only?
The black areas in the data are used as the areas to be foil-covered. Instead of printing black itself, the foil color you selected when ordering will be used for the finish.
Can I create it even if I don't have Illustrator?
Yes. You can create it using the free app ibisPaint X, or even from a hand-drawn manuscript on white paper. Please use the creation method and hand-drawn submission format on this page.
Should I choose foil stamping or full color?
Foil stamping is recommended if you want your logo, name, or a shimmering effect (such as gold or silver) to be the main focus. For photos, multi-color illustrations, or gradients, please choose full color.
Can I check the design after placing my order?
We will have you review the final design (print-ready artwork) before production begins, and we will start production once the design is finalized.
What is the delivery time?
After the design is finalized, it usually takes about 3-4 weeks for the item to be shipped.
Order a custom foil-stamped guitar pick.