Foil Stamping Print Design Submission Guide

PICKBOY CUSTOM MADE GUITAR PICKS

Foil Stamping Print
Design Submission Guide

To beautifully finish logos and names with gold, silver, or other foils, we will guide you step-by-step on designs suitable for foil stamping, how to create black-only 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 Print?

Foil stamping print is a processing method that transfers foils such as gold and silver onto picks using heat and pressure to express logos, names, text, symbols, and more. The shine changes depending on the lighting and viewing angle, creating a presence and luxury feel different from regular color printing.

Because the pick body is not entirely covered with a pattern, it allows the body color and texture to be utilized as part of the design, which is a unique charm of foil stamping. The simpler the design with focused information, the more the logo and name leave a strong impression.

Foil stamping is recommended

  • Want to make the logo or name the main focus
  • Want to use the shine of gold, silver, etc.
  • Want to create a luxurious commemorative item
  • Want to make use of the color and texture of the body
  • Want to finish it like a signature model

Full color is recommended

  • Want to use a photo as is
  • Want to express multicolored illustrations
  • Want to use gradients
  • Want to design the entire pick surface
  • Want to make colors and the world of the work the main focus

If the logo, name, and foil shine are the main focus, choose foil stamping; if the world of photos, colors, and illustrations is the main focus, choose full color.
For detailed differences, you can also check Comparison and Selection of Full Color and Foil Stamping.

01　Please check first

Data for foil stamping should be created in black only.

In foil stamping, the black areas of the data become the foil parts.A foil stamping plate is made based on the black design, and foil is transferred using that plate, so please prepare a design with clear black and white, not with photo or color gradations.

The black color in the data does not represent the actual foil color.The design created in black only will be processed in the foil color selected at the time of order.

Usable data

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

Data that cannot be used as is

  • Photographs and color images
  • Gradients and semi-transparency
  • Drawings with pencil shading and shadows
  • Lines that are too fine or text that is too small
  • Designs expressed with fading or shading

Please prepare design datathat indicates the parts where foilis to be applied in black, rather than a color image close to the finished image.

02　Items to submit

Design data and position specification data

Please prepare the following two types to accurately confirm the intended position and size.

Design data

Data containing only the logo, text, or pattern to be foil stamped. Save in black only, without guide lines.

Position specification data

An image with the design overlaid on the pick-shaped guide, showing the position, size, and orientation for confirmation.

Sometimes the placement is clear from the design data alone, but sending position specification data together allows for more accurate sharing of your desired final result.

03 Data Creation

Size, Format, and Precautions When Creating

Recommended Size

Please prepare image data with a minimum of 1000×1000 pixels. Enlarging small images can cause the edges to become rough.

Supported Formats

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

Lines and Text

Do not make lines too thin, and ensure text is sufficiently large. If fine gaps are too tightly packed, it may not reproduce cleanly.

Do not add background colors; place only the design you want foil stamped.For complex patterns or detailed expressions, we may discuss adjustments during data review.

04 Creating 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 black-only design data and position specification data.

ibisPaint X アプリアイコン

Detailed Explanation with Actual App Screens

You can check step-by-step from canvas settings, placing guide images, entering text, to saving as a transparent background PNG.

See Detailed Creation Method for ibisPaint X
05　Pre-submission Check

Pre-submission Check

  • The parts to be foil stamped are in solid black only
  • Does not include photos, colors, grays, or gradients
  • Image data is created with a guideline of at least 1000×1000 pixels
  • Text and lines are not too thin and have sufficient thickness
  • Only the necessary design is present, not the background
  • Position specification data that shows the design's position, size, and orientation is included
  • Open the saved file and confirm there are no missing parts or unintended backgrounds
06 Sending Data

How to Submit Design Data

Cloud Storage

Please upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, etc., and enter a downloadable URL in the remarks column when ordering. If sending by email, please also include your name and order number.

Email

Attach the design data and send it to pickboy@pickboy.jp. Please also include your name and order number when ordering.

Postal Mail

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

If you use logos or characters that have copyrights, trademarks, or other rights, please be sure to obtain permission from the rights holder in advance.

07 You Can Create Without Digital Data

Submission from Hand-Drawn Originals

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

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

You can also use the hand-drawn submission format.
Open the hand-drawn submission format (PDF)

08 Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pieces can I order from?
The minimum lot is 50 pieces.
Can I send photos or color images?
We can check them as reference images, but for foil stamping, it is necessary to adjust to a black one-color plate. Fine gradations and color differences cannot be reproduced.
Why is the data for foil stamping made in black only?
Because the black parts of the data are used as the area to apply the foil. The black color itself is not printed; it is finished in the foil color selected at the time of order.
Can I create it even if I don't have Illustrator?
Yes. You can also create it using the free app ibisPaint X or from a hand-drawn original on white paper drawn in black. Please use the creation method and hand-drawn submission format on this page.
Which should I choose, foil stamping or full color?
If you want to highlight logos, names, or the shine of gold and silver, foil stamping is recommended. Please choose full color if you use photos, multi-color illustrations, or gradients.
Can I check the design after ordering?
You can check the finished image (plate) before production, and production will start after the design is finalized.
How long is the delivery time?
Usually, it will be shipped about 3 to 4 weeks after the design is finalized.
Order foil stamped original picks