What we supply after your artwork is redrawn
When we redraw a logo or create a hand-drawn vector illustration, we usually supply a set of files so you can use the artwork in different places without trouble. The main formats are SVG, EPS, PDF and AI. Each one has a different job, and the right mix depends on how the artwork will be used.
We work with businesses across Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Bloemfontein, so we often prepare files for signage, print, social media and packaging in the same job. A logo on a website does not need the same file as a sign board, and a printer will often ask for something different from a web developer or designer. That is why we keep the file handover practical and clear.
- SVG for websites and digital use
- EPS for print and production work
- PDF for easy sharing and proofing
- AI for editable master artwork
SVG files for clean digital use
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a light file format that works well on websites, message signatures and digital platforms. Because it is vector based, the artwork stays sharp at any size, from a small icon on a phone screen to a large graphic on a presentation slide.
SVG is often the best choice when you need quick loading and crisp edges. It is useful for icons, logos, simple badges and line art. If your artwork includes very fine details or complex effects, we will check whether the SVG needs any adjustment so it behaves properly online. In some cases the same logo may also need a PDF or EPS for print work.
- Best for web use and screen viewing
- Scales without losing quality
- Works well for logos, icons and simple illustrations
- Useful when your developer needs a clean vector file
EPS files for printers and sign makers
EPS is a long standing vector format used widely in print and production. It is commonly requested by printers, sign makers and packaging teams because it keeps shapes sharp and can be opened in many design systems. If your logo must go onto vinyl, labels, packaging or large format print, EPS is often the file people ask for first.
We prepare EPS files with production in mind, including clean paths and sensible colour setup where needed. That helps when the artwork has to be cut, screened or printed at scale. In humid coastal conditions, like parts of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, print files still need to be handled carefully on the production side, so the source file must be neat and properly built.
- Commonly used in print production
- Suitable for large format and signage
- Helpful for packaging, labels and vinyl cutting
- Good choice when a supplier asks for a traditional vector file
PDF files for sharing proofs and final artwork
PDF is often the easiest format to share because almost everyone can open it. We use it for proofs, approvals and final deliverables when clients want a file that is simple to view and pass on. A PDF can contain vector artwork, so it can still print neatly without the jagged edges you get from a bitmap image.
For busy teams, PDF is useful when the file needs to be checked by more than one person. It is also helpful when you want to send artwork to a sign shop, a marketing team or a branch manager in another city. If a document includes notes, measurements or layout guidance, PDF is a practical way to keep everything together.
- Easy to open on most devices
- Good for approvals and sharing
- Can hold vector artwork and text
- Useful when several people need to review the same file
AI files for editable master artwork
AI is the native editable file used for vector artwork. It is the master version we keep when a logo redraw or illustration needs to stay editable for future updates. This matters if you may later need a colour change, a layout tweak or a new version for another application. AI files are usually handled by designers and production teams rather than by everyday users.
We treat the AI file as the working source for the project. It is where the clean paths, shapes and layers are maintained. If your team already has in-house design support, the AI file can save time later. If not, the SVG, EPS and PDF files are often enough for day to day use.
- Best for future edits and design handover
- Used as the editable master file
- Helpful for in-house designers and print teams
- Usually supplied with other export formats
Bitmap tracing versus hand redraw and illustration
Not every artwork needs the same treatment. Bitmap tracing means taking a low resolution image and following its edges digitally. It can work for simple artwork, but it may also keep flaws from the original file, such as blurry edges, jagged lines or uneven curves. A hand redraw is more deliberate. We rebuild the artwork by hand so the shapes are clean and easier to use for production.
For logos, mascots, icons and detailed illustrations, a hand redraw often gives a better result. It is especially useful when the original image is old, small, distorted or taken from a poor scan. We can also create custom illustrations from a rough sketch or reference image, provided you own the rights or have permission to use the source artwork.
- Tracing follows the existing bitmap edges
- Hand redraw rebuilds the artwork with cleaner paths
- Illustration work is better for complex or stylised artwork
- You must own the artwork or have rights to send it to us
How to request the right files for your job
When you send through an enquiry, tell us where the artwork will be used. For example, say whether you need a logo for web, print, embroidery, signage or packaging. If you already have a file, send the highest quality version you have, plus any notes on colours, size or layout. That helps us choose the right approach from the start.
If you are not sure which format you need, we will guide you. A local business in Observatory may need something different from a client in Durban or Bloemfontein, depending on the printer, the sign shop or the platform involved. The simplest route is to tell us what the finished use will be and let us prepare the correct output set.
- Tell us the intended use first
- Send the best source file available
- Confirm whether you need editable files, print files or both
- Start by using the enquiry form on our contact page
