| MUST-READ TIPS FROM OUR LEGAL DEPARTMENT PHOTO DESIGN |
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Read these and you'll be on your way to the winners' gallery.
1. Stick to the theme. If the contest calls for birthday cards, deliver the birthday cards. If it calls for thank-you cards...you get the idea.
2. Ask yourself, could a lot of people send this card? Show it to a few brutally honest friends to make sure.
3. Make sure it's a new and original idea. If you've heard it or seen it somewhere before, chances are that we have, too.
4. Keep the writing short and sweet. Just act natural and no need to get all flowery on us.
5. Keep it clean. Just say no to:
• sexually explicit or inappropriate content
• descriptions or images of people or animals in unsafe conditions
A few rules from our friends in Legal to keep us out of trouble.
1. If you have copyrighted materials (like brand names, logos, store-bought props or recognizable locations) in your photo, get permission from the copyright owners. It's easier just to leave them out, but if used, get permission!
2. Know who took the photo, 'cause they have to sign a release form if your card is selected.
3. Who's in the photo? If they're human, they have to sign a release form, too. If they're someone else's kid, their parents need to sign on their behalf so get the okay before you send it our way.
OR
If you want to go for the gold and get all technical:
A. Create a new document in your photo program (Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint, Paintshop, etc.).
B. Adjust the document to the right dimensions.
• 1100 x 1500 pixels or 5.5" W. X 7.5" H.
• 200 dpi
C. Copy your photo into your document.
D. Size your photo to the right dimensions using your photo program's tools.
E. Save it as a .jpg.
Hallmark will format all photos to fit a vertical card.
If you're scanning a physical photo:
Make sure to set the scanner to the highest setting you can. (How high is that, you ask? Somewhere around 1200 dpi.)
Note: Use your program's "Help" tool for more information on file formats, file size and image resolution. You might also check your software manual. If you've still got questions, we'd recommend doing a search online. For some good info on digital photography, scanning, pixels and dpi, we like these online resources:
• Flying Sam
• Bright Hub
• Vivid Light Photography
1. Size and save your design correctly.
If you're designing in a computer program:
A. Create a document in your design program (using Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint, Paintshop, or another program)
B. Adjust the document to the right dimensions.
• 1100 x 1500 pixels or 5.5" W. X 7.5" H.
• 200 dpi
C. Save it as a .jpg.
D. Make sure it's saved in RGB color format. Our system will not accept CMYK.
OR
If you're scanning in a physical design or illustration:
Make sure to set the scanner to the highest setting you can. (How high is that, you ask? Somewhere around 1200 dpi.)
Note: Use your program's "Help" tool for more information on file formats, file size and image resolution. You might also check your software manual. If you've still got questions, we'd recommend doing a search online.
Hallmark will format all designs and illustrations to fit a vertical card.
