Champion System

 

How To Design Your Uniform

 

Our customers generally fall into two categories, teams that send us amazing graphic design files in Adobe Illustrator and teams that send us hand-sketched designs with crayons, markers, etc. We have no problem working with both, and we will never charge you a fee for "artwork clean-up." Of course, the better the artwork you send us, the quicker we can make your first proof.

Keep in mind that we are a printing company, not a design firm. We make the designs our customers ask us to produce. If you want us to create an original design from scratch, please scroll down to the bottom of the page for more information on our in-house design services.

 

How To Design Your Uniform Digitally

 

• Using our templates, design your uniform in color. It is not necessary to supply designs for every item you are ordering. We use the same artwork for all "tops" (jerseys, jackets, vests, skinsuit-tops) and all "bottoms" (shorts, bib shorts, tights, knickers, skinsuit-shorts). Your short sleeve jersey will look like your vest (just without sleeves) and your bib shorts will look like your bib knickers. We will need artwork for accessories, but even some of these items can use the same design. For example, summer and winter gloves and tech and Euro caps can use the same basic artwork.
• We accept Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw and Macromedia files (sorry, no MAC files).
• Use Pantone colors and supply us with the exact Pantone number for each color.
• All logos must be sent as vector artwork. We cannot accept bitmap logos (files that end in .JPEG, .GIF, etc.). Click here for more information on vector logos and what files we can accept.
• Convert all text to outlines or let us know all the font names.
• Since we use digital sublimation printing, virtually any design is possible. Unlike traditional sublimation, in which one set of artwork is used for every size and garment, we prepare separate artwork for every garment and every size. That means the artwork will look great on an XS jersey and an XXXL jersey. It also means that your designs can cross seams. For example, sleeves to front panel and side panels to front panels. Our digital sublimation printers are also great for designs with photographs, fades and halftones. Click here to see jersey designs we have made for other teams.
• For all "bottoms," only the side panels and back panels can be printed. For the main base color you can choose from one of our 7 pre-dyed Lycra colors ? royal blue, navy blue, red, green, orange, gray and black. The Pantone numbers for each of these colors can be found on our shorts templates. We recommend using the same Pantone numbers in the "tops" for an exact match. Still confused? Click here to see the colors available and the areas where we can print.
• Upon receipt of your deposit you will be emailed a username and password. Login into the Champion System Control Panel to upload your design files.
• You must upload artwork for all the items you wish to order. All "tops" (jerseys, jackets, vests, skinsuits) use the same artwork so if you have a jersey design we can use the same artwork for jackets and vests. It's not necessary to design each top garment ? we'll do it for you. Same thing with "bottoms" (shorts, bib shorts, tights, knickers). However, if you are ordering gloves, socks, caps, etc., you must provide us with the designs you want from the start. Approving your jersey design and then telling us, "Hey, I want gloves, too" will only delay your order.
•  

How To Design Your Uniform By Hand

 

• Print out our templates and design your uniform in color, using crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. It is important that your artwork is as precise as possible. Be sure to show exact colors and logo placements. Real simple - just let us know what colors and logos go where. Note: It is not necessay to supply designs for every item you are ordering. We use the same artwork for all "tops" (jerseys, jackets, vests, skinsuit-tops) and all "bottoms" (shorts, bib shorts, tights, knickers, skinsuit-shorts). Your short sleeve jersey will look like your vest (just without sleeves) and your bib shorts will look like your bib knickers. We will need artwork for accessories, but even some of these items can use the same design. For example, summer and winter gloves and tech and Euro caps can use the same basic artwork.
• All the logos that will appear on the uniform need to be very high quality, so we need vector logos. Ask your sponsors to send you an EPS file of their logo. Most companies have an EPS version of their logo. If they email it to you there's a good chance you won't be able to open it. Don't worry, we can - just send it over. If you cannot send EPS logos, we can accept high-resolution JPG of TIFF files. Logos taken from websites are low resolution and will NOT WORK. Click here for more information on vector logos and what files we can accept.
• If you only have a printed logo, it needs to be "camera-ready." Camera-ready artwork is clean, crisp, black and white printouts that are outputted at 600+ dpi. Faxes and business cards won't work.
• We need to know the exact colors you want to use. The Pantone Matching System is the industry standard, with hundreds and hundreds of colors to choose from. Click here for the Pantone color chart. We do not charge extra to use Pantone colors. The colors may vary depending on computer monitors, so this only offers a rough way to choose colors. If absolute true colors are necessary, a Pantone Color Formula Book is recommended. These can be found in most art stores. You can also send us color swatches and we'll do the matching for you.
• Since we use digital sublimation printing, virtually any design is possible. Unlike traditional sublimation, in which one set of artwork is used for every size and garment, we prepare separate artwork for every garment and every size. That means the artwork will look great on an XS jersey and an XXXL jersey. It also means that your designs can cross seams. For example, sleeves to front panel and side panels to front panels. Our digital sublimation printers are also great for designs with photographs, fades and halftones.
• Still have no idea what you want? We suggest you take a look at our jersey and design gallery to see designs we have made for other teams, as well as possible design suggestions. Perhaps you see a design you like, but just want to tweak it a bit or change the colors around. Not a problem - we have the design on file. If you saw a cool pro team jersey you would like to base your design on, that's fine, too - just send us a picture!
• Upon receipt of your deposit you will be emailed a username and password. Login into the Champion System Control Panel to upload your design files. We suggest you scan your hand-sketch and upload the file along with all your logos.
• You must upload artwork for all the items you wish to order. All "tops" (jerseys, jackets, vests, skinsuits) use the same artwork so if you have a jersey design we can use the same artwork for jackets and vests. It's not necessary to design each top garment, we'll do it for you. Same thing with "bottoms" (shorts, bib shorts, tights, knickers). However, if you are ordering gloves, socks, caps, etc., you must provide us with the designs you want from the start. Approving your jersey design and then telling us, "Hey, I want gloves too," will only delay your order.
• For all "bottoms," only the side panels and back panels can be printed. For the main base color you can choose from one of our 7 pre-dyed Lycra colors - royal blue, navy blue, red, green, orange, gray and black. The Pantone numbers for each of these colors can be found on our short templates. We recommend using the same Pantone numbers in the "tops" for an exact match. Still confused? Click here to see the colors available and the areas where we can print.
• Lastly, we know you don't do this for a living, so if you have any questions regarding design layout, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will gladly give you all the suggestions, ideas and advice you need.