GRAPHICS FOR A 12 OZ BEER CAN

[Camila985]

hola!

I have for the first time a client asking me to do graphic design for their 12oz beer can.

I want advice about how the file in ai should the format be for this type of design and with concerns that I should know or anticipate for late when it goes to production? Thank you!

Camila

[Daniel E Lane]

One thing would be to find out what specs the printer is expecting from you. That would be the best place to start. You need to know what file type they want, what file size (dimensions) it should be, is there any bleed, and any other specifications they might have. You will most likely be able to find out exactly what you need directly from their printer.

[Camila985]

But what happens if the client doesn't know yet where to print? We are in the first phase of design. Can I start this process? and later add what the printing people need on the file? There is a homogenous size of the file for can label design?

[SJRiegel]

carayaperez  wrote

But what happens if the client doesn't know yet where to print? We are in the first phase of design. Can I start this process? and later add what the printing people need on the file? There is a homogenous size of the file for can label design?

Will it be a label, or will the printing be done directly onto the can? (There will be a huge difference in the setup, depending upon that info).  The company putting the beer in the can needs to supply you with a template in either case.

[Daniel E Lane · Accepted solution]

You are going to have to discuss this with your client, but there are many sizes and shapes of 12 oz cans, so it will have to be decided before hand. Here is a link to a general can printers templates for label sizes. As you will see on there, they have multiple shapes of can for each size they do.

https://www.crowncork.com/design-inspiration/design-templates

Also, remember to talk to them about the legalities of an alcohol label. They have to be fairly specific in what they must include on the label and will need government approval as well. (at least here in the US. Not sure elsewhere...)

[Camila985]

This is great, I will take all your advice for sure.

Muchas gracias,

Camila

[Daniel E Lane]

Glad I could help at least a little. What you are venturing into is a large project with a huge variety of possibilities in the directions you could go. Good luck! And enjoy it!

[Monika Gause]

Talk to the printing folks. They should give you the specifications. It all depends on the printing procedure. They are very different.