Marquee and control panel design

[Marky_1979]

Been looking at some of the art work you guys have created and im blown away by the quality. Im thinking of designing my c/p artwork but not sure what package or how to get it up to the impressive standards you guys have set.

And once designed how do i get it to the same quality as what i see on the screen would i go to a professional printers with my design?

Im in the UK too so not sure where i could do that.

Many thanks for your time - Mark

[Minwah]

Illustrator is the tool of choice I think - vector graphics are the best IMO for sideart etc. as the image can be scaled with no degredation of quality.

I'm not sure of anywhere in the UK which can do decent arcade-specific stuff like CPO's etc.  Personally I am probably going to get mine printed from MameMarquees as they have had good reviews, and shipping is ~$13 (~

[darkmavis]

illustrator is good for vector stuff,  i use photoshop, (gonna try illustrator v v soon) but you need to  make sure the dpi is 300 (witch makes for massive files)  i think the vector and photo realistic option is one you will have to make first, also using cmyk colour helps as the machines can print the colours more accuratley.
 check out my thread on helping out people like yourself on this forum . 

[Marky_1979]

Thanks guys Minwah are you based in the uk? i will try and find that thread as im keen to finish of the cab in style iv put so much time into researching everything.

Im about to start construction i might as well put as much effort into how it looks instead of rushing it just to play the thing. Just got to sort my frontend and get Dalphne sorted iv got the roms but dont know what to do next

Must say that the artwork iv seen is so amazing might end up borrowing some and cutting and pasting some kind of design not got the skill to produce anything that good me thinks.

[Minwah]

Thanks guys Minwah are you based in the uk? i will try and find that thread as im keen to finish of the cab in style iv put so much time into researching everything.

Yes I'm in England...please post if you find any printing places that know what you're on about when you mention control panel overlays etc!

Im about to start construction i might as well put as much effort into how it looks instead of rushing it just to play the thing. Just got to sort my frontend and get Dalphne sorted iv got the roms but dont know what to do next

Yeah take your time   I'm not a big Daphne user but there are plenty around - ask on the Software board if you need help (read the documentation first tho, it's not that tricky IIRC).

[ras2a]

Min, I used a printing company called Easiprint.  We use them at work for big printing jobs etc.  The results were excellent.  Here were the details of the prints from the original quote they sent me:

Paper: 210gsm PRESENTATION SHEET
Printing: DIGITAL FOUR COLOUR PROCESS
Finishing: TRIM, MATT / GLOSS LAMINATE & PACK

They will know what you're talking about as they did the CPO for me.  Just get in touch with Jason (jason@easiprint.co.uk).  Mention my name (Craig Pilkington) and the company I work for (BID Group Ltd) and that I'd put you onto them regarding an Arcade contol panel graphic/overlay I had printed recently!  He should remember.

Good luck

Craig

[darkmavis]

hi craig, hope u dont mind me askin (im uk too,) how much was it to print?

[ras2a]

Hiya Dark, it was around

[Minwah]

Min, I used a printing company called Easiprint.  We use them at work for big printing jobs etc.  The results were excellent.

Thanks for the info, I must say I thought your artwork looked superb...don't know why I didn't ask before where you had it done.

Did you go for the gloss or matt finish?  Hard to tell as it looks like you're using perspex over the CP.  Do you think it would be tough enough without the perspex?

Also how about marquee?  What did you ask for?

Wonder if they could do sideart...I'd like to get it all done at the same place if possible to keep the colours consistent.

Thanks

[darkmavis]

40 quid seems fair, does  the marquee stick to perspex?  do they do a vynil print?  sorry for the questions!

[ras2a]

Did you go for the gloss or matt finish?  Hard to tell as it looks like you're using perspex over the CP.

I went for the gloss finish (I think) as it was the same price IIRC - Knew I'd drunk too much over crimbo 

Do you think it would be tough enough without the perspex?

I think it would be you know, however as you noticed, I opted to use lexan just to be on the safe side.

Also how about marquee?  What did you ask for?

Here (.pdf) is a copy of the quote they sent, which includes the details for both prints, including dimensions!  It worked out cheaper getting both done together rather than seperately.

Wonder if they could do sideart...I'd like to get it all done at the same place if possible to keep the colours consistent.

I didn't ask what max sizes they can print up to, so not sure...just drop Jason a mail.

Cheers Ste

Dark >>>

Does  the marquee stick to perspex?

No, there was no adhesive backing on my prints...didn't need it.  Didn't ask though, so they may well do.

do they do a vynil print?

Just asked one of my colleages at work and I think they have had something done in vinyl before, but again, just drop em' a mail and see.

sorry for the questions!

don't be daft..np

[Minwah]

Thanks ras

I think it would be you know, however as you noticed, I opted to use lexan just to be on the safe side.

I really want a classic style CPO, the textured laminated kind - I think it it some kind of Polycarbonate.  I'd be a bit unsure about the durability otherwise.  Since a CPO from MAME Marquees is only $30 IIRC and reasonable shipping costs, I think I will go for that just to be sure.

Cheers for the info though

[ras2a]

Sounds good min, be sure to post some piccies when you get it sorted

Craig

[Minwah]

Sounds good min, be sure to post some piccies when you get it sorted

Yep, just need to finish my sideart now...

[Marky_1979]

Hi Minwah will you let me know how your artwork comes out as i might order from them. Cheers

[Marky_1979]

where can i see ras2a's control panel overlay?

[Oddfeld]

where can i see ras2a's control panel overlay?

There's lots of pics in this thread:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,22149.0.html

[Marky_1979]

Thanks Oddfeld 

[Minwah]

Hi Minwah will you let me know how your artwork comes out as i might order from them. Cheers

I'll be sure to post some pics when it's done

[Marky_1979]

cool would like to see how it all turns out