Artwork FAQ

Exposing your Ikonart Stencil Film works by using artwork to block the UV light, hardening the areas of the film that aren't blocked, and leaving the areas that are blocked water-soluble. Therefore, anything that will block the light from hardening the film can be used as "artwork".

The great thing about creating custom stencils with the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit is that you have complete freedom over what design you create! You can create your own artwork in a design program or purchase artwork from a variety of clipart sites. There are also a lot of sites online that offer free clipart and svg files. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions when it comes to artwork.

What is vector artwork?

Vector artwork is art that is created with crisp lines instead of pixels, which allows the artwork to be scaled or resized without compromising the integrity and quality of the original image. Vector artwork retains its crispness at any magnification. Crisp lines and high quality artwork are very important when making a stencil using the Ikonart Custom Stencil Kit.

File formats that indicate vector artwork:  .ai  .svg  .eps  .pdf

Still confused? Check out this handy video that visually shows the difference between vector artwork and non-vector art. 

What program should I use to create artwork?

There are a variety of programs available to create high quality artwork. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced artist, there is something for everyone. Here are some recommendations:

  • Microsoft Word: If you are just getting started and feel overwhelmed, try creating a basic design in Microsoft Word, and work up to more complicated designs
  • Vectr: A free graphic editor with just the basics, making it easier for beginners to learn. Good if you want to create very simple designs.
  • Inkscape: A free graphic editor for beginners that is more robust and offers more features than Vectr. Good if you want to create simple designs.
  • Silhouette Studio: Free design software; created to be used with the Silhouette Machine, but can be used for free by anyone. 
  • Cricut Design Space: Cricut also offers design software that is free for anyone to use and there are tons of tutorials on YouTube showing how to use it.
  • GIMP: A free graphic editor with sophisticated tools for the intermediate user.
  • Corel Draw: An affordable graphic editor for intermediate users that offers more features than the free graphic editors for those looking to make more advanced designs.  
  • Adobe Illustrator: The ultimate graphic editor offering all the bells and whistles for advanced users who are looking to create complex designs. Plans start as low as £18/month

Where can I get fonts from?

If you are looking to create your own motivational quotes, monograms or other text graphics, there are a variety of sites you can get free or paid fonts from. Here are some recommendations:

  • dafont.com: Download a wide variety of free fonts for personal and commercial use. 
  • Font Bundles: Free or paid fonts for personal and commercial use.  

How should I setup and print my artwork?

The most important thing when setting up your artwork is to make sure it is 100% black. This will give you the best film positive when printing.

Every printer is different, but if your printer allows you to adjust ink and paper settings, we recommend adjusting the ink setting on your printer to print in only black ink and adjusting the paper setting to glossy. This will give you the most density when printing. High density artwork that is 100% black will give you the best positive to block out the UV light.

Note for Inkjet Film: When printing on our Inkjet Printer Film, it is important that you print on the EMULSION side of the film. The emulsion side is the side that is NOT shiny (the side you can put your fingernail into). There is a special coating on the emulsion side of our Inkjet Printer Film that we add to our transparencies in order to increase the density of your final artwork and give you the best positive possible for creating your stencils. Reflecting/mirroring artwork is optional for inkjet printers, but recommended if your artwork is very detailed.

>> Click here for our Inkjet Printer Tips

Note for Laser Film: When using our Laser Printer Film you can print on either side of the printer film. Reflecting/mirroring your art is optional but recommended. If your laser printer is not printing your artwork dark enough you can try spraying it with Density Toner Spray after you print your artwork. 

>> Click here for our Laser Printer Tips

What does "high density" artwork mean?

When you print your artwork, it is important that the black areas can block ultra-violet light. Toner that looks dense on vellum paper may actually be closer to translucent in its ability to block UV light. A simple test: hold the artwork up to a light source (sunny window, lamp, etc.). If you can see any light through the black areas, the artwork is not dense enough and will not produce a good stencil. For an example of high density, hold a piece of black construction paper up to a light source. No light will bleed through. This is the density your artwork should provide.

I need help making my vector artwork. What should I do?

If you have a low quality image or logo that you want to turn into vector art but can't figure out how to do it yourself, fiverr is a great resource. For just five dollars you can submit your artwork to a graphic artist and they will convert the file for you. 

What video tutorials should I start with?

As you can see, artwork is a broad topic! There are a lot of videos and tutorials on Facebook and YouTube for creating vector art. Here is a list to start with:

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us.