How Custom Laser Engraving Works at Kemner Design
Custom engraving orders are easier to place than most people think. A lot of people have an idea in their head but never reach out because they are not sure where to start. Here is a rundown of how the process works from start to finish.
Here is how it actually works.
Start with an idea, not a finished file
You do not need to have artwork ready. Most people come to us with a photo, a logo, a sketch, or just a description of what they have in mind. I have been doing design and CNC work for over 18 years, so taking a concept and turning it into something that works on a laser is something I do every day. If you have a company logo, a family crest, a pet portrait, a design you saw somewhere, or just a rough idea in your head, that is enough to start a conversation.
The one thing I will say is that laser engraving works best with clean lines and good contrast. Very fine detail or tiny text can sometimes get lost depending on the size we are working with. I will always tell you upfront if I think something is going to be a problem rather than just running it and handing you something that does not look right.
What we can engrave
Most of our custom work goes on Polar Camel tumblers and water bottles, the same ones we use for our standard designs. They come in a variety of colors including navy, maroon, coral, and purple. You pick the size and the color, and we put your design on it.
We have also done custom signs, plaques, and business cards in the past and have the capability to take those on. If you need something engraved for a memorial, an award, a business, or just something to hang on a wall, reach out and we will talk through what you have in mind.
Sending us your files or artwork
If you already have a file ready, vector formats like AI, EPS, or SVG work best. A high resolution PNG or JPG will also work in most cases. Do not worry if you only have a low resolution image or a photo of something. I can usually work with it or redraw what is needed. Just send us what you have and I will let you know what we can do with it.
Turnaround time
Custom orders typically ship within 5 to 7 business days from the time the design is approved. We will send you a proof before anything gets engraved so you can see exactly what it is going to look like. Nothing goes on the laser until you say it looks right.
If you need something for a specific date, let us know when you order. We will be upfront about whether we can make it work.
Pricing
Custom orders are priced based on the product and the complexity of the artwork. A simple logo or text on a standard tumbler is straightforward. Something that requires a lot of design work or a complex illustration will take more time and is priced accordingly. We will give you a quote before any work begins so there are no surprises.
How to get started
The easiest way is to fill out our custom engraving form or send us an email at kemnerdesign@gmail.com. Tell us what you have in mind, what you want it on, and any details about the design or deadline. We respond to every message personally, usually within 24 hours.
Gail handles the customer side and I handle the design work. Either one of us may be running the laser on any given day, and between the two of us every custom order gets personal attention from start to finish. That is not something you are going to get from a print on demand service or a big online retailer.
If you have an idea, reach out. The worst that happens is we tell you it is not something we can do, and that does not happen very often.
Dave & Gail