digifilmguy Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I have most companies for the Atari 2600 completed. Hundreds of different labels all machine cut and peel off like a retail sticker sheet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybird3rd Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 It seems that several people are offering reproduction labels. I'm still very interested in getting some good Activision labels, but I (and, I'm sure, others as well) would like to see some close-up samples first. I like Albert's Activision label templates because all the fine details are exactly right, and from the labels I've bought from the AtariAge store, I also know that the quality of the printing is excellent. However, I often find that reproduction labels I see from other sources are "wrong" in subtle ways: either the fonts or the size/spacing of the text is wrong, or the colors are wrong, or the size is wrong, or the corners aren't rounded as they should be, or the texture of the labels is wrong, or the quality of the printing is poor. For example, the labels should not be too thick or covered with a thick glossy layer of plastic, they should not be printed on an inkjet printer, they should not be printed at 300dpi, they should not be cut out with scissors, etc. I don't mind if reproduction labels are marked as such, either with a line of text or a band in the corner, but everything else about it should match the originals as closely as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hizzy Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 If they shouldn't be printed at 300 dpi, then what is optimal? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+pboland Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 I have most companies for the Atari 2600 completed. Hundreds of different labels all machine cut and peel off like a retail sticker sheet Your not the only one. I also have many different game systems cart labels to choose from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+pboland Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) It seems that several people are offering reproduction labels. I'm still very interested in getting some good Activision labels, but I (and, I'm sure, others as well) would like to see some close-up samples first. I like Albert's Activision label templates because all the fine details are exactly right, and from the labels I've bought from the AtariAge store, I also know that the quality of the printing is excellent. However, I often find that reproduction labels I see from other sources are "wrong" in subtle ways: either the fonts or the size/spacing of the text is wrong, or the colors are wrong, or the size is wrong, or the corners aren't rounded as they should be, or the texture of the labels is wrong, or the quality of the printing is poor. For example, the labels should not be too thick or covered with a thick glossy layer of plastic, they should not be printed on an inkjet printer, they should not be printed at 300dpi, they should not be cut out with scissors, etc. I don't mind if reproduction labels are marked as such, either with a line of text or a band in the corner, but everything else about it should match the originals as closely as possible. That's a tall order. You are basically asking for offset printed labels. Offset printed labels are not possible in small quantities. That's why many repro labels are not printed that way. Computer cutting isn't an issue and therefor having the proper corners is not a problem. At the size of a label, 300 dpi is more than plenty if the artwork used is of really good quality (and the printer used is good quality). There is no way that your eyes can see the difference between 300 or 600 dpi at the size of a label. I'm guessing you have seen bad looking reproductions and found out they were also printed at 300 dpi and you now think that the 300 dpi was the reason for the bad print quality. A good label is about everything being a good quality all the way down the line. I've never had anyone complain that my labels didn't meat their expectations. On the contrary, most are surprised by how nice they look. Many have stated that my labels look better than the originals. Edited August 5, 2016 by pboland 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaybird3rd Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 That's a tall order. You are basically asking for offset printed labels. Offset printed labels are not possible in small quantities. That's why many repro labels are not printed that way. Computer cutting isn't an issue and therefor having the proper corners is not a problem. At the size of a label, 300 dpi is more than plenty if the artwork used is of really good quality (and the printer used is good quality). There is no way that your eyes can see the difference between 300 or 600 dpi at the size of a label. I'm guessing you have seen bad looking reproductions and found out they were also printed at 300 dpi and you now think that the 300 dpi was the reason for the bad print quality. A good label is about everything being a good quality all the way down the line. I've never had anyone complain that my labels didn't meat their expectations. On the contrary, most are surprised by how nice they look. Many have stated that my labels look better than the originals. It's possible that the source artwork was too low-res on the labels that I saw, but even with text, 300dpi looks just a little too jagged to my eyes, especially if the text is very small. When I design my own boxes and cartridge labels, I use 600dpi assets for everything. I print my own one-off labels on a color laser printer, and I add some sort of protector (usually a wide strip of ultra-clear packing tape) before I apply it to the cartridge. It does the job, but even with a color laser, the colors aren't always as consistent as I'd like. Maybe offset printing really is the only way to match the original labels perfectly. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digifilmguy Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Some of the colors are pretty hard to match and you have to pick one that doesn't look anything like it on the screen to even get close when printed. Most printers require a 5,000 minimum (for each design) on labels like this so that completely put doing a full offset run off the table. Sounds like there's many talented people that have done these at one time or another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+pboland Posted August 6, 2016 Author Share Posted August 6, 2016 (edited) It's possible that the source artwork was too low-res on the labels that I saw, but even with text, 300dpi looks just a little too jagged to my eyes, especially if the text is very small. When I design my own boxes and cartridge labels, I use 600dpi assets for everything. I print my own one-off labels on a color laser printer, and I add some sort of protector (usually a wide strip of ultra-clear packing tape) before I apply it to the cartridge. It does the job, but even with a color laser, the colors aren't always as consistent as I'd like. Maybe offset printing really is the only way to match the original labels perfectly. Thumbs up for the ultra clear packing tape. It's thin and it doesn't add a lot of weight to the label. You will get closer color with a photo ink jet printer (six inks or better). Color laser can work, but you need an expensive pro level printer to get the colors correct. On a side note: I also make foil labels (i.e. Imagic, DataAge, Spectravision, and Atari 5200) that are cut to fit by computer (peel and stick). I do have a limitation as I can not print the color "white" on foil, but they still look really good. If interested I also make controller overlays (ColecoVision, special Intellivision) and I'm very close on Atari 5200 overlays as well. I've been on AtariAge since 2006, and I work with several home-brewser here on AtariAge. Just incase people are curious. Edited August 6, 2016 by pboland 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hizzy Posted August 7, 2016 Share Posted August 7, 2016 Just out of curiosity, does AA print labels? If so, how do we contact the store? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buyatari Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Why not do a reverse image on the screenshots portion? Carts would still look great but if you looked for it then you could tell it was not an original. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hizzy Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Getting creative with the labels to somehow indicate they are reproductions is a nice idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hizzy Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 This is what I'm thinking to put on my labels 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassGuitari Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 This is what I'm thinking to put on my labels That's all it needs, IMO. Just a little something in the copyright text. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hizzy Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 That's all it needs, IMO. Just a little something in the copyright text. Do you like the copyright pac man? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NinjaWarrior Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 What kind of Paper you use for Activision Carts? I need like 13 Labels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digifilmguy Posted August 11, 2016 Share Posted August 11, 2016 I use high gloss adhesive backed unless it's a silver foil label. I'm sure that's what everyone else is using too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+pboland Posted August 11, 2016 Author Share Posted August 11, 2016 What kind of Paper you use for Activision Carts? I need like 13 Labels I use a high quality gloss label stock for many of my labels. I then laminate the labels and cut via computer to the same dimensions as the originals. That means you get the same properly rounded corners as the originals. Just peel and stick. If you are interested I also make reproduction overlays. Just shoot me a PM if your interested. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brianeric26 Posted September 6, 2016 Share Posted September 6, 2016 Im still searching for some kaboom labels :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavyIsJoshoArts Posted January 2, 2018 Share Posted January 2, 2018 I am waiting on the first shipment of labels from a new label company I'm using. If that goes well, I can use them to produce these labels, and they should look fantastic. ..Al Al, Got three questions to ask I been meaning to ask, First from a graphic artist's point of view, what software do you use to make the labels for this? secondly, Are you open to label commission requests? I got a few Activision games that is due for some new labelling (Both USA and Australian H.E.S. one I would love to get reproductions made if you are open to it, if not that's fine I can graphic art it myself.) Lastly, Have you got an updates on this project? It sure sounds promising Cheers, Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surteesf1 Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Hi everyone... I made for myself a Activision's Ptifall label. It was made in Corel Draw and some restoration in Photoshop from a original cartridge's scan. There a three color variatios... for variants of printer brands. I hope you'll enjoy! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+pboland Posted January 3, 2018 Author Share Posted January 3, 2018 Just to let you guys know, these are the labels I have available. Please PM (personal message) me if you are interested and have any questions. If you don't see a label you are looking for just let me know. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RUNNER Posted January 3, 2018 Share Posted January 3, 2018 It seems that several people are offering reproduction labels. I'm still very interested in getting some good Activision labels, but I (and, I'm sure, others as well) would like to see some close-up samples first. I like Albert's Activision label templates because all the fine details are exactly right, and from the labels I've bought from the AtariAge store, I also know that the quality of the printing is excellent. However, I often find that reproduction labels I see from other sources are "wrong" in subtle ways: either the fonts or the size/spacing of the text is wrong, or the colors are wrong, or the size is wrong, or the corners aren't rounded as they should be, or the texture of the labels is wrong, or the quality of the printing is poor. For example, the labels should not be too thick or covered with a thick glossy layer of plastic, they should not be printed on an inkjet printer, they should not be printed at 300dpi, they should not be cut out with scissors, etc. I don't mind if reproduction labels are marked as such, either with a line of text or a band in the corner, but everything else about it should match the originals as closely as possible. Hi, Just to let u know that this guy pboland makes fantastic labels. I ordered 2 full sets of labels from him last year and the results are amazing. Absolutely indistinguishable from the originals. Perfect paper, gloss and glue. Activision labels and foil -imagic- are astonishing. I would recommend this guy with no doubt. Honestly I doubt it's even possible to do this work better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrekMD Posted January 4, 2018 Share Posted January 4, 2018 These labels look fantastic! I am tempted to replace some of my cart labels. That darn actiplaque! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmervine Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 Finally got some of these...they are just awesome! https://retrogameguy.com/2018/08/08/refurbishing-old-carts/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atarilovesyou Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 Finally got some of these...they are just awesome! https://retrogameguy.com/2018/08/08/refurbishing-old-carts/ The pic looks great, but seems a lil too shiny. Was that just the lighting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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