A custom letter or logo filament bulb begins with artwork, but artwork that works on a screen is not automatically suitable inside glass. The design must become a clear illuminated line that fits the bulb envelope, remains recognizable from the intended viewing direction and can be reviewed as a physical sample. This guide explains what lighting brands, designers and commercial project buyers should prepare before requesting feasibility or a quotation.
1. Start with a Clear Source File
Vector formats such as AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF are useful because lines can be examined and adjusted without losing clarity. If vector artwork is unavailable, send the highest-quality flat image available and include a clean monochrome version. Avoid a small screenshot, compressed social-media image or photograph of a logo when a better source exists.
The file should show the intended design by itself, without mockup shadows, glass reflections or background decoration. Also provide the official brand name and a note explaining whether the artwork is a word, monogram, icon, logo or decorative pattern.
2. Simplify the Design for an Illuminated Line
A filament is read as a glowing path. Very small gaps, overlapping strokes, fine outlines, gradients, photographic effects and detailed textures may not translate clearly. The purpose of simplification is not to change the identity; it is to preserve the most recognizable structure when the design is viewed through curved glass.
Usually easier to evaluate
- Short words and initials
- Single-line icons and symbols
- Clear outer silhouettes
- Balanced spacing and open counters
- One strong visual direction
Often needs simplification
- Long sentences or dense lettering
- Multiple tiny internal details
- Thin parallel lines with narrow gaps
- Complex gradients or shaded artwork
- Designs that depend on exact print typography
Do not set an assumed minimum line width or bend radius in the marketing brief unless it has been confirmed for the selected filament system. Instead, mark the features that must remain recognizable and allow the feasibility review to establish the workable route.
3. Define Proportions, Orientation and Viewing Face
State whether the final design should be tall, wide, centered, asymmetric or repeated. Mark the top and bottom of the artwork. If a letter or logo must face a customer, explain the primary viewing direction and whether the bulb will hang downward, stand upright or sit horizontally.
Orientation is especially important for words, arrows, faces and asymmetric logos. A design may appear correct in the drawing but reversed or tilted after installation if the holder position and viewing face are not defined. Include a fixture photo or simple sketch showing where people will see the bulb.
4. Match Artwork to the Bulb Shape
The glass envelope sets the available visual field. A wider decorative bulb can suit centered icons, short words and broader curves. A T30 tube encourages vertical words, lines or narrow symbols. An ST64 shape offers a familiar decorative silhouette with a wider central area, but shoulder curvature still affects how the design reads.
Compare ST64 and T30 decorative bulb shapes, review the bulb shape guide, and explore custom letter and pattern lights before fixing the artwork proportions. The artwork and glass should be developed as one composition.
5. Specify Color and Switched-Off Appearance
Provide the intended illuminated color or color-temperature direction and explain the atmosphere required. If several colors are requested, identify which part of the design uses each color and whether the visual order matters. Color feasibility and appearance should be confirmed with the actual filament and glass combination.
Also choose the glass direction—clear, champagne, smoke or another reviewed finish. Glass color changes contrast when the bulb is both on and off. Use the decorative glass color guide and 2200K/2700K/3000K guide to prepare the visual brief.
Artwork Brief: Information to Send
| Item | What to provide | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork | Vector file plus a clear monochrome reference | Shows the intended line structure without visual noise |
| Priority details | Mark essential features and areas that may be simplified | Protects recognition during feasibility adjustment |
| Bulb and fixture | Glass shape, dimensions, holder/base and installation orientation | Defines the available visual space and viewing face |
| Electrical brief | Target market, voltage, frequency and dimming requirement | Keeps visual and electrical development in one specification |
| Project | Application, quantity per design, packaging need and required date | Supports an accurate feasibility and quotation review |
6. Confirm Rights to Use the Artwork
The buyer should have permission to reproduce any submitted logo, character, trademark, artwork or brand element. Identify the brand owner and intended use when the design is protected or supplied by a client. This keeps artwork approval, sample records and production authorization clear.
7. Approve a Physical Sample Before Production
A digital drawing is a development reference, not final proof of the illuminated result. Review the sample switched off and illuminated. Check the overall silhouette, legibility, centering, supports, viewing face, glass finish, color, base fit and appearance in the real fixture. Record each revision so the approved sample can support production inspection.
- Confirm the artwork version and orientation.
- Photograph the sample from the primary and secondary viewing angles.
- Check recognition at the normal customer viewing distance.
- Review the sample in the actual holder or fixture.
- Approve electrical configuration, labels and packaging with the visual sample.
For the broader approval process, use the filament design guide and project documentation and support guide.
Prepare a custom letter or logo filament project
Send the artwork, bulb/fixture direction, target market, quantity, glass preference and required date. GLORILUM can review what is technically feasible and define the sample path.
Submit your artwork brief →Custom Filament Artwork FAQ
Do I need vector artwork?
Vector artwork is preferred because it preserves clean lines, but a high-quality flat reference can begin a feasibility discussion when vector files are unavailable.
Can any logo become a filament?
Not every detail will translate directly. Feasibility depends on the line structure, complexity, glass shape, internal space and support requirements. Simplification and sample approval may be necessary.
Should I choose the bulb shape before finalizing the artwork?
Yes. The available glass envelope and installation direction influence the workable proportions and viewing face of the filament design.