Doing some work for a friend, need to know what software to use for what. Doing most of the work on flat faced, round signs, connected to light boxes. So like a 2 inch thick 10 inch wide coin in shape. I need to know a good workflow from reference image ---> finished plate that I can add an offset flange for mounting in the light box ring he has parameters I can plug in. I just need to know if I can steamline the process and I don't I can learn which methodology quickly enough ony own to satisfy his clients demands. The plates are 250 mm wide About 2 mm thick Circle. I need to ask the offset for the flange but it's about the same thickness as the face (2mm) and about 8 to 10 mm deep where it fits the box (short cylinder). Budget is Open Source or coughcoughbay.Org\* I'm fairly tech savvy and good enough to self direct to more knowledge. But the plethora of options is daunting. I have a very simple project ahead of me. Just have to find out which route. Any advice? The images will be vector graphics from illustrator. I'm cludgy at designing for easy printing, so advice on illustrator work flow discipline would be good too. For example how to avoid shapes, or layering that will conflict with the process. Like if there are 3 line segments overlapping by a fraction, but not connected by an anchor point.   submitted by   /u/Successful-Ocelot-80 [link]   [comments]