Checklist for Reviewing Artwork Proofs

Avoid costly errors in custom apparel printing by following this simple checklist for reviewing artwork proofs. Proofing ensures your designs are accurate, legally compliant, and production-ready. Here's what to check:

• File Quality: Use high-resolution (300 DPI) images in formats like .ai, .pdf, or .png. Work in CMYK mode for accurate colours.
• Design Layout: Include bleed areas, keep key elements within safe zones, and align designs properly.
• Text and Fonts: Double-check for typos, font consistency, and readability.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure you have rights for all images, fonts, and logos. Follow brand guidelines for logo placement, colours, and typography.
• Colour Accuracy: Compare digital proofs with Pantone standards or physical samples. Test colours on fabric if possible.
• Final Checks: Organize file versions, involve your team in reviews, and confirm production settings like alignment and colour profiles.

Key takeaway: Careful proofing saves time, money, and ensures your final product matches your vision.

Art Proof Approval Template for Screen Printing, Embroidery, HTV and Decorators

1. Technical File Requirements

Make sure your artwork files follow the necessary technical guidelines to ensure high-quality prints.

1.1 File Types and Image Quality

The clarity of your printed design relies heavily on the file type and resolution of the artwork you provide:

• Resolution: All images must have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI.
• Accepted File Formats:
  • Adobe Illustrator (.ai)
  • PDF (.pdf)
  • High-resolution PNG (.png)

1.2 Print Layout Settings

Proper layout settings are crucial to avoid cutting off any part of your design. Ensure the following:

• Include a bleed area to extend background colours and patterns beyond the trim line.
• Keep key design elements within a safe zone, away from the edges.

1.3 Print Colour Settings

To achieve accurate colours in the final print:

• Work in CMYK mode and convert any RGB images before submitting.
• Maintain consistent colours across all design elements.

Technical Requirements Summary

At Custprint, we align your artwork with these standards and provide a final proof for your approval before printing.

2. Design Quality Checks

Our team ensures that artwork is prepared for print and thoroughly reviewed for your approval, making sure it aligns with your brand's standards.

2.1 Image and Logo Quality

Check that all images and logos are sharp, consistent, and ready for print. Double-check that text elements match this level of quality.

2.2 Text and Font Review

Verify that all text is consistent and easy to read. Ensure fonts and typography align with your brand's established guidelines.

3. Legal Requirements

Following legal guidelines in artwork proofs helps avoid expensive mistakes and ensures respect for cultural norms.

3.1 Image Rights

Make sure all visual elements are properly licensed:

• Commercial licenses: Confirm that all stock images are cleared for commercial use.
• Font licensing: Verify that typefaces are either commercially licensed or open-source.
• Trademark elements: Get written permission for using any third-party logos or brand marks.

At Custprint, we suggest keeping a detailed record of all image licenses and permissions for easy reference. This also helps ensure compliance with your brand's standards.

3.2 Brand Guidelines

Consistency with brand guidelines is crucial for maintaining a professional image. Key points to check include:

• Logo specifications: Confirm that logo placement, size, and spacing align with brand rules.
• Colour accuracy: Match all brand colours to their exact codes.
• Typography hierarchy: Ensure fonts and text styling follow the brand's standards.
• Design elements: Verify that supporting graphics adhere to branding requirements.

Additionally, make sure the content aligns with both cultural and legal standards.

3.3 Content Standards

Cultural appropriateness is just as important as technical and design quality. Key areas to review:

• Cultural symbols: Use symbols that are respectful and appropriate for the target audience.
• Language: Check that regional text is accurate and contextually correct.
• Imagery: Ensure that visuals respect local traditions and customs.

Thoroughly reviewing these legal requirements minimises the risk of costly reprints and helps maintain your brand's reputation. Always document your checks and keep stakeholders informed about necessary changes.

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4. Print Colour Standards

Getting colours right is essential. At Custprint, we ensure your artwork proof translates accurately onto fabric through rigorous quality checks. Along with examining file and design quality, we also ensure the printed colours align with the digital proofs.

4.1 Colour Accuracy

To make sure the colours in your digital proofs match the final print:

• Compare digital proofs with Pantone standards or physical samples.
• For intricate designs, consider requesting a physical sample.
• Allow the design team to fine-tune the artwork for printing and get your approval before proceeding.

These steps ensure that colours remain consistent, even beyond digital reviews.

4.2 Fabric Compatibility

Colours can appear differently depending on the fabric. To address this:

• Ensure the chosen colours and designs stay consistent across the fabric type.
• Print a fabric sample to double-check colour accuracy and consistency.

5. Final Checks and Approval

Before sending your artwork off to production, it's crucial to perform detailed final checks. This step ensures your design is error-free and prints exactly as you envisioned, saving time and avoiding unnecessary costs.

5.1 File Versions

Keeping track of file versions is key during the review process. Here's how you can stay organised:

• Use a clear naming system, such as 'Design_V1_08052025'
• Maintain a log of all revisions, noting specific changes made
• Store the final approved version in a dedicated folder for easy access
• Always back up older versions for reference

5.2 Team Review

Custprint's 'Create it' tool makes team collaboration easy and effective. Here's what you can do:

• Add comments directly on specific parts of the design
• Provide input on text placement and size adjustments
• Evaluate colour combinations on various fabric types
• Recommend ways to improve overall print quality

This collaborative step ensures every detail is refined before moving on to technical production checks.

5.3 Production Setup

When setting up for production, focus on these critical aspects:

1. Print Alignment

   • Double-check bleed areas to avoid cut-off designs
   • Ensure important elements stay within safe zones

2. Technical Parameters

   • Set the correct colour profiles for accurate printing
   • Confirm that the file format is compatible with production requirements

3. Quality Control Points

   • Review pre-production samples for colour accuracy and print placement
   • Calibrate colours and verify all technical details before final approval

These steps ensure your design is production-ready and meets all quality expectations.

Conclusion: Ensuring Print Quality

Careful artwork proof review is key to achieving top-notch print results. By examining technical specifications, design details, and production needs, potential errors are reduced, paving the way for seamless output. This process is further strengthened by effective teamwork.

Custprint incorporates proofing into its streamlined four-step process, ensuring consistent quality across various fabrics and print requirements.

Beyond technical accuracy, strong collaboration between design and production teams is crucial. By working together during proofing, challenges can be identified early, saving time and ensuring the final apparel aligns with the design vision and manufacturing standards. This final step ensures your custom apparel turns out just as planned.

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