Why Proof Before Print?
Paul Bucklin Director at Logoclothz explains why you need a professionally set up proof to approve prior to any printing taking place. Over to Paul.
In the promotional products industry, it is important to understand the proofing process. Before printing, you want to see how your tablecloth, banner, tent or other promotional items will look.
When you buy from Logoclothz.com you will always receive a free professionally prepared proof before print.
One of our graphic print specialist’s will go over every detail of your print prior to sending the proof.
Proofs display dimensions, colors, and other important information. Would you buy a new car before test driving it? How about a new house or clothes?
Even at the mall, they let you sample the bourbon chicken before you buy an entire entree.
Some printing companies do not send proofs. Others generate instant proofs. The rest will send them via link or email.
Visual proofs serve as a last check-point before production begins. Check with your distributor and ask if they send proofs.
What to Check when Viewing your Proof
When viewing your proof you should check that the product and design are correct. Check that the product style, printing method, colors, and dimensions match your order.
You will also want to check that the quantity is correct if applicable.
Proofs will show you how your design will look against the background color ordered. Some logos just do not contrast very well against some colors.
When viewing your proof the size of your logo may be off proportionally compared to the actual size of the product.
You may notice that an important tag line is missing, perhaps it was not included in your art file.
Seeing a virtual proof before an order is sent to print is meant to prevent errors. It is always good to have a second pair of eyes check your work.
Can I Make Changes to My Proof?
At Logoclothz.com you can always make changes to your proof, free of cost. If you receive a digital proof and you need to make a correction, simply email the change.
The revisions would be made and a new proof would be sent.
You can also contact your printing company by phone regarding any changes to your proof.
In some cases, a new art file may be required when the change involves photographs or a change in text.
It’s always a good idea to email any changes so you have a record of it.
Sometimes changes are needed but you want to make those changes before approving your proof.
You can always change the quantity, fabric color, size, or even a shipping address for your promotional products order.
How Long Does it Take to Receive a Proof?
Logoclothz proofs are emailed within 90 minutes of an order being placed. That applies Monday thru Friday up to 3:30 p.m. (EST).
Orders placed after 3:30 p.m. (EST) may receive the proof the same day if not, the following business day.
You want to check with your individual distributor but proofing times can vary. Some companies will ask for two business days to process an order and to send a digital proof.
Other companies will send instant proofs as soon as you upload your art file.
At Logoclothz.com we ask for 90 minutes before sending a mock-up.
This allows us time to review the art file and to ensure you will receive the best print possible.
Instant Online Proofing Websites
If you are receiving an instant proof it is through a website plug-in. The online interface you are using is not able to vector the output of your file.
What does that mean? Ordering through Vistaprint, Custom Ink or similar online design websites can lead to a blurry pixelatted image in final production.
These websites are not programmed to check an art file thoroughly.
The result of this means there are no human eyes physically taking your artwork and checking it for the quality of final production.
We have heard some horror stories with this type of production process. This is why we get eyes on your artwork. We take it to full scale and check every detail.
After our graphic artist’s have set up your proof, you can rest assured your print will be correct, sharp and a show stopper.
Will Someone Tell Me if there is an Issue with my Art File?
At Logoclothz.com we will always contact a customer if there is an issue with their art file. We would explain the issue and offer solutions for how to resolve it.
Often we resolve the issue in-house at no cost. We want you to look your best at your school event, health seminar, corporate event or in any market.
You will want to check with your individual supplier and ask if they are checking artwork before sending proofs. Having someone to review your artwork can save you a costly mistake.
Reviewing Promotional Products Artwork
The first thing we look at when reviewing customer artwork at Logoclothz is the size and resolution of an image. A design may look good on screen.
However it’s increase in size for printing, the image can become very blurry and pixelated.
It’s important to send your art file at the size you want for it to be printed at and at 150 dpi. You can find more helpful information regarding print ready artwork in our blog by clicking HERE.
Another thing we check when proofing promotional products are the colors in any design. We check to ensure that all black values will print a rich and dark color. Some blacks can appear blue or green due to the way the art file was set up.
At Logoclothz we thoroughly check artwork ensuring a crystal clean print each and every time. We check the weights of outlines, bleeds, margins, and more. Often we will offer suggestions to better enhance the aesthetics of your promotional display.
Personal Promotional Assistants
At Logoclothz.com we want to be your personal promotional assistants. We want to make the entire process as seamless and easy as possible.
It is our goal that you will trust us to have your back and we will.
At Logoclothz.com we will review all artwork to make sure we produce a perfect print.
We always send free proofs with every order. Approval commits to production.
We never charge for artwork revisions.
Email or call with any changes, to your order or artwork and we will follow up with an update.
We put the “PRO” in promotional products.
More information on printing and proofing. Including 8 videos, here are some other related posts.
