image for proofreading

Checking proofs

If you’ve instructed us to design some artwork for you, whether it’s for a sign, vehicle graphics, banners or leaflets, we will usually present the artwork to you as a proof by email, normally as a PDF or JPEG.

The point of a proof is to represent the outcome of your project as close as possible before committing to using any materials; now is the time to double check the content (and overall project spec too) and let us know any changes.

THINGS TO DOUBLE CHECK

This is not a comprehensive list, but acts as a good prompt if you’re not used to checking proofs…

  • All spelling & grammar
  • Typefaces and fonts
  • Colours and images
  • Formatting, position, spacing, punctuation 
  • Mobile and landline phone numbers
  • Email and website addresses
  • Addresses, place names and postcodes
  • Registration numbers for charities and trade associations
  • Sizes, material specification, quantities
  • Vehicle make, model, shape and size. Also check the positions of any after market locks, badges or existing stickers on your vehicle in case anything overlaps
  • Anything else that is specifically relevant to you, your project, business or industry

Of course, if you spot an error or a potential problem, let us know straight away so we change it and submit further proofs.

THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND

It is highly likely the screen you are viewing your proof on or the printer you are printing your proof out to, are not colour accurate.

A PDF proof is a guide for overall size, position and content. If you have any concerns about specific colours, image quality or materials we are using, please talk to us. For a small fee we can usually print a sample section or scaled down version of your artwork on the correct material before committing to the final project. We have swatches and samples of all the materials we use to hand too if you need to check, it’s all here to help.

Remember, any extra hard copy proofs or samples will delay your project. 

APPROVING YOUR PROOF

Once you are happy with the content, material specification, position and overall design of your artwork, you are ready to approve your proof.

Once approval is received your job will be immediately booked in for production and may start being produced straight away. Any corrections or changes to any part of the project from this point on may incur a charge for any materials or time used, please bear this in mind.

Please remember, you are fully responsible for checking and approving the content and specification of any project artwork we produce on your behalf.

If you have any questions at all about this stage of the process, do talk to us, we’re here to help.