With design work you only get one chance to get it right. That’s why the design proofing process is so important. Sure, you can always make corrections and have it redone, but that can be very costly. Here, we’ll talk about what to look for and how to avoid mistakes and expensive redo's.
During the design and revision process, many changes are made. It’s always a good idea to keep track of those changes for when you’re ready to give final approval. It may sound tedious, but doing one final run-through to verify every change has been implemented is best. We always say, “whatever can happen, will happen,” just as a reminder to take that extra step in prevention.
Check it twice!
Our brain does this funny thing where it can comprehend text despite spelling errors and misplaced letters in the words, especially when you’ve read the same thing over and over. We recommend having a second pair of eyes to check for errors, especially when your project includes a lot of text. As an added safeguard, we can also run spellcheck from within our design software.
Also be mindful depending on your device that is being used that colours can look deferent on screen vs in person.
Proofing Checklist
Below are some important things to look for when reviewing your proof:
- Check for spelling errors
- Fonts – Do fonts appear as they should?
- Image clarity – If your pictures look blurry on screen, they are low-res and will look even more pixelated when printed.
- Alignment of images and text – Are all elements in the correct place and the proper orientation?
- Bleed/Trim – Do your graphics/images touch the edge as intended? If you see white between the image and the edge, the answer is no. Is your text with the safe area so it won’t accidentally be cut off?
The design proofing process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re managing it all on your own. Let us help! We have extensive experience and can guide you through the whole process.