Artwork & proof approvals

Choose the right artwork option

Where a product supports it, you can supply a file, use the product designer or ask SQAQ to prepare the design. SQAQ design help is R250, including applicable VAT, per selected design brief. The brief is the agreed piece of design work, not a fee for every item in a print run.

The product, chosen print or branding method and delivery are charged separately. Extra briefs or a changed scope need a separate agreement before a fee is added.

Supply usable files

Follow the dimensions, file type and artwork requirements shown for your chosen product. Vector artwork is usually preferable for logos. Photographic artwork needs adequate resolution at the actual print size. Screen captures and enlarging a small image do not create missing detail.

Tell us about required fonts, colour references, special finishes, print positions and any permitted variations. Supply only artwork, logos and photographs you are entitled to reproduce.

Bleed, trim and safe areas

Bleed is artwork extending beyond a trim edge; the safe area keeps essential content away from that edge. The correct dimensions depend on the product and print process. A flat printed sheet and an embroidered garment do not use the same production specification.

Crop marks and a larger PDF page do not create missing bleed. If the supplied design cannot meet the specification, SQAQ must explain the correction needed. Your artwork should not be stretched, cropped or given an invented border without your approval.

Review the exact proof

• Check every word, number, address, web address and spelling.
• Check the product, quantity, dimensions, orientation and print positions.
• Check logo versions, colours, images, trim and safe-area placement.
• Approve or request revisions against the specific submitted proof version.

A browser preview helps you review the design. It is not a calibrated physical colour proof. If an exact colour or material finish matters, agree a sample or matching process before production.

Approval and revisions

Your account records the submitted version, your approval or revision request and the related messages. Silence is not approval. Production must not begin on a version you have not approved.

A revision round is one consolidated list of in-scope changes. Any included allowance is recorded with your purchased service or project. Corrections to errors introduced by SQAQ do not consume that allowance. A new direction, another brief or changes after approval need a separate agreement.

After approval

Approved artwork can move to production once the other order requirements are ready. Contact us immediately if you spot a mistake after approving. We will check whether production can still be stopped and explain any lawful additional cost before proceeding.

Approval does not excuse poor workmanship, use of the wrong approved version or failure to meet the agreed production specification. See Returns & refunds if the finished work is incorrect or defective.