What artwork setup covers before we print
Artwork setup is the step between your rough file and a proper production ready job. We review the artwork line by line, check the setup against the item being made, and flag anything that could affect print quality, fit or finish. That includes whether the file is ready for a banner, sticker, embroidered garment, gazebos canopy panel or a sign board.
For many Rustenburg clients, the problem is not the design itself but the technical setup. A logo can look fine on screen and still print soft, crop badly, or come out with weak text at small sizes. We prepare the file so it suits the final size, substrate and method, whether that is large format printing, vinyl cutting, embroidery or fitment work.
- Artwork size and proportions checked against the final product
- Bleed, margins and safe area set correctly
- Fonts, images and logos checked for clarity
- Colour setup reviewed for print or thread use
Files we accept and the details we check
We can work from common design files, PDF, AI, EPS, PNG and high resolution JPG. If your file is not print ready, we will tell you what needs fixing before production starts. For text heavy items such as business stationery and promotional stickers, we check spelling, line breaks, spacing and contact details carefully. Small errors on a card or label can cost time and money, so it is worth sorting it out upfront.
For embroidery, the setup is more technical. Stitch files need the right density, underlay and size for the fabric, especially on caps, shirts and workwear. For signage, we look at mounting points, viewing distance and the surface it will go onto. In the Boshoek and Kroondal areas, we often also factor in dust, heat and outdoor exposure so the finished item holds up better.
- Minimum file quality checked at the intended print size
- Fonts outlined or supplied where needed
- Artwork scaled to exact dimensions in millimetres or metres
- Thread friendly setup for embroidery items and uniforms
Our setup process from first file to approval
Once your enquiry comes through the contact form, we assess the artwork and the product brief together. We then confirm the size, quantity, material and finish before any production work begins. If adjustments are needed, we make them and send back a proof for approval. That way the job is aligned before it reaches print or production, and there is less chance of waste.
Our team in the Rustenburg CBD base handles the process in house. Mpho works on artwork corrections and layout, while the production side checks whether the file suits the chosen material and finishing method. For urgent orders going to mines or schools, we keep the process practical and direct so the job can move without delays. During load-shedding we manage the workflow around available production windows, which helps keep turnaround times steady.
- Step 1: receive your file and job details
- Step 2: check sizing, colour and layout
- Step 3: amend artwork where needed
- Step 4: send proof for approval before production
Turnaround times for artwork setup jobs
Simple setup work is usually straightforward, especially if the file is already in good condition. More detailed jobs, such as full branded packs, multiple item orders or embroidery digitising, may take longer because each item needs its own setup checks. If you are ordering for a school function, site event or mine safety campaign, tell us the deadline early so we can plan the sequence properly.
Turnaround also depends on how quickly approvals come back. A file that is approved in the morning can usually go into the queue much faster than a file waiting on changes for two days. For clients in Phokeng, Mogwase and Marikana, we also arrange delivery and setup where needed, which can be built into the production plan once the artwork is signed off.
- Basic artwork checks: often same day
- Moderate edits: usually 1 to 2 working days
- Complex multi item setup: allow longer lead time
- Proof approval speed affects the final handover date
How we price artwork setup and what affects the cost
Pricing for artwork setup is based on the amount of work needed, not just the number of pages or images. A clean logo for a banner is different from a damaged file that needs rebuilding for embroidery, vinyl cutting or large format print. We quote clearly before work starts, so you know what is included and what extra changes may cost. There are no guessy extras hidden in the process.
Factors that affect pricing include file quality, number of corrections, whether logos must be redrawn, and whether the artwork needs size versions for several products. A single design can sometimes be used across stationery, clothing and signage, but each format still needs its own proper setup. For bulk jobs supplying schools, contractor teams or mine admin offices, we can structure the pricing around the full order.
- Clean file with minor changes: lower setup cost
- Rebuilds, redraws and layout fixes: higher setup cost
- Multiple product sizes in one order: quoted together where possible
- Rush work may carry an added fee depending on the deadline
Keeping artwork ready for repeat orders
Good artwork setup does not end at approval. We keep the final approved version on file so repeat orders can move faster when you need more shirts, more stickers or a fresh banner for another event. This helps when your team grows, your site details change, or you need different quantities for different branches in Bojanala. It also makes updates easier when a phone number, logo or job title changes.
For long running campaigns, we recommend checking artwork at regular intervals, especially before seasonal printing, staff uniform reorders or new site signage. Colours can shift slightly across materials, so a quick review before each reprint is smart. In coastal humidity is not the issue here, but dust, sun and strong weather still affect banners and outdoor signs over time, so a recheck keeps the result tidy and legible.
- Review artwork before each repeat print run
- Check contact details and job titles for updates
- Reconfirm sizes if the application has changed
- Ask for a proof when switching material or finish
Key facts
| File types accepted | PDF, AI, EPS, PNG, JPG |
|---|---|
| Best resolution for raster files | 300 dpi at final size |
| Bleed allowance | 3 mm for small print, more for large trim jobs |
| Colour guidance | CMYK for print, thread matching for embroidery |
| Artwork scale | Supplied in mm, cm or metres to final size |
| Turnaround | Same day to 2 working days for standard setup, longer for rebuilds |
