1. Start With the Right Logo File
The cleanest jobs begin with a logo that is easy to work with. If you have a vector file, that is usually the best option for printing, cutting and larger signage. It keeps edges sharp at any size and helps us keep your branding consistent across banners, clothing and vehicle graphics.
If you only have a low-resolution image from a phone, social media or WhatsApp, send it anyway and we will check it. The earlier we see it, the better we can advise on what will print clearly and what may need to be redrawn. That saves time later, especially when a mine, school or contractor needs a quick turnaround in Rustenburg or the surrounding areas.
- Best option: vector artwork
- Good option: high-resolution PDF, PNG or JPEG
- Not ideal: screenshots, tiny images, blurry files
- Send all versions you have, even old ones
2. Confirm the Final Size Before We Set Up
Artwork must match the actual size of the item you want produced. A banner for a roadside site, a gazebo roof, a safety vest, or a shop sign all need different setup dimensions. If the size is not confirmed, the design may look right on screen but print too small or too large on the final item.
Send the exact measurements in millimetres or metres where possible. If you are unsure, tell us where the item will be used and we can guide you. For example, a pull-up banner used indoors at a trade counter needs a different layout from a fence banner facing strong wind and dust near construction or mining areas.
- Measure width and height clearly
- State if the item is one-sided or double-sided
- Tell us if there is a hem, eyelets, poles or seams
- For garments, confirm size range and placement area
3. Check Colours and Brand Rules
Colour is one of the biggest reasons artwork gets delayed. A logo can look different on a screen, on fabric and on printed vinyl. If your company has specific brand colours, send them with the artwork so we can match them as closely as the process allows. This matters for business stationery, uniforms, stickers and office signage where consistency is important.
Where possible, share any brand guide, previous print sample or colour reference. If the job is for an event, school, or site team, make sure the same colours are used across all items. A slight shift on one item can make the full order look mismatched. It is a small detail but it counts a lot.
- Send Pantone, CMYK or exact colour references if available
- Note if the logo must stay full colour or single colour
- Tell us if there are approved background colours
- Be careful with very light colours on light garments
4. Confirm Text, Spelling and Contact Details
Before we print anything, check every word. Once artwork is approved and sent into production, changing a phone number, address, name or job title can cost extra time and material. This is especially important for business cards, invoice books, safety boards, wayfinding signs and promotional items where the text must be correct the first time.
Please read the copy as it will appear on the item, not just as it appears in your message or message. Check spacing, capital letters and spelling of names and places. One missing letter can become a costly reprint, and if the item is going to site then that delay can hold up the whole job.
- Check names, titles and registration details
- Confirm phone numbers, addresses and website links
- Check dates, event names and site references
- Make sure all spelling is final before approval
5. Tell Us Where the Artwork Will Be Used
The same design behaves differently on a banner, a sticker, a safety shirt or a branded gazebo. If you tell us the final use, we can advise on layout, font size, reading distance and finishing. A sign for a gate needs to be legible from far away. A sticker for machinery may need stronger material. Embroidery for a collar needs simpler detail than a printed artwork on a flat surface.
Let us know whether the item will be indoors, outdoors, exposed to sun, dust, rain or washing. In North West conditions, especially around mines and open sites, durable setup matters. Coastal humidity is not the issue here, but heat and dust still affect material choice and finish.
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Short term event or long term installation
- Exposure to weather, dust or washing
- Application surface such as glass, metal, fabric or wall
6. Gather What We Need Before You Send the Job
The smoothest orders arrive with all the basics together. If you are sending artwork for a full branding job, include the logo file, exact sizes, colour notes, text, quantity and the delivery or fitting address. That helps our team move from artwork check to production without unnecessary back and forth.
If your order includes more than one item, list each item clearly. For example, a company may need stationery, embroidered shirts, a PVC banner and sticker labels for stock. Keeping the order grouped by item makes it easier for Mbalenhle and the operations team to confirm what is ready, what still needs approval and what must go to Johan in production next.
- Artwork files and any old versions
- Sizes, quantities and item types
- Colour references and text copy
- Delivery, collection or installation details
7. Final Sign-Off Before Production Starts
Once we have checked the artwork, we will send through the details for approval. Please review it carefully before giving the go-ahead. After approval, the job moves into production and changes become difficult to make without affecting the schedule. This step protects both your budget and your deadline.
If something is not clear, ask before signing off. We would rather correct a layout now than redo a sign, a set of shirts or a banner later. Jabulani and the team work with customers across Rustenburg, Tlhabane, Phokeng, Kroondal, Marikana, Mogwase and the wider Bojanala area, so clear proofing stays a priority.
When your artwork is ready, send it with your order details through the enquiry form on our contact page and we will take it from there.
