Never, ever consider getting a document printed without first approving a printer’s proof.
Why? Well, a printed proof protects you from any comeback if something goes wrong.
Generating accurate artwork can be a complex process which takes many years to truly master. Even the most experienced designer can inadvertently supply a low resolution image or specify a colour which doesn’t reproduce as they’d expected.
If you don’t order a proof, a problem of this kind may only be spotted when your printed documents are delivered to you.
At best, this could mean that your job has to be reprinted, leading to frustration and delays.
Proofs come in several guises:
- Soft Proofs – Soft proofs are viewed on a computer monitor. Various solutions are available but the most common form is PDF (Portable Document Format), an increasingly secure method of proofing. The benefits of PDFs include low cost, speed and convenience. However, there are drawbacks. Unless you’re an experienced user it can be difficult to spot problems which can affect the printed result. Also, accurate colour reproduction isn’t possible unless you’ve invested in a sophisticated professional colour calibration solution. Whenever possible ask for a colour calibrated Sherpa printed proof – It may cost extra, but it’s worth it.
- Sherpa Proofs – Digital sherpa proofs are printed off our colour calibrated large format proofer – giving 99% colour accuracy. Sherpa proofs do cost extra, however if your job is colour critical it’s worth it for peace of mind.
- Digital Proofs – Digital proofs are printed using a laser printer. Digital laser proofs give a reasonably close representation of what your document will look like when it is printed.
- Wet or Press Proofs – Wet or press proofs are the most accurate of all. They are printed using the same process that will be used to produce your final document and can be printed onto the paper you have specified. If your document is being printed by conventional lithography, a wet proof can be expensive as it takes a good deal of time and effort to set up a printing press just to produce a single proof.
When you receive your proof, make sure you check it! It might sound like an obvious thing to say but I’ve had customers who have failed to notice that they’ve spelt their own name incorrectly. Even better, get someone with a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ to check the proof.
If there are any changes, always ask for another proof to ensure any corrections have been carried out successfully.
Proofing can often seem like a pointless and time consuming process. After all, the vast majority of proofs are approved without any amends. However, when things do go wrong, you’ll be glad you spotted the problem before it hit the press. Believe me, that stomach churning moment when you realise that an entire box (or lorry!) load of print is only fit for the recycling bin is an experience you really should try to avoid.
