How to PROOF Your Design Proof

Your graphic designer emails you a proof and asks if you have any questions or changes. Now’s not the time to be distracted by beautiful design, you must thoroughly inspect the proof. If you’re new to working with creatives, and you’re not sure what to look for, here are some general proofing tips:  

1.     Print the document to SCALE and review it at actual size. Reviewing a print piece at 400% on a screen is way different from holding it in your hand at actual size. For large format pieces, print a few of the text-heavy tiles, tape them to a wall, and read them at the intended distance. Consider: Is the text still readable? Does the functionality meet your objective? Is the piece sized to your vendor’s specifications?

2.     Read the messaging – every bit of it, even easily overlooked items like captions and footnotes. Check for spelling errors, extra spaces, and extraneous letters. And double check any cross-references like page numbers and hyperlinks. Nothing will make your brand seem more unprofessional than a blatant and avoidable error.

3.     Consider the content strategy. Does the piece have a clear and concise hook, and is it relevant to your targeted viewer? Is the messaging voice on-brand, and is the hierarchy designed accurately?

4.     Is all of your content included? Was anything left out? Did you remember a call-to-action?

5.     Is it on-brand? Does the color palette, image selection, and typography align with the standards for your brand? Does this piece have continuity with the other pieces in the campaign?

6.     Is there any clutter that could be cut? Simplicity is usually most effective.

Only you know the ins and outs of your business. With efforts to provide the highest quality product, your designer really does need your thoughtful feedback. Mark up the proof in Acrobat or type up a punch list of changes. Follow these 6 tips to help push your brand work into quality territory. Happy proofing!