Preparing artwork

Using AI to Create Your Artwork?

Before You Send It for Print

Using AI tools such as ChatGPT to create your flyer or business card artwork? Please check the following before sending it over:

  1. Correct size and bleed
    Your artwork needs to be set up at the correct print size, with 3 mm bleed on every side. Background colours and images must extend into the bleed to help prevent unwanted white edges when cutting. Keep text and important details safely inside the trim edge.
  2. Image quality
    An image can look sharp on screen but appear blurred or pixelated in print. For flyers and business cards, aim for 300 DPI at the final print size. Saving a low-resolution image as a PDF does not improve its quality.
  3. PDF format
    Supply a correctly prepared print-ready PDF where possible. Simply putting an AI image into a PDF does not automatically make it print-ready.
  4. Sending your artwork
    Please send the original downloaded file rather than a screenshot or an image sent through WhatsApp’s photo option. If using WhatsApp, attach it as a document to preserve the original file. Please also send the artwork’s shared AI link, where available, so I can review it.
  5. Check every detail
    Check spelling, wording, prices, phone numbers and website addresses carefully. AI can make mistakes, including lettering that looks right at first glance.
  6. Colours
    Colours on screen may look different in print. Artwork should be prepared to the printer’s CMYK requirements.

Using AI for Logo Design

AI can be useful for developing a logo idea, but the finished image may need rebuilding before it is suitable for print—especially for larger items such as banners and signage.

Keep your design simple, with clear lettering and shapes. This makes it easier to reproduce and rebuild as a vector logo, which can be enlarged without losing sharpness.

Unsure whether your artwork is suitable? Send it over for checking before placing your print order.

Correctly prepared artwork helps your printing come out sharp, clear and trimmed as intended. I accept PDF and JPG files.

Bleed and safe margins

Bleed is extra background artwork that extends beyond the finished trim edge. It allows for small variations during cutting and helps prevent unwanted white edges.

The required bleed and safe margin vary depending on the product. Check the requirements for your order with me before preparing your artwork.

Extend background colours and images through the full bleed area. Keep important text, logos and other essential details inside the safe margin.

For example, if your product requires 3 mm bleed on each side, an A5 design measuring 148 × 210 mm would need an overall artwork size of 154 × 216 mm.

Colour mode

Supply your artwork in CMYK colour mode.

RGB is used for screens. Converting RGB artwork to CMYK for printing can change its colours, so prepare and export your files in CMYK wherever possible.

Screen colours may still look different from the finished print.

Image quality

The quality of your finished print depends on the quality of the images in your artwork.

For standard print products, use images at 300 dpi at their final printed size. Enlarging a small image can make it look blurred or pixelated, even if you change its resolution setting.

Logos

Where possible, supply logos in CMYK colour mode. Converting an RGB logo to CMYK may change its colours.

Use a sharp, high-quality version of your logo. A vector logo is ideal because it can be enlarged without losing clarity.

PDF files and fonts

When supplying a PDF, make sure all fonts are embedded or converted to outlines, sometimes called curves.

If a font is missing, it may be replaced with another font or display incorrectly. Embedding fonts or converting them to outlines helps preserve the appearance of your design.

Not sure if your artwork is ready?

Send me your file before ordering, and I’ll advise whether any adjustments are needed.

Artwork amendments and setting

Already have artwork but need something changed? I can help with amendments such as updating wording, prices or contact details, depending on the file supplied.

I can also help set up supplied artwork for printing (specifically bleeds). Send your file and tell me the required print size so I can check what work is needed.

  • Artwork amendments: £5 per page.
  • Artwork setting: £3.50.

Not every file can be edited successfully. I’ll check your artwork and confirm what can be done and the cost before starting. If it needs rebuilding or a new design, I’ll let you know.