ART PROOFS and SEPARATION PROOFS FOR THE SAKE OF THE PROCESS

[Dottonedan]

We all know we need to do art proofs of a design and get it approved. If not, we learn by getting bit!
Art proofs are a must have in the process. We can even provide and all will benefit from a separation proof for - solid spot color separations, but did you know....

ART PROOFS and SEPARATION PROOFS FOR THE SAKE OF THE PROCESS:
It’s rare that a customer will ask for a separation proof but it happens now and then. These types of customers probably order screen printed garments frequently and those are good customers to keep happy. If they ask for a separation “proof”, it’s more than likely, they have been bitten themselves once or twice, and now know to ask for this. Perhaps they have been cheated on color count, (paying for something that wasn’t used), or an important PMS color was not used. But did you realize, that requesting a “simulated process separation proof” does not benefit representing how the print will come out?

I used to say, "Don’t let your customer assume that the way a digital jpg or pdf of a simulated process print will look exactly like that". It would be inaccurate. But in reality, most won’t ever look at it all that closely. They may count colors and confirm the use of certain pms colors and move on.

Even showing the customer the separation file on screen, will not be accurate. These Digital files to an inkjet printer, or on screen, are not true hard proofs of separations.

Separation “proofs” come from the use of hard proofs on high quality paper stock (for paper printing). It’s often carried over to screen printing by a customer that has been in that paper printing environment. They assume Paper is the same as garment material when it comes to proofs.

I get asked for a separation “proof” of my simulated process separations every now and then and it’s a bit disheartening. The only benefit that it provides is that you are in fact using the colors the customers are being charged for. That, I can understand. So that is the whole reason the whole benefit for requesting and sim process separation proof file. For this reason, I remove any reservations of getting asked for sep proofs and don’t go into detail and explain. Just provide them with what thy asked for and move on.

Habbit:
I totally understand the confusion since we all always need art proofs as part of the process of design. The customer has to approve the look of the art. Therefore, they believe that they should then also request a separation proof.

They do not need to have one, but they don’t know that...and it takes too long to explain and likely they won’t understand anyway. They can’t understand what is going on in those separations and the production details that comes after. Like mesh, ink types, print stroke speed, how that gets affected by shirt color and shirt material.

Still, it can get frustrating because people don’t understand that an art proof (of simulated process or 4 color process - separations) don’t and won’t represent exactly how the print will come out. It’s a “production file”. Production files don’t look the same as art when it’s sent to be produced.

When you have 4-5 or 12 colors in file with colors blending into one another to create another color, you don’t see that in advance, exactly the way it will happen on press. You can’t. The inks aren’t wet, the inks aren’t soft, the inks aren’t blending like they will, it won’t represent the ink in a 156 mesh versus a 305 mesh and it won’t represent how the inks will fade away into the shirt color like it will on press.

But for the benefit of the process, it’s something we must do. Another one of those wasted efforts for the sake of the process.


Dot-Tone-Dan Campbell
Dot-tone-Designs
Art@designsbydottone.com

[Larrymuh]

Hey everyone nice forum

[tonypep]

And that Dan is where money is often left on the table. Sometimes necessary but usually not charged.

[Dottonedan]

Thanks!  We try to be helpful and pass on what we have learned over the years and we rely on each other to correct ourselves. Sometimes we aren't totally right.

[Dottonedan]

And that Dan is where money is often left on the table. Sometimes necessary but usually not charged.

Very much so. Seldom charged for.

[tonypep]

What? Never! I just like to know there is not a 24 pc order behind all the process. Sometimes you need to walk.

[ABuffington]

Good info Dan.  Thanks