Artwork Approval Guide
How to Read and Approve Your Artwork Proof
A simple guide to reviewing your custom apparel design before it goes into production.
At Printoshop LA, your approved digital proof is the primary reference for how we prepare and print your custom apparel. Before approving, please check the garment, artwork, dimensions, placement, spelling, and any special notes.
Important: Production begins only after your order has been paid for and your final proof has been approved. If something looks incorrect, request a revision before giving approval.
The 5 Main Sections of an Artwork Proof
The numbered example below illustrates the key information you should review. Each number is explained directly underneath the image.
Check the apparel brand, garment style, selected shirt color, and any order or artwork reference number. All garment information should match what you ordered. If your order includes more than one shirt color or garment style, verify each version.
The mockup shows approximately how your design will look on the shirt. It helps you evaluate overall appearance and placement, but it is not a guarantee of exact physical size or color. Use the written print measurements as your definitive reference.
Review the print location (for example, full front or left chest), the artwork width and height, and the placement measurements. For example, 2.5 inches below the bottom of the collar means the top of the printed design begins approximately 2.5 inches below the collar's lower edge.
About color: Printoshop LA primarily uses full-color DTF printing. Digital proof colors are visual references; variations may occur because of screens, color profiles, fabric color, and print materials. Our full-color DTF process does not rely on a separate screen-printing ink swatch for each color.
Read this section carefully for any design warnings, artwork issues, special positioning instructions, or manufacturing limitations. When you approve the proof, you also approve the notes included with it.
Zoom in and verify spelling, names, dates, phone numbers, logo elements, tiny text, edges, and any other details. Small errors are easiest to correct before printing.
How We Center Your Design
For artwork specified as centered, the print position is generally calculated from the outer left and right edges of the artwork. The actual visual result depends on whether the design itself has a balanced or uneven arrangement of elements.
Balanced Artwork — Centered
Most designs are visually balanced. When we place this type of artwork in the center of the garment, it will usually appear centered to the eye. A digital mockup may occasionally look slightly shifted because of clothing folds, perspective, or garment photography.
Unbalanced Artwork — Centered
If artwork contains additional elements on one side, such as stars, icons, or decorative details, it can be mathematically centered but appear visually off-center. Unless you request and approve a different position, we use the artwork's overall dimensions rather than automatically rearranging its elements.
If you prefer a different visual alignment, tell our team exactly what you would like changed before approving your proof. Adjusting the artwork, removing an element, or changing the positioning may require a revised proof and additional production time.
Understanding Print Dimensions and Placement
Print location: Full front
Print dimensions: 10″ wide × 10″ tall
Placement: Centered, 2.5″ below collar
Print method: Full-color DTF
These measurements control the intended size and location of your artwork. The print may look proportionally different across small and large shirt sizes when the same print dimensions are used throughout an order. Minor positioning differences can occur during normal apparel production.
Before You Click “Approve”
- Confirm your garment style, shirt color and size selections.
- Confirm artwork spelling, logo details, and colors.
- Check the printing location, width, height and collar distance.
- Read any proof notes and limitations.
- Request corrections if anything is not as expected.
Once you approve your artwork, we prepare the order using the accepted specifications. Changes may not be possible after production starts. For our standard turnaround, allow approximately 15 business days for production after payment and final proof approval, plus shipping transit time, subject to the policies selected for your order.