What We Need Before We Start Branding
Before we set up embroidery, screen printing or sublimation, we need clear artwork and a few practical details about the item itself. This helps us confirm stitch size, print area, colour count and where the branding will sit on the garment or gift. If you are ordering for a school, company or sports group, send the final logo, the item list and the sizes or quantities you need.
If you only have a rough logo on a letterhead or old photo, send that too and we will advise what can be used. For best results, the original artwork should be in a format that stays sharp when enlarged, rather than a small picture saved from a WhatsApp message.
- Logo or artwork file
- Garment or item type
- Branding position, for example left chest or back
- Colours to be used
- Quantity and sizes
Best File Types for Clean Setup
Vector files are the best starting point for most branding work because they scale without losing quality. If you have a logo in PDF, AI, EPS or SVG, that is usually ideal. High resolution PNG or JPG files can work for smaller jobs, but they must be clear and not blurred or pixelated.
For embroidery digitising, the cleaner the artwork the better the stitch file will be. Tiny text, thin outlines and shaded effects may need adjustment. If a file was copied from social media or taken from a screenshot, please tell us early because it may need redrawing before production can start.
- Preferred: vector PDF, AI, EPS or SVG
- Also useful: high resolution PNG or JPG
- Not ideal: screenshots, compressed images, small WhatsApp copies
- Extra helpful: an existing brand guide or colour reference
How to Share Colours and Brand Details
Colour accuracy matters, especially for corporate clothing and schoolwear. If you have specific brand colours, send the colour names or references you already use. If you do not have exact references, we will work from the logo file and advise on the nearest practical match for embroidery thread, print inks or sublimation artwork.
Please also tell us if the logo must be reproduced exactly as it is, or whether we may make small layout changes for better stitch quality. A few adjustments are normal, such as thickening fine lettering or simplifying tiny detail. This is especially important on caps, where the stitching area is smaller and the design must fit properly.
Layout Notes for Garments, Caps and Bags
Different items need different artwork layouts. A shirt chest logo is not set up the same way as a cap front, bag panel or large back print. When you send your request, tell us where the branding must go and if there are any rules from your school, company or event organiser. For example, some schools need a crest on the left chest and initials on the sleeve, while a business may want a logo on the front and a staff name on the back.
For embroidery and print, keep in mind that very small details may not show well. We may recommend a simpler version for one colour branding, or a larger layout for visibility. If you need multiple positions on one item, let us know upfront so we can quote and set up the order correctly, no surprises later.
- Left chest, right chest or centre front
- Cap front, side or back
- Bag panel or strap placement
- Back print for staff names or slogans
- Sleeve, yoke or hem branding if required
What Happens During Mock-Ups and Approval
Once we have the artwork and order details, we prepare a mock-up so you can see how the branding will look on the item. This is where we confirm position, size and wording before anything is stitched or printed. Please check spelling, initials, phone numbers and school names carefully at this stage because errors approved by the client are costly to change later.
If changes are needed, send them through clearly and in one message where possible. That keeps the process moving and helps our production team avoid confusion. Once the mock-up is approved, we move into digitising, print setup or both, depending on the job.
Artwork Common Problems We Can Help Fix
Many clients around Mbombela, White River, Hazyview, Malelane and Barberton do not have perfect artwork when they first contact us, and that is fine. We regularly help with redraws, cleaning up low-quality logos, removing backgrounds and separating colours for print. If your file is old or damaged, send the best version you have and we will tell you what can be salvaged.
Where artwork is unclear, we may ask for a photograph of the original garment, signboard or brochure. That gives us a better idea of the real logo shape and wording. In some cases we can recreate the artwork from scratch, but we will always confirm the setup requirements before production starts so the finish is right.
Fast Checklist Before You Send Your Order
A good artwork brief saves time for everyone. It helps our team set up the correct stitch count, print size and item placement, and it reduces delays during busy periods when school orders and corporate runs come in together. If you are in Riverside, Nelspruit Central, Kabokweni or Ngodwana, you can send the details through the enquiry form on our contact page and we will come back with what is needed next.
- Send the clearest logo file you have
- Confirm the item type and quantity
- State the branding position
- List any wording, names or numbers
- Approve the mock-up before production begins
Good artwork does not need to be complicated. It just needs to be clear enough for accurate digitising and print setup, so the final result matches what you had in mind.
