What We Check Before Artwork Goes To Print
Our Artwork Spec Check service reviews your creative against the practical requirements of the chosen advertising space. That includes the listing dimensions, viewing distance, orientation, fixing method, access for installation and any site specific notes supplied by the property owner. We also check whether the artwork format suits a wall wrap, painted wall panel, flex face or other outdoor display method.
For wall and billboard advertising in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein, the main aim is simple: make sure the artwork is buildable on site and does not create problems once the crew arrives. Coastal humidity, strong sun, wind exposure and uneven wall surfaces can all affect the final result, so we look for details that matter in the field not only on screen.
We do not treat this as a design critique. It is a practical production check that helps reduce reprints, resizing issues and avoidable delays.
Artwork Specs We Review For Each Listing
Every site is different, but most checks focus on the same core items. If the file is outside the listed space or missing basic production details, we will flag it before booking moves ahead.
- Final artwork size matches the listed panel or wall dimensions
- Bleed, trim and safe area are set correctly for outdoor use
- File resolution is suitable for large format viewing
- Orientation fits portrait, landscape or wrap requirements
- Colours, contrast and text size remain readable at distance
- Mounting allowances are included for frames, edges or overlap points
- Any cut-outs, seams or joins are clearly marked on the layout
- Installation notes reflect the actual access conditions on site
Where a listing calls for a specific panel size or fixed wall area, we compare the artwork against that space line by line. If there is a mismatch, we identify what must change before production starts.
How The Review Process Works
The process starts once the listing is selected and the campaign brief is shared. Our team then checks the supplied creative against the site notes and any installer requirements. If we spot a size problem, missing bleed or a file that is not suited to the material, we send back clear feedback with the next step. No guesswork, no back and forth over avoidable errors.
- Step 1: Confirm the chosen site and listed dimensions
- Step 2: Review the artwork file and production format
- Step 3: Check artwork against mounting and access needs
- Step 4: Flag any issues that could affect print or install
- Step 5: Confirm what is ready for booking or what must be corrected
This service sits alongside consent check guidance and bylaw process support. Property owner consent is always required, and local municipal bylaw approval may also be needed depending on the site and the type of display. We keep that practical requirement front and centre so the campaign does not move ahead on a weak foundation.
Turnaround Times That Suit Booking Deadlines
Most checks are handled within a practical turnaround window once all files and site details are in hand. If the artwork is straightforward and the listing information is complete, feedback can move quickly. If the site needs extra clarification such as access restrictions, unusual dimensions or multiple panels, we may take a little longer so the guidance is accurate.
We work to keep the review pace aligned with installation scheduling, because late changes can push out a campaign start date. That matters in busy areas like Braamfontein, Sandton and the Johannesburg CBD, where access windows and loading arrangements can affect the install plan. For coastal sites in Cape Town or Durban, weather conditions may also influence when the final artwork should be issued for production.
Where needed, we can prioritise the check so the booking can proceed without losing time on a site that is already available.
What Happens If The File Needs Changes
If the artwork does not meet the listed requirements, we explain what needs attention in plain language. Common issues include incorrect dimensions, text too close to the edges, low resolution files, poor contrast, missing seam allowances and layout elements that interfere with brackets or join lines. For wall advertising, we also check whether the artwork respects the shape and condition of the wall area itself, because not every surface is perfectly square or flat.
Where adjustments are needed, we will indicate whether the issue is minor or whether the file needs a full rework before production. That helps advertisers decide quickly whether to amend the existing file or submit a new version. The aim is not to slow things down, but to protect the booking and avoid a print that cannot be fitted properly.
For installations near active roads or higher wind exposure, we may recommend a more conservative layout approach so the final display remains clear and practical over the campaign period.
Pricing Approach And Ongoing Maintenance Checks
Artwork Spec Check is priced according to the amount of review required, the number of listings involved and whether the file needs a basic pass or a more detailed production review. We do not publish blanket rates because every site and format is different, and a single wall space in Braamfontein may need a different level of checking from a multi-panel placement in Pretoria or Durban.
For longer campaigns, maintenance checks are often planned at regular intervals so the artwork remains suitable for the site over time. That can include reviewing replacement files, checking whether conditions on the property have changed and confirming that any renewal artwork still matches the approved dimensions. If the surface has weathered, shifted or been affected by repairs, we flag that too.
- Initial artwork check before booking confirmation
- Pre-print confirmation where final files need a last look
- Mid-campaign review for renewal or replacement artwork
- Post-install notes if site conditions affect the next print run
Clients can reach us through the enquiry form on our contact page. From there, the relevant team member can guide the review and keep the paperwork side of the booking moving cleanly.
Key facts
| File format | Print-ready PDF preferred, with layered source files supplied if available |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Suitable for large format output at viewing distance, ideally built for outdoor print |
| Bleed | Include bleed where the site requires edge-to-edge coverage or trimming |
| Safe area | Keep key text and logos away from trim, seams and fixing points |
| Colour setup | Prepared for outdoor print output, with strong contrast for sunlight conditions |
| Site notes | Allow for mounting method, wall condition, access limits and local bylaw requirements |
