Hey there, Camper!  

 

 

Last week, we tackled the mental hurdles of sourcing and building confidence to move forward. 

 

This week, let’s use our cozy snow day to dive into a critical yet often overlooked part of the process: file preparation.  

 

For my oven mitts and pot holders, prepping files is all about setting my manufacturer up for success. It might seem like a small step, but trust me, it’s the foundation for bringing your design vision to life.  

 

 

I know file preparation may not sound glamorous. Still, it’s a crucial step in making sure your product turns out exactly as you envisioned. 

 

 

1. Ask for Templates: Manufacturers often provide templates to ensure your design fits their production specs. This can be a lifesaver, especially for custom shapes and patterns.  

 

2. Confirm the Color Mode: Depending on how your file is going to print- confirm if your printer wants CMYK or RGB files. Double-check to be sure the colors look the way you want them to.

 

3. Request & Review Proofs: Always review proofs before production and approve a mockup of your design before production. That way, you can catch errors and tweak details beforehand.

 

4. File Format & Resolution: Verify the required file format (like AI, PSD, or PDF) and make sure the resolution is at least 300 DPI to avoid pixelation.  

 

These simple steps save time, reduce the risk of production hiccups and help your designs shine.   

 

 

Now, let’s make sure your designs are winter-proof and production-ready!

 

Check these off your list:  

 

☑️ Do you have the correct template? 

☑️ Is your file in CMYK color mode? 

☑️ Have you requested a proof from the manufacturer?

☑️ Is your file format and resolution up to standard?  

 

Remember, take a minute to participate in this week’s scavenger hunt!  

 

1. Head to the blog post about communicating with factories about artwork.  

 

2. At the bottom of the post, answer this week’s question:  What’s your biggest concern about prepping files for manufacturing?  

 

Why Participate in My Scavenger Hunt & Live Webinar?

 

I’ll announce Three (3) Lucky Winners who’ll receive a FREE seat (valued at $497.00) in my next Manufacture: Awesome group launching in April! 

 

Winners will be announced during our live webinar, so register here to secure your spot.  

 

 

I’ll never forget the first time I prepped files for a manufacturer. I didn’t know about CMYK or templates, so the results were disappointing. It taught me to always ask for manufacturer requirements upfront. 

 

Nowadays, file prep is second nature to me - and a huge time-saver.  

 

I’ve already requested templates and confirmed the color mode for my oven mitts and pot holders. These small but essential steps ensure my designs meet my standards and will delight customers.  

As you can see, some templates are pretty simple… but this helps me to see the sizing of the pattern on the oven mitts!

 

Next Week: We’ll talk about the exciting experience of receiving samples!

 

That's when your hard work starts to materialize. I can't wait to share more tips and insights with you. 

 

P.S. Make sure you attend our live webinar! I’ll announce the scavenger hunt winners and share exclusive sourcing tips to make your journey smoother. Grab your spot now - while there’s still space!