Question 1

What do you mean by 'artworking'?

Accepted Answer

Artworking is the preparation of files to be production-ready. Internationally, it may also be referred to as production art, artwork production, or simply artworking.

Question 2

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

We are proud to be based in Auckland, New Zealand. Unlike many other companies that pretend to be in a particular location, we actually are in the location we say we are and we don't just have an answering service or a fake, redirected phone number. Make It Print Ready is a division of M11 Limited and our New Zealand business number is: 9429041386507.

Question 3

Can you use existing artwork files?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can work with existing artwork files provided they are complete and fully packaged, with all fonts, linked images and supporting assets included. This ensures we can make accurate updates, roll out variations or extend product ranges efficiently, while preserving the integrity of the original design and avoiding missing elements or errors. Unfortunately, changes made during the pre-press stage (at the printers), such as trapping and pre-press adjustments, often impact the original file and are difficult or impossible to reverse. Therefore, we require the original files sent to the printers for optimal results and not printers' PDFs. Please reach out via our Contact Us page if you have any other file formats and we can advise accordingly.

Question 4

Can one artwork file be used globally?

Accepted Answer

Not normally. While a master artwork file can form the basis, adaptations are usually required to meet local regulations and market requirements. Differences in barcode standards, languages, ingredient listings, additive rules, and other compliance considerations mean that each market often requires a tailored version to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.

Question 5

What is the difference between artworking and pre-press?

Accepted Answer

Artworking involves preparing complete, accurate, production-ready artwork files that meet brand specifications and are ready for the printer. Pre-press, on the other hand, is printer-led and includes tasks such as trapping, plate-making, press-specific colour adjustments, proofing, and other machine-dependent processes. By keeping these roles separate, we ensure files are precise and consistent, while printers apply their technical expertise to achieve the best output on the press, minimising errors, duplication and production delays.

Question 6

Do you add trapping, make plates or adjust files for presses?

Accepted Answer

No. Those tasks are handled by the printer. Our role ensures the artwork is ready for these processes without error.

Question 7

Do you prepare artwork for special inks, foils or metallic finishes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare artwork to accommodate special inks, foils, metallics and varnishes. By setting up the correct spot channels, layering, and finishes in the artwork, we ensure printers have clear instructions to achieve the intended effects while maintaining accuracy and colour consistency.

Question 8

Why not combine artworking and pre-press?

Accepted Answer

Combining artworking and pre-press can lead to confusion, errors and duplicated effort. Artworking focuses on creating accurate, production-ready artwork, while pre-press involves printer-specific tasks such as trapping, plate-making and press calibration. Keeping these stages separate ensures accountability, allows each team to work with their expertise, maintains clarity of responsibilities, and reduces the risk of costly mistakes or delays, resulting in a smoother workflow and consistent, high-quality production outcomes.

Question 9

How do you handle artwork for complex finishes like foils, embossing or spot varnishes?

Accepted Answer

We create separate layers, spot colour channels and guides within the artwork to clearly define areas for special finishes such as foils, embossing, debossing, or spot varnishes. This ensures precise application by the printer, avoids mistakes, and maintains the visual integrity of the design while remaining fully production-ready.

Question 10

Is print ready the same as pre-press ready?

Accepted Answer

No, Print Ready means the artwork is approved by the client, fully prepared, accurate and structured for the printer to begin pre-press, but it does not include any printer-specific pre-press adjustments. Pre-Press ready would require printer specific knowledge such as trapping, plate-making, press calibration, or other machine-specific preparation. Our focus is on making print ready files and ensuring complete, consistent and production-safe, leaving pre-press to the printer's experts who apply their equipment and process knowledge.

Question 11

Do you provide printer pre-press services?

Accepted Answer

No. We prepare artwork so it is ready for the printer to carry out their own pre-press processes using their systems and standards. Pre-press is highly press- and printer-specific, relying on knowledge of particular machines, colour management systems, trapping methods and production workflows. By keeping our focus on artwork preparation, we ensure that files are technically accurate, consistent and ready for the printer to apply their expertise efficiently, avoiding errors and unnecessary delays.

Question 12

Can printers request changes after handover?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Printers should NEVER make changes to artwork files, they should only make necessary pre-press adjustments. Any other changes, such as spelling corrections, late ingredient updates, or layout modifications, are handled by us. We manage version control and maintain a master artwork location, ensuring all updates are consistent, accurately tracked, and the correct files are always supplied, preserving brand integrity and avoiding production errors.

Question 13

Do you work with international printers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly prepare artwork for printers worldwide and are familiar with varying standards and terminology.

Question 14

Do agencies still stay involved?

Accepted Answer

Not really, but agencies can remain involved if the client desires. This can include providing creative oversight and approvals. However, it isn't necessary, and sometimes having 'too many cooks' at the artwork stage can add complexity, whereas skipping agency involvement can reduce costs and streamline production without compromising quality. Artworking is not redesigning, it's more about being technically correct and following brand rules.

Question 15

Can 3D renders replace artwork?

Accepted Answer

No. 3D renders support approvals, focus groups, marketing decisions, and pre-production visualisation, allowing stakeholders to see products and packaging before production begins. They can help test concepts, validate design intent, and support promotional campaigns, but they cannot replace production-ready artwork, which is required for actual printing and manufacturing processes.

Question 16

Who supplies final print files to the printer?

Accepted Answer

The client. We do not send final artwork directly to printers. Our role is to provide approved, production-ready artwork to the client via a secure download link. The client then controls who receives the files, maintaining their relationship with the printer and full responsibility over distribution. The final artwork files are theirs after all.

Question 17

Do you approve printer proofs?

Accepted Answer

We can review proofs from an artwork perspective to ensure accuracy, but it is the client's responsibility to obtain printer proofs and approve them. Printers remain fully responsible for press output and final production quality.

Question 18

Why is separating artworking and pre-press important?

Accepted Answer

Separating artworking from pre-press reduces errors, duplication, delays and liability while preserving creative intent. It ensures that each stage is carried out by experts with the right knowledge and tools. Artworking focuses on creating accurate, complete, production-ready files, while pre-press handles printer-specific tasks such as trapping, plate-making and colour management. This clarity prevents confusion, avoids unnecessary rework, and allows brands and printers to operate efficiently with confidence in the workflow.

Question 19

Can you update existing artwork or extend product ranges?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can update existing artwork, extend product ranges, and roll out multiple SKUs, sizes or language versions from a single master design. We work with a wide range of file types and design programs, including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and other common vector and layout formats, ensuring flexibility, compatibility and production-ready results for all your print and packaging needs.

Question 20

How does working with you save money compared to agencies?

Accepted Answer

After working in and for agencies for over 30 years, we know how much they charge! Engaging us at the artworking stage avoids expensive agency fees for technical changes and revisions, ensures accurate rollout across multiple SKUs, sizes or language versions, and reduces costly errors during pre-press or print. By focusing exclusively on production-ready artwork, we streamline workflows, minimise duplication of effort, and reduce the risk of miscommunication or rework, delivering significant cost savings while maintaining creative quality and brand consistency.

Question 21

Do you understand local terminology differences?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We ensure alignment across regions, helping teams communicate effectively regardless of differing terms like artworking, production art or artwork production.

Question 22

Can you provide early visualisation or test concepts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through our sister company, ProductRenders, we offer both pre-production and final 3D renders that support approvals, focus groups, marketing campaigns, and brand presentations. Our renders provide unparalleled flexibility and accuracy compared to traditional photography, allowing products and packaging to be visualised in multiple formats, environments, and configurations before production. This approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures that both design and branding decisions are informed, precise, and aligned with the final production-ready artwork.

Question 23

What is the benefit of using your service internationally?

Accepted Answer

Being based in New Zealand, we operate a day ahead of many international markets, allowing work to continue while teams elsewhere are offline. This time-zone advantage accelerates project timelines, supports faster approvals, and enables seamless collaboration across regions, helping global brands stay ahead while maintaining quality and consistency in every market. Brands gain consistent, production-ready artwork, efficient rollout, reduced errors, cost savings and clarity across multiple markets and languages.

Question 24

What colour formats do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We prepare artwork in a variety of colour formats including CMYK, RGB, spot colours, and Pantone (PMS) colours. Files are carefully set up to meet the printer's requirements, ensuring colour accuracy and consistency across all outputs. Spot and Pantone colours are managed to maintain brand integrity and precise matching, particularly for packaging and branded materials.

Question 25

Do you handle colour conversions and separations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We convert artwork between RGB and CMYK as required for print, and prepare colour separations for spot or Pantone colours. This ensures accurate colour reproduction on press and compatibility with different printing methods, including offset, digital, and flexographic printing.

Question 26

How do you manage colour consistency across different materials?

Accepted Answer

We ensure colour consistency by carefully defining and managing colour profiles, using Pantone or approved spot colours, and preparing files according to the printer's specifications. This approach maintains brand colours across different substrates, finishes, and print runs, avoiding colour drift or mismatch.

Question 27

Is Make It Print Ready GST registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are a New Zealand limited company (M11 Limited). Make It Print Ready is a division of M11 Limited and our GST number is: 5433081.

Question 28

We are based outside of New Zealand, so how do we pay you?

Accepted Answer

We've made this really easy. We currently have over 50+ local currencies that you can pay us in. We also have local bank accounts in those 50+ countries so that means you don't have to pay for expensive international bank transfers or those sneaky Visa/MasterCard/AMEX exchange rates. We can also accept payments in Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL). All estimates and the final invoices can be in your local currency if required, so it's as simple as paying us like we are in your country. Also, in many countries, this type of payment/transfer is free to existing bank customers. Here is the full list of currencies we accept: Argentine Peso, Bangladeshi Taka, Botswana Pula, Bulgarian Lev, Chilean Peso, Chinese Yuan, Costa Rican Colón, Croatian Kuna, Czech Koruna, Danish Krone, Egyptian Pound, Georgian Lari, Ghanaian Cedi, Hong Kong Dollar, Indian Rupee, Indonesian Rupiah, Israeli Shekel, Japanese Yen, Kenyan Shilling, Malaysian Ringgit, Mexican Peso, Moroccan Dirham, Nepalese Rupee, New Romanian Leu, Nigerian Naira, Norwegian Krone, Pakistani Rupee, Peruvian Sol, Philippine Peso, Polish Złoty, Russian Ruble, South African Rand, South Korean Won, Sri Lankan Rupee, Swedish Krona, Swiss Franc, Tanzanian Shilling, Thai Baht, UAE Dirham, Ugandan Shilling, Ukrainian Hryvnia, Uruguayan Peso, Vietnamese Dong, West African Franc, Zambian Kwacha. Please let us know prior to the project starting how you intend to pay and we can give you the project estimate based on that day's exchange rates.

About Us

About Us

Make It Print Ready was established to clarify and strengthen the handover between creative teams and printers. We focus exclusively on the artworking stage - not design, and not printers pre-press.

Discover why our team is the perfect fit for your artworking requirements.