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.

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. We wonder if that ‘other’ artworking preint production company can give you their numbers?

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 imposible to reverse. Therefore, we require the original files sent to the printers for optimal results and not printers’ PDFs.

But, please reach out via our Contact Us page if you have any other file formats and we can advise accordingly.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 afterall.

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.

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.

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.

Afer 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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 – so, fingers crossed, you are one of them:

• Argentine Peso
• Bangladeshi Taka
• Botswana Pula
• Bulgarian Lev
• Chilean Pes
• 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. But, please be aware: depending on the project size and length of time from estimating to delivery (and your local currency), the estimated cost or/and the final invoice might change due to each country’s economy and the global situation.