🎨 Top 5 Common Artwork Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

The Pain of Print-Ready Panic

Every designer or small business owner who’s sent a file to print knows that uneasy moment after clicking “send.” Will it look the way it does on the screen? Will the colors match? Will everything be aligned and crisp? The truth is, even the most creative designs can run into production nightmares if the artwork isn’t properly prepared. A blurry image or a missing font might not seem like a big deal on your computer, but once it hits the press, those tiny issues can lead to costly reprints, delays, and disappointment. At Print Pros (or your company name), we’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the “oops.” That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the Top 5 Common Artwork Mistakes and how you can easily avoid them. Think of it as your “print-prep checklist” before you hit upload.

1. Low-Resolution Images — The #1 Print Killer

Let’s start with the most frequent culprit: low-resolution images.

This happens when an image looks great on your screen but prints blurry, pixelated, or muddy. Why? Because screen images only need 72 DPI (dots per inch), while print requires a crisp 300 DPI.

💡 Example:

That photo you grabbed from your website or social media might be perfect for digital use but completely unsuitable for print. When enlarged, those same pixels stretch — and suddenly your professional brochure looks like a Minecraft poster.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Always check that your images are 300 DPI at the final print size (not just when zoomed in on-screen).
• Avoid enlarging small images — start with the highest quality photo you can find.
• When in doubt, ask your printer to check image resolution before printing.
• Use vector files (like .AI or .EPS) for logos and graphics whenever possible — they can scale infinitely without losing clarity.

A quick prepress tip: If you’re unsure, open your file in Adobe Acrobat or Photoshop and zoom in to 300%. If it looks blurry there, it will definitely look blurry in print.

2. Missing Bleed — The White Edge Problem

You’ve spent hours designing a full-page flyer with edge-to-edge color, but when it comes back from the printer… there’s a thin, unwanted white border. That’s the dreaded result of missing bleed.

🖨 What Is Bleed?

Bleed is the extra margin (usually ⅛ inch or 0.125”) around your design that extends beyond the trim line. It ensures that when the sheet is cut, no unprinted edges show.

💡 Example:

Imagine you’re trimming 1000 flyers. Even with precision cutting, paper can shift slightly. Without bleed, that tiny movement exposes a sliver of white paper where the color should have been.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Always extend your background colors, images, or patterns ⅛ inch beyond the final cut line.
• Keep important text or logos at least ¼ inch inside the safe area to prevent accidental trimming.
• Check your document setup before starting your design — most programs like Illustrator, InDesign, and Canva allow you to set bleed margins from the start.
• Export your file as a PDF with bleed and crop marks included.

A few extra pixels now can save a thousand flyers later.

3. Incorrect Color Modes — When CMYK Meets RGB

One of the biggest surprises for new designers is how different colors can look when printed compared to the screen. That’s because screens use RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color mode, while printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) inks.

When you print an RGB file, the printer converts it automatically — often leading to duller or less accurate colors.

💡 Example:

A bright neon blue on your monitor might turn out as a muted navy in print. Why? Because certain RGB colors simply can’t be replicated with CMYK inks.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Always design in CMYK when the project is intended for print.
• If you start in RGB (as in Canva or Photoshop), convert to CMYK before sending your final file.
• Use Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors for brand-critical designs where exact hues matter.
• Request a printed proof if color accuracy is essential — what you see on paper is what you’ll actually get.

A quick rule of thumb: if your design is going on paper, think “CMYK = Ink.”

4. Font and Text Issues — The Hidden Gremlins

Fonts are one of those sneaky problems that can completely derail a print job. Everything looks perfect on your screen, but when the file opens on another computer — suddenly your elegant cursive headline becomes Times New Roman.

Why? Because that font wasn’t embedded or outlined, so the printer’s system substituted it with a default one.

💡 Common Font Mistakes:

• Missing or unlicensed fonts.
• Text too close to the trim line.
• Font sizes too small to read once printed.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Embed or outline your fonts before submitting your file.
  • In Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, select all text and choose Type > Create Outlines.
• Keep text at least ¼ inch from the edge to avoid trimming.
• Double-check small print like disclaimers or contact info — text under 6 pt may become illegible on certain paper types.
• Send a flattened PDF if possible, which locks in your design elements.

It’s also wise to print a test copy on your home or office printer to confirm everything is readable before committing to a full production run.

5. Incorrect File Size or Format — When the Pieces Don’t Fit

Lastly, one of the simplest yet most frequent mistakes: improperly sized or formatted files.

A business card set up as an 8.5x11” document or a poster saved as a JPEG might look fine digitally, but it can create chaos for production. If the dimensions, proportions, or bleed settings aren’t correct, your artwork won’t align with the template — leading to stretching, cropping, or scaling issues.

💡 Example:

A tri-fold brochure needs precise panel measurements — if your setup doesn’t account for folds, panels won’t line up, and your design could look off-balance once folded.

✅ How to Avoid It:

• Start with the correct template or specifications from your printer.
• Verify the size, resolution, and bleed before you start designing.
• Save your final artwork as a print-ready PDF (never Word or PowerPoint).
• Avoid flattening or compressing layers too early — it reduces flexibility for corrections.

A properly sized file saves everyone time, money, and stress — including your printer.

Bonus Tip: Always Request a Proof

Even if you’re confident your artwork is flawless, it’s smart to request a proof — whether a digital soft proof or a printed sample. Proofs help confirm:

• Colors appear as intended
• Text is legible and correctly placed
• Cropping, bleed, and alignment look right

Yes, it adds a bit of time, but it’s the best insurance against expensive surprises.

Why These Mistakes Matter More Than You Think

Each of these mistakes — resolution, bleed, color, fonts, and file size — might seem minor on their own, but they share a common theme: they all affect your brand’s professionalism.

When your business cards print blurry, or your logo color looks “off,” it subtly sends the message that details don’t matter. Great design isn’t just about creativity — it’s about precision. Preparing your artwork correctly shows care, consistency, and pride in your brand.

Partner With a Printer Who Cares About Your Work

Even the best designers make mistakes sometimes — that’s why partnering with a knowledgeable print provider makes all the difference.

At Print Pros Inc., we don’t just print files — we help you make sure they’re ready for print. Our prepress experts review your files for common issues like resolution, bleed, and color mode before going to production. If something doesn’t look right, we’ll let you know.

We believe printing should be collaborative, not stressful. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a first-time business owner ordering cards, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process — from setup to final delivery.

Your Quick Print-Prep Checklist

Before you click “send to print,” run through this 60-second checklist:

✅ Images at 300 DPI or higher

✅ Bleed area (⅛ inch) added and crop marks included

✅ Colors in CMYK (or Pantone if needed)

✅ Fonts outlined or embedded

✅ File size and template match print specs

✅ Proof reviewed and approved

If you can check all those boxes, you’re officially print-ready.

Final Thoughts

Great print starts with great preparation. By understanding and avoiding these five common artwork mistakes, you’ll save time, money, and frustration — and ensure your designs look every bit as good in your hands as they do on your screen.

Remember: your artwork is your first impression. Make it sharp, accurate, and professional. And if you ever need help getting there, your friendly neighborhood print experts are just a call away.