Tell your friends, colleagues (and the world!) about this series. If it proves popular we hope to follow it up with more in-depth advise and tips.
This article is published as part of the exclusive AG blog series Avoiding 10 Illustrator Publishing Pitfalls 
The last tip in this series – which we hope you’ve enjoyed and found of use – simply contains two main points (you’ve read enough, we’re sure!)…
Get a proof printed
There are many wonderful soft (ie. on-screen) proofing systems out there. Astute Graphics adds to Illustrator’s native Overprint Preview mode with its output preview systems. Esko, likewise, produces its DeskPack range of Illustrator plugins which are high-end tools for high-end users. And then there are external proofing systems starting at Adobe’s own Acrobat Pro, and upwards. All these packages serve a purpose and truly save time and money. However, for many designers and publishers, there is simply no better way to find problems before artwork is sent to the press than producing a physical printed proof. If set up correct (and your local print provider should offer a full proofing service), there is less argument of color and layout. WYSIWYG is an old phrase – but really holds true when held in the hand!
Get the proof signed-off
Once proofed and you’ve ironed out all the errors you can find, get the final printed proof signed for approval by your boss or the person who’s paying the job. It’s amazing how a person will check a printed proof awaiting their signature more thoroughly than a simply tick-box on-screen or a casual “yes – that will do” remark. Then there’s no argument… or if there is, there a better chance that you’ll be vindicated.
Series conclusion
This series has been quite a journey through some of the less talked-about aspects of publishing pitfalls and potential solutions for Adobe Illustrator. In researching the articles, we’ve learnt a couple of new things along the way. If you have any additional tips, comments or corrections, please post a response at the end of the relevant articles and we’ll be sure to look.
Tell your friends, colleagues (and the world!) about this series. If it proves popular we hope to follow it up with more in-depth advise and tips.
[...] Publishing tip #10: Get it proofed and approved This article is published as part of the exclusive AG blog series Avoiding 10 Illustrator Publishing Pitfalls [...]
[...] Publishing tip #10: Get it proofed and approved This article is published as part of the exclusive AG blog series Avoiding 10 Illustrator Publishing Pitfalls [...]