Have you ever sent something off to a printing service only to get a graphic that looks nothing like you thought?

Faded colors, sloppy edges – that sort of thing?

Here are a few tips to avoid that mess and keep your products beautiful.

First, check your computer monitor.

Calibrating it properly ensures that what you see on the screen is close to real life.

Next, check the resolution – both of your artwork and your printer.

Generally, higher is better.

Also, choose a printer that provides color matching services for greater accuracy.

And finally, request a color proof so you can get a glimpse of the final product before printing.