Even the best designs can fall flat in print if the artwork isn’t prepared correctly. What looks perfect on your screen can quickly turn into a disappointing final product due to a few common (and avoidable) mistakes.
At Print by Sassy, we’ve seen it all—from pixelated images to incorrect sizing and missing bleed. The good news? Once you know what to watch out for, it’s easy to avoid these pitfalls and ensure your prints come out looking clean, sharp, and professional.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common artwork mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Using the Wrong Document Size
One of the most frequent issues is designing at the wrong size and trying to fix it later.
For example:
- Designing a flyer at A4 and then resizing to A5
- Creating a business card in a random custom size
This can lead to distorted layouts, stretched elements, and inconsistent spacing.
How to avoid it:
Always set your document to the exact final print size before you start designing.
2. Forgetting to Add Bleed
If your design has colour or images going to the edge, missing bleed is a major problem.
Without bleed:
- You may end up with unwanted white edges
- Slight trimming shifts become very noticeable
How to avoid it:
Always include a 3mm bleed on all sides and extend your background beyond the trim line.
3. Placing Important Content Too Close to the Edge
Text or logos placed too close to the edge risk being cut off during trimming.
Even a small shift in the cutting process can affect your final result.
How to avoid it:
Keep all important content at least 5mm inside the edge (safe margin).
4. Using Low-Resolution Images
Blurry or pixelated prints are almost always caused by poor image quality.
Common mistakes include:
- Using images from WhatsApp or screenshots
- Downloading low-quality images from the internet
- Stretching small images to fit large spaces
How to avoid it:
Use images that are at least 300 DPI and high resolution at the size they will be printed.
5. Designing in RGB Instead of CMYK
This is one of the biggest causes of unexpected colour changes.
RGB colours:
- Look brighter and more vibrant on screen
- Often print duller or slightly different
How to avoid it:
Always design in CMYK colour mode for print projects.
6. Not Embedding or Outlining Fonts
If fonts aren’t properly handled, they can:
- Change to default fonts
- Break your layout
- Cause missing text issues
How to avoid it:
Convert all text to outlines or embed fonts before exporting your final file.
7. Sending the Wrong File Format
Submitting the wrong type of file can lead to delays or unexpected issues.
Common problems:
- Sending editable files without packaging assets
- Providing low-quality JPEGs
- Missing linked images
How to avoid it:
Send a high-quality, print-ready PDF whenever possible.
8. Ignoring Colour Contrast
Poor contrast can make your design hard to read and look unprofessional.
Examples:
- Light grey text on a white background
- Dark colours that blend together
- Overuse of similar tones
How to avoid it:
Ensure strong contrast between text and background for readability and impact.
9. Overcrowding the Design
Trying to fit too much information into one design can make it look cluttered and confusing.
This often results in:
- Tiny, unreadable text
- Poor visual hierarchy
- A lack of focus
How to avoid it:
Keep your design clean and balanced. Use white space effectively and prioritise key information.
10. Not Checking Spelling and Details
It might sound simple, but spelling errors and incorrect details are extremely common.
Examples include:
- Wrong phone numbers
- Misspelled names
- Incorrect addresses
How to avoid it:
Always proofread your artwork carefully before sending it to print.
11. Using the Wrong Black Settings
Black can appear washed out if not set correctly.
- Plain black (100% K) works for text
- Large black areas may need rich black for depth
How to avoid it:
Use the appropriate black settings depending on your design elements.
12. Not Accounting for Print Finishes
Your design may look different depending on the finish you choose.
For example:
- Gloss can make colours appear more vibrant
- Matte can soften colours slightly
How to avoid it:
Consider your print finish when designing and test colours accordingly if possible.
13. Skipping the Final Artwork Check
Rushing to print without a proper review is a recipe for mistakes.
Small issues can easily be missed:
- Alignment problems
- Missing bleed
- Incorrect sizing
How to avoid it:
Always do a final checklist before submitting your file.
Final Thoughts
Printing is the final step in bringing your design to life—but it’s also where mistakes become permanent.
By avoiding these common artwork errors, you’ll:
- Save time and money
- Reduce the risk of reprints
- Achieve professional, high-quality results
A little extra attention during the setup stage goes a long way.
Need a Second Set of Eyes?
If you’re unsure whether your artwork is ready for print, Print by Sassy is here to help. We can review your files, fix common issues, and guide you toward the best possible result.
Get in touch today and print with confidence.