Proofs are very important to the sign design process. Some places, such as we here at The Sign Authority, will refuse to move on to production of the final product without approval of the proof. Even if they will produce the final without the approval, it’s always a good idea to look over it.
A proof is provided by the designer after working with the information provided by the client, and in theory will be exactly what a client wants–it shows how the final product should look, the various aspects of it with needed information, etc.
However, mistakes happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes, the client might accidentally send the wrong information. Sometimes, the wishes of the client are misunderstood. Sometimes the designers will make an error. Other times the client will realize that it’s not quite what they wanted. Or, as seen to the left, it could just be a simple typo.
By approving the proof, the client says they’ve looked over it, and are happy with how the final product will look.
After all, it’s better to catch any errors or to decide some changes are in order before the final product goes into production-or worse yet, after it arrives.
So it’s very important to take a good look at the proof–don’t just sign off on it with barely a glance!
