Label Artwork Setup

Artwork files that fit the bottle, not the other way round

Files are prepared with the print method in mind. UV direct print, screen printing, ceramic enamel and labels all ask for different artwork treatment, even when the branding looks similar on screen. A label that works on a straight-sided bottle may need adjustment for a tapered neck, a shoulder curve or a smaller promotional tumbler.

For label setup, we look at size, finish and application point. That includes bottle diameter, fill level, neck shape and whether the label must sit front and centre or wrap further around the vessel. Clear labels, textured stock and matt or gloss faces each need a different handling note in the file pack.

• Artwork scaled to the exact print area
• Minimum text size checked for legibility
• Colour notes added for dark glass and clear glass
• Trim marks and registration aids supplied where useful
• Material choice matched to bottle finish and use

What the setup work includes before print moves ahead

The setup stage turns a rough brand file into a label-ready job. That usually starts with artwork checks, then moves into layout corrections, die-line alignment and proof building. If artwork arrives with missing bleed, low-resolution logos or text too close to the edge, we adjust the file so the finished label is cleaner and easier to apply.

Proofs are issued before every run. Those proofs show the layout, size, cut line and key print notes. For multi-item orders, such as wine bottles and matching drinkware, each item is checked separately so the label size and artwork placement suit the vessel and the intended use.

• Artwork review against the supplied label size
• Bleed and safe area correction
• Colour build notes for print production
• Proof image preparation for sign-off
• Print-ready file handover after approval

How the setup process runs in Paarl

Artwork and product details can be uploaded with the contact form. From there, the file is matched to the bottle or drinkware type, the label size and the print method. If the label is for a short run, we keep the setup practical and tight to the actual print quantity, without overcomplicating the file.

Where needed, we advise on minimum run requirements and artwork changes that affect the press. Small text, full wraps, metallic effects and transparent labels need more care than a flat block label, so the proof stage matters. Once the artwork is approved, the files are locked for production and packing notes are added for dispatch.

• Send artwork, size and product details
• Layout checked against label and vessel specs
• Proof prepared with cut and placement notes
• Approval recorded before production prep
• Packing brief added for delivery across South Africa

Turnaround, pricing and small-run planning

Turnaround depends on the artwork condition, the label format and the production queue. Straightforward files with clear text and correct sizing move faster through setup than layered files that need rebuilding. Complex jobs with several bottle types or multiple label versions take more checking, especially where the same brand must sit across wine, gin and water formats.

Pricing is quoted according to the artwork state, number of versions, label complexity and the amount of setup work required. A single front label is different from a multi-panel wrap, and a short run with variable names or event dates needs more file handling than a standard repeat order. We keep the price approach transparent, with the setup work separated from print production where that helps planning.

For labels on glass, the final cost can shift with size, finish and ink layers. A simple coated label is handled differently from a white-ink clear label or a specialist shaped cut, so the quote reflects the actual work, not a loose estimate.

Aftercare once the labels are out in the field

After the labels are printed and dispatched, the main aftercare is file control. We keep the approved version aligned to the production notes so repeat labels, changed dates or revised quantities do not drift away from the original layout. That matters for hospitality, gifting and event use where matching sets are often needed across several bottle sizes.

If a label is used on cold bottles, chilled drinks or glass that picks up condensation, the material choice and adhesive note matter. We can guide label artwork setup for those conditions so the branding stays neat on the bottle and the text remains readable. For drinkware, edge placement and curvature are checked with a bit more caution, because the visible panel is usually smaller.

• Approved file kept ready for later repeats
• Version control for dates, names and event runs
• Advice on label choice for chilled or humid conditions
• Placement notes for bottles, tumblers and similar drinkware