Artwork Approval Process

The artwork approval process is the step-by-step review used to make sure packaging or label artwork is correct before it’s printed or released. 

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During this process, different team members check the artwork for mistakes in text, images, colors, barcodes, and regulatory information. The artwork is revised until everyone signs off and confirms that it meets all requirements. This process helps prevent costly errors and ensures the final product is accurate and ready for production.

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What Happens During the Artwork Approval Process

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• Content Verification: Teams review text, claims, ingredients, warnings, and regulatory information for accuracy and compliance.
• Visual & Design Checks: Layout, colors, fonts, graphic elements, and imagery are checked against brand guidelines and design standards.
• Technical Review: Barcodes, dielines, dimensions, print specifications, and file formats are validated.
• Annotation & Revision Cycles: Feedback is added directly to the artwork, revisions are made, and updated versions are re-reviewed.
• Final Sign-Off: All required stakeholders approve the artwork, confirming that it meets regulatory, brand, and technical requirements.

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Why the Artwork Approval Process Matters

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• Prevents Costly Errors: Catches issues before production to avoid reprints, delays, and recalls.
• Ensures Regulatory Compliance: Ensures all mandatory information is present, correct, and up to date.
• Protects Brand Identity: Maintains consistency across multiple packaging formats and markets.
• Improves Workflow Efficiency: Creates a clear, traceable path from draft to final approval.
• Supports Global Releases: Helps teams manage multilingual or market-specific artwork more effectively.
  
  

Who Is Involved in the Process?

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Depending on the industry and the complexity of the artwork, approval may include:

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• Regulatory Affairs: Verifies compliance with local and global regulations.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Confirms accuracy, completeness, and version control.
• Marketing & Brand Teams: Ensure brand consistency, messaging, and visual standards.
• Designers / Artwork Specialists: Make revisions and ensure technical accuracy.
• Legal Teams: Review claims, disclaimers, and risk-sensitive content.
• Packaging Engineers / Production Teams: Validate dielines, materials, and print specifications.
• External Agencies / Suppliers: When artwork creation or printing is outsourced.

The artwork approval process ensures that every label or packaging file is accurate, compliant, visually correct, and ready for production. This minimizes risks, protects brands, and ensures smooth launches.

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