Nailing your patch proof: our workshop advice

The proof — the visual mock-up of your project, faithfully simulated before production — is the most important step. Here is how to get it right.

Provide the best possible file

Ideally, a vector file: .ai, .eps, .pdf or .svg. Vector artwork resizes without loss and reproduces colours faithfully. If all you have is a JPG or a photo of the coat of arms, that is fine — our studio redraws it in vector, and it is included in the proof. But it does take a little more time.

Specify the Pantone colours

If your squadron has official colours (Pantone references), give them to us. If not, we determine them together. Be aware: colours on screen are never exactly the final colours — that is the whole point of the proof, which simulates the real result of the chosen technique.

Think about the actual size

A highly detailed coat of arms does not read well at a small size. If your artwork has many fine details, allow for a sufficient size (8×8 cm minimum) or simplify it. The proof will show you whether the details hold.

Get approval from the right people

Have the proof approved by the right people on the first round: the traditions officer, the unit commander, the historian if the coat of arms is part of the heritage. Nothing is worse than a proof approved and then called into question after production has started.

Revisions are unlimited

As long as you have not signed off on the proof, we adjust as many times as needed. Make the most of it. Once production has started, changes are no longer possible.

Our commitment

The proof is free, with no obligation, delivered within 48 hours. It is our way of saying: we produce nothing you have not approved. A botched patch is a tradition that starts badly — we would rather take the time for the proof.