Purpose of a Design Mockup
Design mockups are used to preview and refine artwork before final approval.
Visualisation
Mockups help customers see how a logo or design will appear
on an actual garment, rather than as a standalone graphic.
Design Alignment
They ensure artwork placement, proportions, and balance
are appropriate for the garment style and intended use.
Early Feedback
Mockups allow for design adjustments before time is invested
in detailed artwork preparation or printing.
This step reduces misunderstandings
and improves overall project efficiency.
What a Design Mockup Typically Shows
A professional design mockup may include:
- Garment style and colour
- Approximate artwork placement
- Relative print size and scale
- Front, back, or sleeve views where applicable
- Basic colour representation
Mockups are illustrative and not print-accurate,
but they provide a clear conceptual guide for the project.
Design Mockup vs Design Proof
Design mockups and design proofs serve different purposes.
Design Mockup
A mockup is an early-stage visual
used for concept approval and layout decisions.
Design Proof
A design proof is a production-ready reference
showing exact sizing, placement,
and print method details.
Mockups come first in the workflow,
with proofs created once artwork is finalised.
Benefits of Using Design Mockups
Design mockups offer several advantages
for Australian businesses:
- Clear expectations before production
- Faster decision-making during the design phase
- Reduced revisions later in the process
- Improved collaboration between designers,
printers, and customers
They are especially useful
for teams ordering apparel
across multiple stakeholders.
Common Use Cases in Garment Printing
Design mockups are commonly used for:
- Corporate uniforms and workwear
- Event and promotional apparel
- Teamwear and club merchandise
- New product launches or rebrands
They are particularly valuable
when multiple garment colours
or styles are being considered.
Limitations of Design Mockups
While helpful, mockups have limitations.
Not Print-Accurate
Mockups do not account for fabric texture,
ink behaviour, or print method variables.
Colour Variations
On-screen colours may differ
from printed results
due to display settings
and fabric differences.
For these reasons,
mockups should always be followed
by a formal design proof before printing.
Why Design Mockups Matter
Design mockups play a key role
in achieving successful custom apparel outcomes.
They bridge the gap between concept and production,
ensuring designs are visually sound
before technical preparation begins.
For Australian businesses working
with custom garment printing,
design mockups help streamline workflows,
reduce errors, and deliver more predictable,
professional results.
