A practical brief for printed cup artwork

A useful cup artwork brief tells the designer what to make, which cup it belongs on and who will approve it. It need not be a long presentation. A clear product reference, a small set of current files and agreed wording give the discussion a concrete starting point.

Name the product before describing the design

Include the cup type, proposed print method and quantity. If you are still comparing products, say so rather than presenting one template as final. Branded Cups’ template page asks for those three details so the team can confirm the right artwork file before proofing.

Link to the selected product in the brief. Note the intended event or venue and the finish you are considering. Keep open questions visible, especially where a product choice may change the layout. A brief is most useful when it distinguishes agreed decisions from proposals.

Provide the files and the exact words

Send the current logo file and identify the approved version. The artwork service recommends vector formats such as AI, EPS or SVG, or high-resolution logos. Ask the team what is needed for the chosen artwork route if you only have a small image or a logo embedded in a document.

Supply the event name, date, web address and any other wording as text. Check spelling and punctuation before submission. For several sponsors, list the logos to include and explain any agreed priorities. Confirm that you are authorised to use the supplied material; this brief does not settle ownership or permission questions.

Describe the intended layout

Explain which element should be most visible, what must remain readable and which colours belong to the brand. Include any existing brand guidance. If you provide examples, state which aspect you like instead of leaving the designer to infer whether you mean the colours, typography or composition.

The artwork service lists full-wrap and single-colour options and adaptations for multiple cup sizes. Confirm the options for the selected product. A design route mentioned on a general service page does not establish that every product supports the same treatment.

Make approval straightforward

Choose one contact to gather feedback and one person authorised to approve. Ask reviewers to refer to the same file version and combine their comments before sending them. Request the current service scope and terms, including what happens if further changes are needed.

The service page describes a process from brief to design, review and print-ready files. Build your own approval timetable around the confirmed order requirements rather than relying on an assumed turnaround. Once you have a product in mind, use the cup catalogue and request the matching template to complete the brief.