Read this article in another language
Short answer: Approve custom squishy artwork with a clear record of SKU, logo placement, print size, colors, packaging proofs and revisions before the affected work proceeds.
A custom squishy artwork approval sheet links one product SKU to its artwork file, print surface, dimensions, colors, packaging and revision. Use one record for the toy and one for each package surface, then release only the exact file and sample shown on the record.
On this page
Start the sheet after selecting the branding route. A logo label, direct printing on the toy, a header card and a printed box each have different production steps. The logo and packaging guide covers the available routes; this page controls the approval handoff.
Give every approval a product identity
The first line should identify the exact item being changed: SKU, variant, size, color plan, sample number and order reference. A design file without that identity can be attached to the wrong shape or package.
| Record | Write on the sheet | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product | SKU, variant, finished size and sample photo | Keeps the artwork tied to the intended item |
| Order | Quote or purchase-order reference and quantity | Connects the approved file to the shipment |
| Artwork | Filename, file type, revision number and date | Prevents an older attachment reaching production |
| Owner | Named approver and production contact | Shows who can release the next step |
Separate toy artwork from packaging artwork
Give each physical surface its own row: toy body, sticker, header card, tag, insert, pouch or box panel. Record the printable area, orientation and reference points for that surface. “Centered” is not a production measurement; a marked drawing or dieline is.
Keep the product reference beside the package reference. A box proof can be ready while a curved toy still needs a printed sample. Treat those as separate decisions so a package approval cannot be read as approval of the toy print.
Use the digital proof for layout and copy
A digital proof is the right tool for checking spelling, artwork orientation, proportions, panel order, barcode placement, warning copy and the position of every element.
- View the file at its finished physical size.
- Mark folds, seams, openings, hanger holes and seal areas on the dieline.
- Check that SKU, product name, quantity and destination-language copy match the order record.
- Compare color references with the agreed standard and note whether a printed proof is required.
- Save the released file with a revision number that appears on the approval sheet.
For market-specific warnings or product information, use the wording supplied by the responsible compliance review. Keep that text separate from visual layout comments so a design correction cannot silently change the required copy.
Use a physical proof for surface decisions
A printed or assembled sample is needed when the decision depends on the actual surface, curve, adhesion, ink coverage, package fit or handling. Review the sample in the proposed production material and process.
| Physical check | Record the result |
|---|---|
| Toy surface | Placement on the curve, legibility, coverage and edge condition |
| Flexible label | Adhesion, wrinkles, position after handling and label size |
| Box or card | Dieline folds, panel order, closure, hanger fit and packed clearance |
| Finished pack | Visibility, rubbing, compression and the final selling-unit appearance |
A paper mock-up can answer a box-layout question. It cannot answer how ink looks or adheres on a flexible toy. Record which proof type was reviewed and keep a photo of the approved sample with the file revision.
Control revisions with one change record
Keep one current approval file and archive earlier versions as history. Use a short change log so production can see what changed and what decision follows.
| Revision | Change | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| R01 | Initial logo position and package panel layout | Review digital proof |
| R02 | Move logo, update product code and replace color reference | Review printed or assembled proof |
| R03 | Apply the proof correction to the released file | Release the named SKU and package version |
Use filenames such as RUIWO-SKU123-box-R03.pdf, and store the same revision in the artwork folder, quote and purchase order. If a revision changes printing, tooling, material or completed work, add the commercial impact to the change record before production continues.
Write a release that production can act on
The release message should name the SKU, variant, artwork revision, approved surfaces, proof reference and quantity. It should also state the next physical or commercial step when the whole job is not being released.
Release applies to SKU [number], variant [name], artwork [filename and revision], and the listed toy and package surfaces. The attached proof [reference] is the approved reference for this step. Use this revision in the production file, quote and purchase order. Any change to the product, surface, text, color, quantity or package requires a new revision entry before the affected work proceeds.
Use “layout approved” when only the digital layout has been reviewed. Use “printed proof approved” or “assembled selling unit approved” when the physical sample has also passed the listed checks.
Carry the sheet into production and repeat orders
Give the released sheet to the production, packing and inspection teams. During the bulk check, compare the actual placement, wording, product code, color reference and package version with the approved record.
Keep the sheet with the repeat-order record. A familiar image is useful for recognition, but the SKU, artwork revision and package version are the controls that prevent a near-match from being shipped.
Send your custom squishy brief with product links, branding surfaces, artwork files, quantity and destination. Ruiwo can route the brief to the appropriate sample, artwork and quotation steps.