SKU's & File Management

Streamlining design and operational efficiency

Managing Your Art Files

When you produce any product, you need to consider the file management, transfer and security.

Assigning a SKU number to your print files and web assets ensures consistency across any platforms, clients or products.

Keeping a database of files on Excel or Google Sheets with references and links to all of your digital assets and print files will ensure you always know how to find your images, and that you can share them quickly and easily.

Print Ready Checklist:

  • Ensure your final files are stored where they are secure but can easily be shared.
  • Create a Google or Excel Sheet to document your designs and SKUS with URL links to file locations
  • Assign SKUS to all Art files and web assets
  • Include your Selvedge Logo and Mixed Meter Sample panels as artwork with their own SKU's and links in your SKU Sheet

SKU Numbers

SKU Numbers enable artists or brands to sort and record their designs.

SKUS are required in manufacturing for operational efficiency.

They need to be added to your product listings so when an order is sent to the manufacturer, they know which art file to use. (All eCommerce Stores have a place to add a SKU Number)

SKU CONVENTION:

Use a dash to separate SKU sections but do not leave gaps. Create a SKU Convention that you will use consistently. I recommend a format that includes reference to:

  • Your Name (Initials)
  • The Design Name
  • A Numeric Reference
  • The Colour

The Numeric Reference can be sequenced according to when you generate designs, but the main purpose is to provide opportunity to always create a unique SKU number even when other parameters might be similar.

COLOUR VARIANTS

Use the same SKU convention for designs that are the same, but change the reference to the colour.

SKU Convention Example

B2B- Prefix

NH- My Initials

CO - Initials of the Design

000 - Numeric Reference (Changes with each different design)

BL- Colour Reference eg: Blue

Example Design SKU Database on Google Sheet

File Types

Be Sure to provide the following file types:

  1. Print File - High Res / RGB / 300 DPI
  2. Flat Image - Low Res 1000 x 1000 pixel 72 dpi
  3. Scale Image - This is a quality measure to ensure the file size that gets printed is correct.

Templates are available to help you provide your artwork at scale.

File Storage & Transfer

It is important that you have your files stored where they can easily be shared but can remain secure.

Version control is also incredibly important - if you need to update or change a file, you do not want anyone to have access to the redundant file.

I reccomend High Tail as a solution for all your final files. It provides security and full traceability. You can also use it to store your files within "Spaces" . Dropbox and Google Drive are also okay.