The Ultimate Checklist Before Sending Designs for Approval

You think the hardest part of the design process is the creative work itself. Or maybe it’s wrangling client feedback. Both are tough, sure.

But the real bottleneck? It's sending work out the door without a final, sanity-checking once-over.

This isn't about catching typos. This is about ensuring your creative output is strategically sound, technically perfect, and genuinely ready for client eyes.

1. The Strategic Alignment Check

Before any pixel is placed, does the design actually solve the problem? This sounds obvious, but it’s where many projects go sideways.

Is it on Brief?

Go back to the original brief. Every single element should tie back to the core objectives. If a stakeholder can’t articulate how a design choice supports the brief, it’s a red flag.

Does it Meet the User's Needs?

Who is this for? Does the design speak their language? Is it accessible? Does it account for their journey and potential pain points?

Is it Delivering the Client's Business Goal?

Ultimately, the client hired you to achieve something. Is the design demonstrably moving the needle towards that goal? Think brand awareness, lead generation, sales, engagement – whatever the KPI is.

2. The Creative Quality Assurance

This goes beyond aesthetics. It's about the craft and the polish that signals professionalism.

Brand Consistency

Are you using the correct logos, colors, fonts, and tone of voice? Even a slight deviation can dilute brand perception.

Visual Hierarchy & Readability

Is the most important information immediately apparent? Can users scan and understand the content effortlessly? Is body copy legible at intended sizes?

User Interface (UI) Polish

For digital work, this means:

• Consistent spacing and alignment.
• Appropriate use of interactive elements (buttons, links, forms).
• Clear states for interactive elements (hover, active, disabled).
• No orphaned elements or widows/orphans in typography.

Visual Design Integrity

Are images high-resolution and properly licensed? Are graphics clean and well-executed? Is the overall composition balanced and appealing?

3. The Technical Readiness Audit

This is where many agencies trip up, especially with digital assets or complex print jobs. Technical errors are often the most frustrating and costly to fix post-approval.

File Format and Specifications

Is the file in the correct format (e.g., JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG)? Does it meet resolution, color mode (RGB/CMYK), and bleed requirements?

Cross-Browser/Device Compatibility (for Web/App)

Has it been tested on major browsers and devices? Does it break on any common screen sizes? Are there any rendering issues?

Functionality Testing (for Web/App)

Do all links work? Do forms submit correctly? Do interactive elements behave as expected? Is the responsiveness seamless?

Accessibility Compliance

Are color contrast ratios sufficient? Is the tab order logical? Are images properly alt-tagged? Is it navigable via keyboard?

Print-Specific Checks

• Are all fonts embedded?
• Are color profiles correct?
• Are bleeds and trim marks set up properly?
• Are there any overprint issues?

4. The Client Experience Layer

How you present the work matters as much as the work itself. This is about managing expectations and facilitating smooth communication.

Clear Context and Rationale

Don’t just send a link. Provide a brief overview of what’s being presented, how it addresses the brief, and what specific feedback you’re looking for.

Organized Presentation

Is the work presented logically? For websites, is it in a clear user flow? For campaigns, is it grouped by asset type?

Defined Feedback Channels

Make it crystal clear *how* and *where* you want feedback. Avoid a free-for-all email chain or a chaotic Slack thread.

Manageable Scope of Feedback

Are you presenting too many options at once? Sometimes, narrowing down to 2-3 strong concepts is more effective than overwhelming the client.

5. Where Revue Fits In

This rigorous checklist process can feel like a lot to manage. That’s precisely the problem Revue was built to solve.

Instead of juggling multiple tools, spreadsheets, and email threads, Revue provides a single source of truth for creative feedback and approvals.

Imagine:

• Centralizing all client feedback directly on the design assets.
• Tracking every revision, comment, and approval with clear version history.
• Running automated quality checks for common technical and brand standard issues.

Revue streamlines the entire review cycle, ensuring that your work is not only creatively excellent but also operationally sound before it ever reaches the client. It transforms the approval process from a point of friction into a frictionless, transparent workflow.

Final Thought

The rush to get designs in front of clients is understandable. We want to show progress, get sign-off, and move on. But cutting corners on the pre-approval checklist isn't saving time; it's borrowing it from future, more stressful, and more expensive revisions.

What if the most efficient path forward is actually the one that demands a little more diligence upfront?