04 / Packaging mechanicals & production artwork
From approved design
to production artwork.
Carry the agreed package design into the format the production partner needs. Mechanicals connect approved artwork, supplied specifications and the details that have to stay consistent across each SKU.
Timing · Agreed around SKUs, formats and vendor inputs
Talk through your projectWho it is for
Start where you are.
You have an approved package design and need production artwork for the specified package or range. This stage is also useful when an existing design needs to be adapted to a new production format.
Scope & deliverables
- Separately scoped mechanical production artwork for the agreed SKUs and formats.
- Application of the approved design and copy to the production partner’s supplied specifications.
- Two revision rounds within the agreed mechanicals scope.
- Vendor sampling coordination. Printing, vendor production and sampling charges are separate.
How we work
From the question
to a clear next step.
Collect the production inputs
Confirm the approved design, final copy, SKU list and the current specifications or dielines from the selected supplier. Resolve missing inputs before preparing the artwork.
Prepare the mechanicals
Apply the design to the agreed formats. Check consistency across the supplied content, flavor variations and required production elements.
Review and coordinate the handoff
Work through the two included revision rounds and coordinate vendor sampling. Final production decisions and any additional requirements are confirmed with the relevant parties.
Packaging context / Hyde’s Hail Mary
A family of cans
and cartons.
The Hyde’s Hail Mary project shows a common identity across four flavors and their cartons. These public package images illustrate the kinds of format and range relationships a production handoff needs to preserve.
Explore the packaging system ↗
A few practical questions
Before we begin.
How is this different from packaging design?
Packaging design establishes the visual direction. Mechanicals apply approved design to the agreed production format and supplier specifications. If the design is still being developed, start with product and packaging design.
What do you need to prepare the artwork?
Bring the approved design, final copy, SKU list and current supplier specifications or dielines. We confirm the relevant files and production requirements with you before settling the scope.
How many revisions are included?
The approved mechanicals scope includes two revision rounds and vendor sampling coordination. Additional formats or changes beyond the agreed scope are discussed for the specific project.
Do mechanicals include regulatory or legal approval?
No. Preparing mechanical artwork is not regulatory or legal approval. Product claims, required statements and final copy need approval through the appropriate qualified reviewers; artwork preparation does not replace that review.
Is printing included, and how long will this take?
Printing, vendor production and sampling charges are separate. There is no single fixed timeline for all mechanicals work: timing is agreed around the number of SKUs, package formats, approved inputs and vendor coordination.
Let’s talk about your drink
What are you making?
Tell us where the project stands and what needs to happen next.