Jonah Reed
Kit Layout DesignerJonah lays out colourway, sponsor zones, crest and numbers on every piece a team orders, checks each version on the XS and co-signs the layout proof.
The job on a team programme
Jonah turns a team's colours, crest and sponsor list into the layout proof. He works from the team's vector files, from photos or design files of a current kit, or from a written brief with team colours and an idea. A team without a crest gets its name set in lettering as part of the layout.
Before each version goes out he places every logo on the XS of each cut, checks the minimum and maximum print widths and the three no-print rules, and marks what changed since the last version. The first proof goes out within 3 working days of the files passing his check; a revised version follows within 2 working days of the team manager's consolidated comments. Each proof carries a combined-wear page showing the jersey on its own, under a gilet and under a jacket.
When a sponsor changes mid-season he updates only the affected zones and saves a dated new version for the team manager to co-sign. On this blog Jonah writes about layout proofs, sponsor tiers and zones, colourways across pieces, crests and lettering, and what makes a logo file ready for print.
What Jonah checks and signs
- Checks every file firstBitmaps, screenshots and logos cut from photos of old kit go back with a written note of what is missing and the format needed. Each sponsor also sends a single-colour or reversed version for embroidery, knit and reflective print.
- Lays out every piece you orderColourway, sponsor zones, crest, names and number rules across jersey, gilet, jacket, warmers, cap and socks, with men's and women's cuts and long and short sleeves drawn separately.
- Pre-checks each version on the XSEvery logo sits on the XS of its cut inside the print widths, names stay within 12 characters and numbers within 3 digits. Anything that fails is fixed before the version is sent.
- Signs the layout proofHe signs, the team manager co-signs, and the date goes on it. After that, any change is a new dated version that counts only once the team manager co-signs.