Artwork first: what to supply
A logo brief starts with artwork in a usable form. Vector artwork is ideal, because it can be scaled without losing sharpness, but a high-resolution image with a clear background can also work. What does not work is a small, blurry photograph of a logo taken from a website, because the maker cannot recover detail that is not in the file.
If the artwork exists in several versions, supply the version intended for caps and say so. A logo designed for print or for a website may have fine lines or small text that do not survive at cap scale, and the maker should be asked to advise on simplification rather than left to guess.
Position and size: the two decisions that change everything
Position decides where the eye goes. The front panel is the default for a single logo, the side or back suits a secondary mark, and the brim suits a small detail. A buyer should name the position explicitly, because a maker cannot infer it from the artwork alone, and a logo in the wrong position is the most common reason a sample is rejected.
Size should be stated as a real measurement or as a proportion of the panel, not as large or small. Those words mean different things to different people, and a size stated in words alone is a frequent source of dispute. If you are unsure of the right size, ask for a recommendation and confirm it against the sample.
Colour count and application method
Colour count affects both appearance and cost. Each colour in an embroidered design is a separate thread run, and a design with many colours takes longer and costs more than a design with few. A buyer should state the colours by reference and ask for confirmation of the count, especially for a design that will be reproduced in embroidery.
The application method — embroidery, print or patch — should be discussed as a choice, not assumed. Embroidery suits structured crowns and bold designs. Print suits detailed artwork and softer surfaces. A patch suits a design that needs to stand apart from the cap. The maker can advise which method suits a particular artwork, and that advice should be sought in the brief.
Confirm before production
Ask for a sample or a proof of the logo before the full quantity is made, particularly for a new artwork. Please confirm the sample arrangement and any sample fee rule in your inquiry. Check the sample for position, size, colour and legibility, and confirm any change in writing before production proceeds.
Keep the approved artwork and the written confirmation with the order record. If a later batch differs from the sample, the record is what lets the difference be identified and corrected.