Making proofs or mockups to show your potential customers is easy to do in Silhouette and here I will show you how!
When making designs it’s always great to offer your clients an option to see how their design would or could possibly look before starting the project.
You can do this whether you paint with stencils on signs or furniture, make designs for t-shirts, or mugs. These are just a few crafts that I could think of on the top of my head.
I always share with my client at least 2 or more layouts. This way we can start narrowing down and personalizing their request.
If they fall in love with one of my designs and give me approval. I will give them a timeline of when I can start their project and when it should be completed.
Let’s find out how easy it is to make your own proof or mockup!
Screen Shot-Easiest proof or mockup
Once I have my design laid out the way I want it and ready to share with my client. My preferred way of sharing this with them for approval is simply sending the screenshot by either Facebook messenger, email, or text.
So simple and so easy!
On my Mac, taking a screen shot is as simple as hitting Shift-Command-4, then I highlight the area I want copied. On a personal computers its as simple as hitting Control-Print Screen.
The following is an example of proofs or mockups and the finished personalized sign.

When I receive a request for a blended background, I change the background in Silhouette in the design space, and try to get it as close to the color we are going to use so I can give the client an idea of what the finished product will look like (color-wise).
The font colors will be changed also to the colors the client requests when personalizing the sign.
Heads up, in Silhouette, brown is a hard color to match for the background. Just let your client know its a representation only.
Stock PHoto or Mockup-Getting Fancy
If you really want to WOW your clients, use stock photos to showcase your Silhouette designs!
There are several places where you can get stock photos to add your designs on so you can show your clients what their project could look like.
You can take your own stock photos of blank signs or you can purchase stock photos from others.
I sell stock photos or mockups at Midwest Market Studio and I also purchase from others on Etsy and Creative Market.
I have a variety on hand to use of different sized signs, mugs, tote bags. and plain walls. I also have them for different seasons.

The easiest method for me to add a “fancy” stock photo in Silhouette is where I grab or highlight the stock photo I want and drag it into Silhouette on my laptop. I will do this on the same page in Silhouette where I have my design ready to go.
Once the stock photo is loaded into Silhouette. I will adjust the size of the stock photo and then drag the design over the blank area in the photo and get the design centered.
Once this is done, I take a screenshot of the area that I want to share with my client.
To see how I do this step by step click on the video below and I will show you how I do it!
Here I will show you in a short video tutorial how I use the easy and fancy method of making proofs for potential clients!
Did you know I have growing library of free SVG designs and Mockups or Stock Photos?
I offer them to those who join my tribe. If you’re interested sign up below!
Let me know if you have any questions I can answer or clarify.
Happy crafting!
xoxo
M
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