Art Creation

Art and design styles are as varied as the individuals who create them. From crayon drawings to the latest version of Illustrator, we see them all. Below are a few tips that may help you in designing for a screenprinting project. If you need more specific guidance, feel free to contact us.
  1. When beginning your project, don't be afraid to call your printer and ask about specific formats. It may save you (and us) some time and creative energy.
    [ See our art specifications section ]

  2. Consider the shirt color, or field that your design will be printed on. If possible, incorporate this color into your design. This can save money on both printing and screen/set-up fees. Utilizing the shirt color can also help you avoid large solid areas of ink, also known as a "bullet proof vest" which may be hot and uncomfortable for the wearer.

  3. We are often asked, "Can you print a photograph on a shirt?" The answer is yes, but certain considerations must be taken into account to create the best print possible. First and foremost, your source material (digital image, or photo) must be sharp and at a high resolution (at least 200dpi at the scale you'd like it printed.)

    4. There are different options for putting photographic information on a shirt:

    [EXAMPLES COMING SOON!]

    1. One color half-toned photograph [ example ]
      • Works best on a light or white shirt with dark ink.
      • Using this method on a dark shirt requires two layers of ink.
      • Resulting resolution is 48 dpi (quite coarse -- can lose fine detail).
      • Minimum order of 12 to 24 depending on number of ink colors and the design.

    2. Four color process [ example ]
      • Meant to be viewed from a distance.
      • Color cast is hard to control.
      • Works better with paintings than actual photographs.
      • Only works on white or natural shirts.
      • Resulting resolution is 48 dpi (quite coarse -- can lose fine detail).
      • Minimum order is 48 to 60 shirts.

    3. Simulated Process
      • More acurately captures tonal ranges
      • Works great with paintings or illustrations that have a limited pallette
      • Can work on dark items
      • Resulting resolution is 48 or 55 dpi (quite coarse -- can loose fine detail).
      • Minimum order is 72 shirts.

    4. Cartooning / Grapic-izing of a photograph [ example 1 | 2 ]
      • Has a fun, whimsical feel.
      • No halftone pattern.
      • Can range from one to six ink colors.
      • Source material can be lower resolution than other options.
      • Minimum order as few as 12 per ink color.

    5. Heatseal/Transfer [ example ] [ more info ]
      • Full color.
      • Continual tone (no halftone pattern).
      • Must be on a white or very light item.
      • Quick turnaround (1-3 days) - Minimum order is one item.