Step 1: Choose the Right Shirt Blend

The first step to creating an amazing shirt is selecting the right shirt blend. There are various options available, such as 100% cotton, cotton-polyester blends, tri-blends, and more. Each blend has its own unique characteristics in terms of comfort, durability, and printing capabilities. Consider factors like softness, breathability, and desired texture when choosing the shirt blend that best suits your needs.

Step 2: Understand Color Limitations

When designing your shirt, it's important to understand the limitations of screen printing regarding the number of colors. Screen printing involves a separate screen for each color used in the design. The more colors you have, the more complex and expensive the printing process becomes. We have found that most solid designs properly utilize 2-3 colors.

Step 3: Determine Design Locations

The WHERE and the HOW BIG are just as important as the design itself. Common locations include the front, back, sleeves, and pockets. Each location offers its own unique opportunities for creativity. Consider the size and complexity of your design when choosing the locations. We also advise to avoid using the same sized print location on the front and the back of the shirt. A big front print and a small back print, or vise versa, is a great way to go. Keep in mind that additional locations may increase the overall cost of printing. 

Step 4: Keep Design Simplicity in Mind

Simplicity is often key when it comes to creating an impactful shirt design. Clean, bold lines tend to work best with screen printing. Avoid extremely intricate details or small text that may be challenging to reproduce accurately. On the flip side, large patches of solid color add stiffness to the fabric, which makes the final shirt less comfortable to wear. Simplified designs are not only visually appealing but also easier to print, ensuring the quality of the final product.

Step 5: Optimize Design Resolution

For optimal print quality, it's crucial to use high-resolution images and vector graphics in your design. Higher resolutions result in sharper details and smoother edges. Vector graphics, which are created using software like Adobe Illustrator, allow for scaling without loss of quality. Aim for a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) to ensure your design looks crisp and professional when printed. If you do not have access to Adobe products or something similar, you can always use the free designer tool on our website, even if you do not order from us. It takes a few clicks to get to the actual designer tool(you have a select a shirt and shirt color first), but once you have made it to the tool, it's pretty simple to use. If you want to upload a photo or other artwork you have found, the designer tool will let you know if the resolution of the artwork is acceptable.