Screen Printing: Graphics + Design

Staying Focused with Custom Apparel Design

April 27, 2023 |

When it comes to creating a design layout for a hat, hoodie or T-shirt, there are some basic concepts it’s important to keep in mind to create a design that’s pleasing to the eye, catches your attention and draws you in. One of these concepts is focal point.

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On Design: Lion-Hearted

May 18, 2022 |

According to Erik Cartmill, president of Cornerstone Impressions, Fort Worth, Texas, his business operates on the following philosophy: “Where there’s a Bill, there’s a way.”

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Doing a Design Mashup

July 1, 2021 |

Using stock art is a great way to create layouts quickly and easily, whether you’re a newcomer with minimal art experience or a seasoned pro. It’s also a great option for customers on a budget who don’t want to spend a lot of money for custom artwork.

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Pushing the Creative Comfort Zone

August 28, 2020 |

If you’re fortunate enough to have customers that request highly detailed prints, it can be important to consider how you can offer them. There’s a reason that few printers can handle such retail-quality graphics: Most don’t want to be uncomfortable.

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Getting Your Freelance Fix

January 31, 2020 |

Want to know one of the simplest ways to take your screen-printing shop to the next level? Hiring a professional artist on a freelance basis to help you with difficult jobs can help you expand your capabilities while minimizing labor expenses.

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‘Quick’ Graphic Design

November 21, 2019 |

Quickly designing a graphic is much different than developing a brand-defining logo for a client. When your customer asks, “Can you put this image on a tee, hat or promotional item?” you should understand the breadth of the question.

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The Importance of Artwork

May 17, 2018 |

I’ve been creating artwork for the garment-decorating industry since 1986 and I’ve earned every one of my gray hairs because of it. Artwork lies at the heart of all decorating processes in our industry. Without it, we’d be selling blanks.

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Your Underbase is Showing

May 8, 2018 |

It can be scary to realize a print’s underbase is showing when it shouldn’t be. Many times, a design’s top colors should completely cover the underbase, but a variety of things can happen to cause the white print on a dark garment to spread slightly and peek out from beneath the edges of the top colors.

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Quick-Draw Design

May 17, 2016 |

For many screen printers, the thought of drawing a design isn’t appealing. In fact, a lot of experienced artists either don’t draw well or wish their drawing skills were better. 

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Fitness Apparel In Focus

April 18, 2016 |

With their unique  properties, decorating fitness garments offers screen printers challenges above and beyond those of a regular T-shirt. To solve these challenges, it’s important to first define a “fitness” garment and its qualities compared to those of a “typical” apparel choice.

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Hoodies Without the Hard Work

September 14, 2015 |

The hoodie is a common staple among customers, especially those ordering custom athletic team apparel. The comfort, warmth and printability of this style have made it one of the most sought-after items for fans, competitors and coaches.

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The Key to Quicker Art Production

March 11, 2015 |

One of the most important factors when it comes to designing for T-shirts is knowing exactly what the customer wants up front. Before you can even pick up a pencil or grab that pen and tablet, you already should have a good idea of what you want to design, as well as what the customer expects. 

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