Looking to create a distinctive memento to commemorate an important occasion? Or maybe create a versatile uniform for a group event? With Bazarville's simple how-to guide, learn how to print your own customized t-shirts online to accommodate your unique tastes.
With a number of emerging sites online providing consumers with the option to produce their own custom t-shirts, it is necessary to have insight into how to make a product you can really be proud of. Here we will outline the various steps for creating your own professional looking t-shirt design be it for a group of people or simply an individual piece for you to wear yourself. With this guide, we will review the numerous factors to be considered while printing a t-shirt including your desired style, quantity, budget and printing method right down to choosing the fabric to meet your needs.
Step 1: Determining Your Design
When determining the look for your t-shirt, the design, of course, is imperative. So, make sure you’ve got a design that really fulfills the purpose you have in mind. Pick a design that speaks to you or one that best represents the brand or image which you have in mind while creating it.
If you are designing a t-shirt for business purposes, take time to reflect upon the target group you’re trying to appeal to. Create an interesting and engaging design that utilizes illustrations, your logo and/or a clever line or slogan to best serve your purposes and always weigh your options thoroughly when deciding on the design. Remember to also consider the design your pick in relation to the t-shirt you are putting it on, how the colors of the design will look on the base color of the t-shirt or the size and position you want the design to be printed.
This will determine the feel of the final product and ensure that you get the best possible results. Usually, the best and quickest way to ensure that your design is up to par is by working with a professional designing who can sort out the aesthetics if your t-shirt easily.
Step 2: Setting A Budget And Order Quantity
The second step once you have your design is to estimate the quantity and budget for the t-shirts you wish to print. As is usually the case with these things, ordering a large amount at once will likely reduce the cost of printing per item and this route is a good idea for any commercial pursuits or for large events.
Conversely, while printing a small number of t-shirts means paying more for each individual piece, it also allows you to print very specific t-shirts for smaller events or even personal use. In the case of printing for commercial purposes, it’s also important to keep in mind the range of sizes that you need to print, where some sizes like the middle of the range are likely to be more popular than others.
Budgeting is also highly important, having the amount you’re willing to spend set in stone will also determine other factors in printing such as the method of printing and the quality of the t-shirts fabrics.
Step 3: Selecting Your Printing Method
Taking your previously decided design, quantity and budget into consideration it is important to determine the printing method that will be used to produce the final product. There are 3 main methods employed by most t-shirt printing services all with their own advantages and disadvantages and picking the one that gives you the best value for your money is an important step in the process of printing your own garments.
Of these methods, screen printing is best suited for large orders of t-shirts with simpler mono- or dichromatic patterns, due to the nature of the print method more complex designs can be rather expensive and time-consuming to print in this style. Vinyl graphics are similar, well suited to larger orders involving simple designs and are also highly durable. The third option, direct-to-garment (or DTG) printing is best suited for smaller quantity orders with high detail requirements.
Step 4: Picking A Fabric and Shirt Style
Probably the simplest step of the process, this involves picking the fabric the t-shirt will make of as well as the style that it will be made it. Many printers provide various options in regard to the fabrics from 100% polyester to blends to pure cotton, you can make your decision based on comfort or budget demands, depending on what your requirements are.
As for the style, it can be determined by the occasion the shirt will be used for, the image the people who wear the t-shirt are meant to convey or simply based on personal preference.
Step 5: Submitting The Design
The next step from here is to send in the files containing your desired design onto the printer. When submitting your files, be sure you follow the instructions posted on the printer’s website about file requirements.
If the instructions are unclear or you are uncertain about any of the instructions, be sure to submit your t-shirt design in vector format (likely in AI, PDF, or EPS format) in addition to any other required files. If you are doing many different designs send them all separately and maintain clear labels on them all.
Step 6: Double-Check
This is an important step. Always double check your order and proof of order for any errors, especially when placing bulk orders. This prevents any mixups in printing. Check your numbers, colors, alignment, price points, and every other aspect with potential for error and ensure that any last-minute changes are made in time. And only then confirm your order.
The final step of the process, which is not really a step at all, is to enjoy your custom t-shirt. When the t-shirts you slaved over finally arrive, make sure you are satisfied with the product and use your precious statement piece to its fullest.