Creative design tips for custom printed t-shirts and apparel

custom printed t-shirts

When it comes to custom printed t-shirts, few things can come close to creative satisfaction. T-shirt designing has become so popular that graphic designers, illustrators, and typographers alike are thronging in hundreds to put their designs and creative endeavours on shirts. And, it does not just satisfy the creative pursuit, as if you can market it right, you can make a lot of money and even create your fashion label.

custom printed t-shirts
Custom printed t-shirts

There are several factors for you to consider beyond the designs on the shirt. However, let us not get carried away, as wholesale t-shirt printing can be tricky as well as daunting. That is the matter for a different post. This article will look at a few creative and design tips that will enable you to carve out your niche.

Read on to know more.

Brainstorm for your concept

The designing of custom printed t-shirts and any apparel for that matter is a time-taking process. So, no good is going to come out if you rush the process. Make sure to draw multiple sketches, create variations and work with a team if necessary. Yes, a design might come to you straight away, but it is still a great idea to mull things over until you know the aesthetic value.

Create a rough draft on a shirt

People in designing will tell that there is a difference between a design on-screen and print. So, mock models are essential, especially in the case of wholesale t-shirt printing. You don’t have to put the design on an actual shirt, but you can always use apps and software platforms to create a mock design draft. Doing this will allow you to observe the design in its actual size and resolution.

Avoid too many details

The truth is there can’t be anything better than the attention to detail in well-executed designer apparel. Complicated designs, intricate patterns, and themes are attractive to everyone. However, if you look around, you will see that most classic t-shirt designs are simplistic. So, keep in mind that even the most complicated messages can be put forth through simpler expressions.

Do your market research

Before start wholesale t-shirt printing, you need to invest time and money into market research. Yes, you might have several ideas for t-shirts, but you need to ask yourself who your market is? There are different markets, including men, women, and the young crowd. It is needless to say that the styles and aesthetic demands are vastly different among the market types available.

Be wise with the use of humor

There is a trick to using humour – understand when it is unnecessary and inappropriate. Every joke or humour has a particular audience, but you need to exercise caution before using humour in your design and putting it out there for the world to see. Successful designs, therefore, employ a subtler form of humour. So, get rid of anything that is in your face.

A word of advice on the use of colors

Colours must be complementary – that is all there is to it! Amateur designers usually end up using bright colours without thinking about the contrast effect and the complement factor. Try using halftones and always choose the hues keeping the basics of the game in mind.

Artwork preparation

Pantone colors are great if you are going for screen printing. Trust the experts – printers will have a better time recreating designs made in Pantone colours. Also, if you have outlines or texts, then make sure to use an outline and expanded strokes. Additionally, go through a few tutorials from the internet to prepare your artwork the right way before ordering the print.

A good printer is a secret weapon

Once you are done with the artwork and have finalized the inventory, it is time to print. It makes a lot of sense to choose the right expert to create the best-looking apparel. But it would be best if you kept in mind that hundreds of printing services are out there. Always remember that there are different types of printing options out there, including screen printing and vinyl. The printing options work the best on specific fabrics and materials. So, hire the right expert to ensure that the material and the print are of the highest quality.

Research your subject

Now that you are involved in the t-shirt printing and apparel business, you need to strive hard to stay ahead of the competition. It means investing time and energy into doing research. You need to scour the internet and social media sites for designs, tips, trends and even get involved in a bit of competitor research. Try looking at the creations from the top designers worldwide and draw your inspiration from pop culture to stay in tune with the times.

We hope that our post allows you to design the best-looking t-shirts; all the best!

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