{"id":10177,"date":"2024-02-15T11:00:59","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T11:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogadmin.merch.vpsvc.com\/hub\/?p=10177"},"modified":"2024-08-16T11:08:57","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T11:08:57","slug":"how-to-design-t-shirts-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/how-to-design-t-shirts-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"How to design a t-shirt: the ultimate guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s stained, it\u2019s ripped, it\u2019s full of holes\u2026 But you just can\u2019t seem to throw it out. For a lot of us, our favorite T-shirts are a way to express who we are. (And for others, they&#8217;re free advertising!) But how to design a T-shirt that ticks all the boxes? You&#8217;ll find out below.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have a killer T-shirt idea and suspect others will feel the same way? Are you looking for an alternative means of promoting your business or making some side income with merch? Do you want to commemorate a special event, like a family reunion or bachelorette party?<\/p>\n<p>Whatever your reasons, the fundamentals of T-shirt design remain the same; it\u2019s what you do with them that counts.<\/p>\n<p>In this Ultimate Guide to T-Shirt Design, we\u2019ll run through each step of the design process, from the inception of an idea to getting your shirt mass-produced. No matter how much (or how little) experience you have, these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/t-shirt-design-trends-and-tips\">T-shirt design tips<\/a> will give you everything you need to know. So check out our video below or dive straight into the article. Either way, let&#8217;s get you<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/clothing-bags\/t-shirts\">r T-shirt design<\/a> underway!<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to design a T-shirt for your business\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FApkR9j3DrY?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2>How to design a T-shirt in 8 steps<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#why\">Figure out why you need a shirt<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#budget\">Define your budget at quantity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#printing\">Know your printing options<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#screenprinting\">Screen printing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#vinyl\">Vinyl graphics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#dtg\">Direct-to-garment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#brainstorm\">Brainstorm your design concept<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#types\">T-shirt types<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#style\">Style and imagery<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#typography\">Typography<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#color\">Color<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#specialty\">Specialty printing<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#designer\">Find a designer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#evaluate\">Evaluate your design<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#files\">Get the right files<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#printer\">Find a kick-ass printer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><a name=\"why\"><\/a>1. Figure out why you need a shirt<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No matter your reason for designing a T-shirt, it\u2019ll <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">always<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> involve a little bit of branding. If you\u2019re using T-shirts for promotional purposes, branding is your main goal. Even if it\u2019s strictly fashion, you\u2019ll still need to weave consistent brand themes into all your products. For personal use\u2014like commemorating an event, for example\u2014you want to make sure your T-shirt design communicates clearly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you haven\u2019t already, write out a list of the key themes, styles and personality traits you want your brand and shirts to convey. Is your brand playful or serious? Edgy or conservative? Luxurious or affordable? A focused T-shirt design can answer all of these questions at a glance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165318\" id=\"mediaattachment_165318\"  class=\"figure--full\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165318 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962299\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_89435743\/attachment_89435743.jpeg?_i=AA\" alt=\"t-shirt design with different color choices\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1000\" \/>    <p><em>What\u2019s the Prince Adam version of the Brewmaster look like? T-shirt design by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/2709169\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >yuyunarts<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Take a quick peek at the example above. What does it tell you about the Brewmasters company? For starters, they don\u2019t take themselves too seriously, and the wooden instruments suggest a more traditional brewing style that hints at a classic taste. That\u2019s a lot of information from an illustration. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To get the most effective design, move away from your personal preference and rely more on real, quantifiable data. Who are your target clients\/customers? What brand traits do they want to do business with? <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Below are four goals to help guide your T-shirt design process that define why you need a shirt and what you want it to do.<\/p>\n<h4>Promotional gifts<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your T-shirts are something you give away for free to keep your brand in the minds of prospective clients and customers. This could be something given away at conventions, conferences or other promotional events.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_76473120\/attachment_76473120.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128744\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_76473120\/attachment_76473120.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12843\" alt=\"Playful T-shirt graphic design of a melting pineapple character holding pizza, showcasing a bold and quirky brand style.\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128744\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128744\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_76473120\/attachment_76473120.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128744\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_76473120\/attachment_76473120.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128744\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_76473120\/attachment_76473120.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"958\" height=\"958\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_958,h_958,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12845\" alt=\"Custom T-shirt design with a detailed mechanical owl graphic printed on black shirts, demonstrating wearable merchandise appeal.\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128746\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_958,h_958,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA 958w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128746\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343\/attachment_75984767-e1509745360343.png?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1000,h_1000,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12847\" alt=\"Event-style T-shirt design featuring an astronaut illustration displayed across multiple shirt color variations for broader audience appeal.\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128742\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1000,h_1000,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA 1000w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128742\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_89808055\/attachment_89808055.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h4>Internal company usage<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Employees get shirts for solidarity, appreciation or perhaps even a company uniform. The goals are similar to promotional gifts because there\u2019s a strong need for branding.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_43794695\/attachment_43794695.png\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128721\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_43794695\/attachment_43794695.png?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12849\" alt=\"Colorful t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-12849\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128721\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128721\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_43794695\/attachment_43794695.png?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128721\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_43794695\/attachment_43794695.png?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128721\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_43794695\/attachment_43794695.png?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-12849'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/1230293\" rel=\"nofollow\">BuntarBG<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_78185001\/attachment_78185001.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128727\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_78185001\/attachment_78185001.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12851\" alt=\"Gomme t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-12851\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128727\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128727\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_78185001\/attachment_78185001.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128727\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_78185001\/attachment_78185001.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128727\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_78185001\/attachment_78185001.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-12851'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/dudeowl\" rel=\"nofollow\">dudeowl<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_72773997\/attachment_72773997.png\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128730\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_72773997\/attachment_72773997.png?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12853\" alt=\"Working box t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-12853\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128730\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128730\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_72773997\/attachment_72773997.png?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128730\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_72773997\/attachment_72773997.png?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128730\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_72773997\/attachment_72773997.png?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-12853'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/315687\" rel=\"nofollow\">XZEQUTEWORX\u2122<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h4>Merchandise<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your T-shirts are a product you plan on selling, so make sure to factor in style, marketability and business strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_85463417-1\/attachment_85463417-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128732\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_85463417-1\/attachment_85463417-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12855\" alt=\"Mountain t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-12855\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128732\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128732\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_85463417-1\/attachment_85463417-1.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128732\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_85463417-1\/attachment_85463417-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128732\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_85463417-1\/attachment_85463417-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-12855'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/dudeowl\" rel=\"nofollow\">dudeowl<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"992\" height=\"992\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_992,h_992,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12857\" alt=\"Spread some love t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-12857\" data-format=\"png\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128725\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_992,h_992,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA 992w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128725\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.33.02-PM.png?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 992px) 100vw, 992px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-12857'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/508151\" rel=\"nofollow\">cereal killer<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_29885393\/attachment_29885393.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128734\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_29885393\/attachment_29885393.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12859\" alt=\"Stereosonic t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-12859\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128734\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128734\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_29885393\/attachment_29885393.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128734\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_29885393\/attachment_29885393.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128734\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_29885393\/attachment_29885393.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-12859'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/1127882\" rel=\"nofollow\">BRTHR-ED<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You\u2019ll need to understand your shirt\u2019s place in the market, so consider conducting research to discover the tastes of your customers. Your own personal tastes are a good start, but when it comes down to selling to the masses, quantifiable data always beats guesswork. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Event souvenirs<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Special events need special souvenirs, and T-shirts are always a great option. This option shares many of the same goals as shirts for internal company usage, like solidarity and appreciation, but for a more casual, wider audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_21886881\/attachment_21886881.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128729\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_21886881\/attachment_21886881.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12861\" alt=\"Headphone t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-12861\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128729\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128729\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_21886881\/attachment_21886881.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128729\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_21886881\/attachment_21886881.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128729\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_21886881\/attachment_21886881.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-12861'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/431588\" rel=\"nofollow\">stormyfuego<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_27221507\/attachment_27221507.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128713\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_27221507\/attachment_27221507.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12863\" alt=\"Grey t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-12863\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128713\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128713\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_27221507\/attachment_27221507.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128713\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_27221507\/attachment_27221507.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128713\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_27221507\/attachment_27221507.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-12863'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/489015\" rel=\"nofollow\">BATHI<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"500\" height=\"500\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_56657108\/attachment_56657108.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128714\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_56657108\/attachment_56657108.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12865\" alt=\"Lumberjack and moose t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-12865\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1711128714\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_500,h_500,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128714\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_56657108\/attachment_56657108.jpg?_i=AA 500w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128714\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_56657108\/attachment_56657108.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1711128714\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/attachment_56657108\/attachment_56657108.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-12865'>\n\t\t\t\tDesign by <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/1784836\" rel=\"nofollow\">_ELM_<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Regardless of their use, most T-shirts are promotional in some way. Even if you\u2019re designing T-shirts as merchandise, include your brand logo so people know who made the shirt and if they want something similar. Your logo should have a strong, even dominant, presence on the shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apply the same design quality and cleverness as you would a billboard advertisement. More than just clothes, T-shirts provide exposure every time a person wears them in public.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once you\u2019ve determined your goals, you can prioritize the different aspects of your T-shirt design. For example, fashion might be a high priority for merchandise tees but not for employee gifts. You want to tailor your design in a way that best suits your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"budget\"><\/a>2. Define your budget and quantity<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You\u2019re anxious to get to the actual T-shirt design. We get it. But let\u2019s settle on some details first so you can focus your design better: namely, your budget and quantity. How much you can spend and how many T-shirts you need will impact your design.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, budget and quantity will help determine how many colors you can use. The cost will also vary based on your preferred <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/how-to-print-a-t-shirt\">method of printing for the T-shirt<\/a>. If your budget is tight, conserving colors is a good way to save. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The number of shirts you need will also influence your printing method. Some methods are ideal for printing in bulk, while others have a higher cost per shirt and are better for small orders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you begin to think about designing or printing, plan your budget and quantity accordingly. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"printing\"><\/a>3. Know your printing options<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are many things to consider when choosing the best T-shirt printing method. Cost, appearance, production time and materials are all important. The more you know about each method, the easier it will be to decide which one is best for you. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"screenprinting\"><\/a>Screen printing<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is the gold standard for T-shirt printing. Your printer makes original screens of your design (one for each color) so you can print in bulk.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1199\" height=\"800\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1199,h_800,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12867\" alt=\"How to design a t-shirt: illustration of silk screen printing\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-12867\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003179\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1199,h_800,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 1199w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1048,h_699,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 1048w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_565,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_432,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_298,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_165,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003179\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1\/SILK-SCREEN-e1555419023774-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1199px) 100vw, 1199px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-12867'>\n\t\t\t\tScreen printing\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_600,h_400,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003171\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12869\" alt=\"California t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-12869\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003171\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_600,h_400,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003171\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_298,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003171\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_165,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003171\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1\/fwd_water-based_printing-e1555418988373-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-12869'>\n\t\t\t\tVia CaliPrints\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>:<\/strong> <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reliable standard for printing. Affordable and high quality. Ideal for large orders over 20. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cons: <\/strong>A new<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0screen is required for every new color or design revision (which gets costly). Colorful designs end up being expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"vinyl\"><\/a>Vinyl graphics<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Another method of heated transfer is vinyl printing, which uses more durable vinyl instead of just ink.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1200,h_1200,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12871\" alt=\"How to design a t-shirt: illustration of vinyl graphics printing\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-6-12871\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003163\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1200,h_1200,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1048,h_1048,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 1048w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003163\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1\/TRANSFER-e1509743481792-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-6-12871'>\n\t\t\t\tVinyl graphics\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"750\" height=\"750\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_750,h_750,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003155\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12873\" alt=\"Gold vinyl lettering on black T-shirt showing glossy, high-contrast finish\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003155\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_750,h_750,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003155\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg?_i=AA 750w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003155\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003155\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003155\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1\/vinyl-for-t-shirt-printing-4-e1509743515534-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Extremely durable and high quality. Ideal for when you want your design to stand out (literally). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Additional colors cost more, so complicated designs get expensive. Not great for large orders. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"dtg\"><\/a>Direct-to-garment (or print-on-demand)<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A newer option, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, uses inkjet printing that prints directly on fabric.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-10177 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1200,h_1200,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12875\" alt=\"How to design a t-shirt: illustration of direct-to-garment printing\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-12875\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003148\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1200,h_1200,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1048,h_1048,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 1048w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003148\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1\/DIRECT-TO-GARMENT-e1509743368212-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-12875'>\n\t\t\t\tDirect-to-garment\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1440\" height=\"1440\" data-public-id=\"ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1440,h_1440,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-12877\" alt=\"Tropical t shirt\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-12877\" data-format=\"jpg\" data-transformations=\"f_auto,q_auto\" data-version=\"1722003136\" data-seo=\"1\" data-responsive=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1440,h_1440,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 1440w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1248,h_1248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 1248w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1048,h_1048,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 1048w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_848,h_848,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 848w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_648,h_648,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 648w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_448,h_448,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 448w, https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_248,h_248,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1722003136\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/11-e1509743389408-1\/11-e1509743389408-1.jpg?_i=AA 248w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-12877'>\n\t\t\t\tVia Printaura\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Pros<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>:<\/strong> Highly customizable designs with maximum detail and extensive color choices. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cons<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>:<\/strong> Use for small batches or perhaps a single sample. The more you print, the less viable it becomes. Doesn&#8217;t work well on dark-colored garments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/how-to-print-a-t-shirt\">guide to T-shirt printing<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"brainstorm\"><\/a>4. Brainstorm your design concept<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Here comes the fun stuff&#8230; Now you get to start figuring out what&#8217;s actually going on with your T-shirt! Make sure you don&#8217;t jump to this step first. The more time and effort you put into preparing for this, the better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Your design could go in a million different directions. As you&#8217;re brainstorming, here are some tips to help focus your creativity.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"types\"><\/a>T-shirt types<\/h4>\n<p>All this talk about T-shirts, and it\u2019s easy to forget that there are lots of different types of shirts.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-post-10177 wp-image-165317 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962302\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/Kinds-of-shirts_165317bb970\/Kinds-of-shirts_165317bb970.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"How to design a t-shirt step: choosing t-shirt type\" width=\"1830\" height=\"1200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Think about your audience and intended goals before deciding on the right type of T-shirt. A revealing crop top might not be the best promotion for a law firm.<\/p>\n<p>As you start sketching out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/t-shirt-design-ideas\">T-shirt design ideas<\/a>, make sure they will translate to the actual size. When designing your T-shirt, use an 18\u201d x 18\u201d canvas and physically place your designs on a shirt. That doesn\u2019t mean you have to fill the whole space (like if you\u2019re keeping it minimal with a small logo), but a realistically sized canvas will help you get the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/t-shirt-proportions-design\">proportions for your T-shirt<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have your design, consider how it will look on larger and smaller shirt sizes. If you choose a screen printing process, different sizes may require different screens, which means additional costs.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"style\"><\/a>Style and imagery<\/h4>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165323\" id=\"mediaattachment_165323\"  class=\"figure--right\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165323 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962286\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_69593179\/attachment_69593179.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Colorful dinosaur t shirt\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" \/>    <p><em>T-shirt design by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/399407\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >Prim<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>At this stage, you have to rely on your creative and artistic instincts to communicate the messages you want to say. Don&#8217;t forget these questions we talked about before:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What is your brand?<\/li>\n<li>Who is your market?<\/li>\n<li>Why are you designing a shirt in the first place?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Put all of that together, and you&#8217;re ready to start designing a T-shirt that&#8217;s perfect for your needs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, take a look at the<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u00a0dinosaur T-shirt design above. This is a kid\u2019s merchandise brand, so the style is cute and cartoony, appealing to its market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Compare that to the winning entry for the Pumpkin T-shirt design below. This German hardcore music festival is definitely <i>not<\/i> marketed to kids. That opens up the designs to be edgier, which suits the clientele of the festival.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165345\" id=\"mediaattachment_165345\"  class=\"figure--full\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165345 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962213\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/Pumpkin\/Pumpkin.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"The Forgotten Path t shirt\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1000\" \/>    <p><em>T-shirt design by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/2086342\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >DiditRed<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>Of course, there are more options than being terrifying or sugary sweet. The design below<span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> shows us how to design a professional, risk-free T-shirt without being boring. The brand&#8217;s logo is front and center, but the look and feel are spiced up, so it seems more fashionable than a standard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/t-shirts-for-business\">business T-shirt design<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165322\" id=\"mediaattachment_165322\"  class=\"figure--left\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165322 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962288\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_77119989-copy\/attachment_77119989-copy.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Datafiniti t shirt\" width=\"2040\" height=\"1500\" \/>    <p><em>Datafinity t-shirt design by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/1098710\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >Alex Lalov<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>Also, remember that your design is being displayed on bodies. Lumpy, bumpy bodies that aren\u2019t always as symmetrical as we\u2019d like. Think about flat, uncomplicated designs since there\u2019s no telling where the nooks and crannies will land on your image.<\/p>\n<p>For similar reasons, you should also avoid detailed imagery, such as subtle color gradients and intricate linework. Always err on the side of simplicity.<\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165319\" id=\"mediaattachment_165319\"  class=\"figure--right\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165319 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962294\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_89409340-e1511396917479\/attachment_89409340-e1511396917479.jpeg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Sioux t shirt\" width=\"925\" height=\"541\" \/>    <p><em>Designer <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/1899397\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >Monkeii<\/a> uses a 2D image and two colors that match the background well\u2014all without sacrificing the artistic quality via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h4><a name=\"typography\"><\/a>T-shirt typography<\/h4>\n<p>The fonts you choose say a lot about your brand. Serif fonts or script fonts look more classic. Sans-serif fonts make a design more modern. T-shirts offer an opportunity to play with fun, crazy display fonts, but do keep readability in mind. If the words on your shirt are important to communicate your message, make sure they don&#8217;t get overshadowed by swirly, grungy, loopy typography. We&#8217;ve put together a resource with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/best-t-shirt-fonts\">best fonts for T-shirts<\/a> to help you make the right choice and enhance the impact of your design.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"color\"><\/a>Color in T-shirt design<\/h4>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/blog\/tips\/elements-of-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">element of design<\/a>\u00a0that is best at instantly communicating personality is color.\u00a0Each shade, hue and tint evokes an emotion, acting as a shortcut for you to portray something about your brand at just a glance.<\/p>\n<p>T-shirt designs have two sets of colors to keep in mind: the fabric color(s) and the print color(s).\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To make sure that these two complement each other, always use your fabric color as the background of your design ideas. (Also note that a colored canvas can have an impact on what inks look like, so make sure you talk to your printer about that!)<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165320\" id=\"mediaattachment_165320\"  class=\"figure--left\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165320 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962292\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/PMS-vs-CMYK\/PMS-vs-CMYK.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Pantone colors vs. CMYK printing\" width=\"1250\" height=\"785\" \/>    <p><em>Pantone colors vs. CMYK printing<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"p1\">Because of the way T-shirt inks work, printing colors can get a little tricky. The least expensive way to print your design will be to approximate the colors. Just know that your &#8220;teal&#8221; might not match your printer&#8217;s &#8220;teal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Exact color matches are possible with Pantone color values or custom-blended CMYK inks\u2014but they&#8217;re more expensive. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/pantone-color-of-the-year-2024\">Pantone color<\/a> values use predefined, exact ink tones that your printers can purchase. CMYK printing creates virtually any color by combining Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (black) inks. Check with your printer to determine what&#8217;s available.<\/p>\n<h4><a name=\"specialty\"><\/a>Specialty printing techniques<\/h4>\n<p>Like any other printing medium, T-shirts have their own set of unique ink options.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Plastisol\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 The standard ink used in screen-printing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Foil<\/strong> \u2014 Shiny and reflective<\/li>\n<li><strong>Novelty<\/strong> \u2014 Glitter, hologram or even a fuzzy feel<\/li>\n<li><strong>High-density<\/strong> \u2014 For a dimensional appearance that pops out from the shirt<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gel<\/strong> \u2014 Like high-density, but with a &#8220;wetter&#8221; look<\/li>\n<li><strong>Water-based<\/strong> \u2014 No feeling at all; ingrained in the fabric<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"designer\"><\/a>5. Find a designer<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Got design skills? Get crackin&#8217;! If you don&#8217;t, d<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">on\u2019t worry. There are tons of pros out there ready to turn your design concept into a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>The DIY route<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The main advantage of designing a T-shirt yourself is the price. If your budget is tight, the decision has already been made for you. Design freedom is a huge advantage, but don\u2019t forget that professionals know the technical concerns of T-shirt design (plus a whole lot more). If you broke out into a cold sweat when we mentioned acronyms like CMYK, you might sleep better handing this off to a pro. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Hiring a pro<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rather than teaching yourself marketing, branding and graphic design, why not pay someone who knows all of them already?<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165346\" id=\"mediaattachment_165346\"  class=\"figure--full\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165346 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962210\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.49.11-PM\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-03-at-2.49.11-PM.png?_i=AA\" alt=\"t shirt designs\" width=\"1925\" height=\"656\" \/>    <p><em>Designs by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/508449\" rel=\"nofollow\">Budi A<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/dudeowl\" rel=\"nofollow\">dudeowl<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/nataliamaca\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >Natalia Maca<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Collaborating with a freelancer can be tricky but also a lot of fun. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Do your best to find a designer that thinks like you and understands what you\u2019re looking for. Consider the designer\u2019s personality, design style and expertise. With one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/design\">VistaPrint&#8217;s design services<\/a>, you can hire a professional designer or work with multiple designers by starting a design contest.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve found your designer(s), you have to communicate your vision clearly. Tell them about your design ideas, messaging and intended audience. Include details about colors, logos, visual style, T-shirt type and printing specifications. Send them images of designs that match the style you\u2019re looking for. Give them everything they need to know so you can get the perfect T-shirt design. We&#8217;ve also compiled additional tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/hub\/5-tips-for-working-with-designers\">how to work with a designer<\/a> to ensure a collaborative and successful creative process.<\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"evaluate\"><\/a>6. Evaluate your design<\/h3>\n<p>As you evaluate your design, think about how it aligns with your goals. And don\u2019t forget your marketing and technical requirements. Will your design fit on a tank top? Is the amount of color within your budget? Is the messaging right? <a href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/blog\/tips\/design-feedback\/\">Communicate your feedback<\/a> clearly to your designer to make sure your next version looks even better.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Then, make sure to run it by your team or people who don\u2019t have any connection to what you\u2019re doing. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even if it\u2019s just your neighbor across the street, people not closely associated with your T-shirt design will notice things you never did.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consider asking them:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What is the one key message you get when you look at this shirt?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Who is this shirt for?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Their answers to these questions will help you determine if the T-shirt is communicating what you want it to. If not, go back to the drawing board and figure out what you can change.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><a name=\"files\"><\/a>7. Get the right files from your designer<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You\u2019ve got the perfect T-shirt design! Now go back to that information you got from your printer and check to make sure you have the right files.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You probably need the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Your T-shirt design in vector format.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> This will likely be an Adobe Illustrator (AI), PDF or EPS file. You&#8217;ll need one for each different T-shirt design you create.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Color codes.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> If your printer does custom colors, make sure you have the Pantone or CMYK color codes so that everything turns out looking like you want.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a name=\"printer\"><\/a>8. Find a kick-ass printer<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once your design\u2019s ready, it\u2019s printing time! Find one that offers the method you need at a price you can afford. Of course, extra features and discounts to sweeten the deal are great, too. Sifting through printing options to find the best one for your particular project usually requires experience and time, but we\u2019re going to fast-track it for you! <\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure data-id=\"165321\" id=\"mediaattachment_165321\"  class=\"figure--right\">\n    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-post-10177 wp-image-165321 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1704962290\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_68225769\/attachment_68225769.jpg?_i=AA\" alt=\"Nerd t shirt\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/>    <p><em>Our designers create awesome stuff for us, too! T-shirt design by <a  href=\"https:\/\/99designs.com\/profiles\/asaelvaras\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-track-click data-track-hover >Asael Varas<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Find out if the printer has an in-house art department.<\/strong> Not only does this mean the printer does in-house prints, but it usually means these folks can help out if you have any questions.<br \/><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Request samples of finished shirts, not design images.<\/strong>\u00a0Most printing companies love visitors! Stop by their shop to see and touch their shirts. Remember: a printer\u2019s job is to translate design to an actual print, and only a finished product reveals that.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Start building a working relationship with a printer you can grow with.<\/strong> Find a printer that prints six or more colors. Even if you don\u2019t need that many for your first project, you might need them later.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>If you\u2019re doing a larger order, make sure your printer offers pre-press proofs<\/strong>. You won\u2019t know for sure how the design fits on the shirts until you see a sample.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Beware of hidden charges, particularly with screens, films or Pantone color matching.<\/strong> Just like any other industry, there are a few surprises. Go over all the charges before payment to make sure they\u2019re being upfront.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Time to design an amazing T-shirt<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every year T-shirt design and printing are becoming more and more accessible. There is something every business can take advantage of&#8230; as long as they know what they\u2019re doing. We hope this guide on how to design a T-shirt gave you everything you need to break into the world of making T-shirts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<section style=\"background-color: #FFFFFF\" class=\"section section-vp-custom-design-cta-block\">\n    <div class=\"vp-custom-design-cta-block swan swan-custom-cta-block px-6 swan-py-4 section__container\" role=\"alert\">\n        <div class=\"swan-px-8 swan-py-3 swan-display-flex span-justify-center\">\n            <div class=\"swan-mr-4\">\n                <div class=\"swan-text-x3large swan-text-black swan-font-secondary swan-mb-5\">\n                    Want the perfect custom T-shirts for your business?                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"swan-text-black swan-text-xm1 text-description\">\n                    Check out all your T-shirt options and bring your design to life today                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"vp-custom-design-cta-block-button\">\n                    \n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/clothing-bags\/t-shirts\"\n   title=\"Tell me more\"\n   target=\"\"\n   class=\"swan-button swan-button-skin-primary\"\n    data-tracking-event=\"Navigation Clicked\" data-tracking-event-detail=\"\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10177;https:\/\/www.vistaprint.com\/clothing-bags\/t-shirts;Content:Text Link;Tell me more\" data-tracking-navigation-detail=\"Tell me more\">\n    Tell me more<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<p><strong>Author: Matt Ellis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with new examples and information.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s stained, it\u2019s ripped, it\u2019s full of holes\u2026 But you just can\u2019t seem to throw it out. For a lot [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":21577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":{"vp_publishing_settings_post_modified":false},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10177"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10177\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37255,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10177\/revisions\/37255"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogadmin.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}