Design Federation

Most graphic artists create beautiful masterpieces for their clients. But how well do these masterpieces print onto a t-shirt or a hoodie?

As screen printers, we work alongside graphic artists to make the client’s idea come to life. Occasionally, graphic artists, who aren’t experts in garment decoration, will overlook a few points before designing the dream and as a result, the dream becomes almost impossible to fulfil.

From now on, I suggest graphic artists and screen printers put aside their differences and work together to produce the best finished product, which not only benefits the designer, whose work is getting showcased, but makes the screen printer’s job more efficient.

The 7 P’s of Printing

Purpose – What does the client want from their decorated garment; what is the purpose? If the purpose is to be practical and to advertise the client, this factor should not be overlooked in an attempt to achieve the most artistic design. Considering the purpose does not limit your design options, but challenges you to creatively intertwine all the factors; marketing, aesthetics, creativity and design.

Position – Location, Location, Location. The position of the print plays an important part in the design; if you are creating a sleeve print, there is no point including size 6 font as it won’t be readable. Further, you should create the design at actual size if possible. If you are uncertain of print space available, check with the screen printer.

Palette – Colour always plays a critical part in any design, but be wary of the garment it is going onto; whilst the orange and red balloons might look brilliant on white, they can “vibrate” on a royal blue. Try and find out the PMS of the chosen garment and set that as your background. Also, multi-coloured designs are great, but, in most cases, are unable to be precisely printed on garments with linings. Trade Tip: Make sure you send artwork with Pantone colours instead of CMYK or RGB, which can appear differently from screen to screen. To get the most accurate colour matching, provide a coated PMS.

Precision – Detailed designs create difficulties if the graphic artist isn’t aware of the type of garment being printed. Although detail can be used effectively, polo knit and the “cool dry” fabric become potential design-killers if the open weave of the fabric isn’t taken into consideration. At the same time, don’t be too restricted; talk to the screen printer about the recommended point size for the fabric.

Price – With screen printing, the amount of positions and number of colours often affects the price. Be aware of your client’s price range before you add in the extra side print or the slightly different shade of blue. It is disappointing for the screen printer to have to cut down your creation due to the price restraints of the client.

Pixels – Most graphic artists are familiar with the impact computers have had on the design industry. Similarly, much of the artwork for screen printing is prepared in a digital, vector-based environment. Most screen printers will ask for artwork in vector-ready files so, if possible, provide it for them. In doing so, you ensure your designs are reproduced in their intended form and save the client unnecessary artwork fees. NB: Though it is second nature for some, please make sure your fonts and strokes are outlined or converted to objects – I am constantly surprised at how many professionals send through artwork which is rendered unintelligible as a result of a missing font. Save yourself and your client the embarrassment.

Preparation – Be prepared! Don’t be afraid to ask the screen printer for help if you are uncertain about how a shaded area will print, or how one type of ink can improve a design. You might be surprised to find that we are a very skilled bunch of professionals who love to print great designs. And we love to have a print that not only enhance the garment (making the client happy) but is interesting and exciting.

Next time you are approached to design for garments, consider the 7 Ps of Printing – you will find it saves time and provides an opportunity for excellence in design.

Yours In Print,

Jess

www.zulugraphics.com.au

Tags: graphic design, Preparation, Screen Printing