Graphic design and applying graphic design for custom t-shirt printing are two very different crafts. Have you ever poured long hours on a custom printed t-shirt design, only to have your provider inform you that your design isn't suitable for t-shirt printing? 

There are factors to think about to ensure your graphic design works in textiles. Here are six excellent tips in artwork preparation for a successful custom t-shirt printing: 

Apply Vector-Based Artwork in Your Designs

While no one claims that vector art is superior to raster art, artists generally agree to use it wherever possible. This technique makes color separations easier to achieve. Moreover, the print is sharper, even in the smallest details. 

Use the Pantone Matching System (PMS) 

When creating artwork, artists generally use RGB and CMYK color modes. However, always utilize PMS colors in your artwork to get the most realistic colors when using a silk screener. 

As such, the color separations become more accessible and accurate. Other than that, the printer should not charge you extra for PMS color matching. You're actually doing them a favor whenever you provide precise design details.

PMS offers designers reliably matching specified colors in their work. Therefore, when an artist picks a specific blue, anyone in the project may refer to the Pantone system and achieve an exact match for the "blue." 

Everyone can maintain accuracy in fulfilling the customer's request, from your end down to the manufacturer, printer, and other stakeholders.

Color Coordinate Your Half-Tones Using PMS Colors

Your design and budget may need you to use halftones to reduce the number of colors produced. The most efficient method for accomplishing this is to reduce the color scale to a percentage of the PMS color.

In addition, the color separations software the printer uses should handle the remainder.

Make Outlines of All of Your Text

Any computer that accesses the artwork will see the text as an image. It will make no replacements because the text is converted into outline format. 

Right-click on the text using the Selection tool and then pick Create Outlines from the context menu to turn text into an outline. 

When sending your artwork for printing, the last thing you want to see is a design with a different typeface that’s not in your specifications.

Design Your Artwork Using Its Final Dimensions

One of the most valuable ways to guard yourself against a printer dispute is to design your artwork at its final size. The Document Setup option, located under the File menu, allows you to choose the artwork size. 

Don't know what size you want to utilize for your project? Stick a ruler inside the shirt you're wearing. While it seems simple, it is effective in helping you get the correct t-shirt size.

Increase and Expand the Strokes You Use

If your colors are not calibrated correctly, the color separations program won’t have any difficulty working with you. It's more of a case of human mistake, which arises since strokes are sometimes forgotten. 

Choose anything you wish to extend from your strokes, select Object, then Expand from the drop-down menu. 

Conclusion

The secret of any good artwork is knowledge. Also, you need to know what you're doing and what you want to achieve to acquire successful results. 

Besides, if you know the fundamentals of your craft, you can develop a great design for custom t-shirt printing. In addition, you will save yourself money by avoiding printer disputes.

These six helpful hints for preparing your t-shirt design for printing should take care of the bulk of your issues. This level of planning should result in a quicker turnaround time and a more accurate print.

Certified Print Co will gladly serve you if you need custom t-shirt printing in Denver. We provide high-quality print-on-demand t-shirts using only the best garments. Work with us today to get the personalized t-shirt you've always wanted!