Graphic Designer Lounge has created a list of tips to help you with your t-shirt graphic designing business. These tips can guide you in creating unique and eye-catching designs to set your business apart.
One of the best things about being a graphic designer is that you can use your designs to sell merchandise. Aside from being a visual artist, you can start a small business using your unique methods instead of relying on a design website agency.
You can customize many things with your artwork, such as t-shirts, jackets, mugs, banners, etc. If you have yet to consider it and want to start a small t-shirt business, there are some things you need to consider, especially since you are against big branding.
You can also learn some insights on effectively marketing and promoting your custom t-shirts to reach your target audience
What You Should Do for Your T-Shirt Graphic Designing Business
Starting a t-shirt business is recommended, especially if you’re an illustrator. This is because graphic designers have the skills and creativity to design unique, eye-catching t-shirt designs.
Besides, starting a t-shirt business allows graphic designers to showcase their talent and build a portfolio of their work, which can attract potential clients for other design projects.
Not only that, but you can also capitalize on the growing demand for custom-designed t-shirts. With the rise of social media and online marketplaces, a massive market exists for personalized and unique clothing items.
By starting a t-shirt business, you can tap into this trend and offer customers the opportunity to express their individuality through custom designs. This can increase sales and customer loyalty, as people always look for something unique and different from mainstream fashion.
If you are considering a t-shirt business, here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Avoid awkward layouts.
Composition is crucial in designing, as it involves arranging elements concerning each other. Good design is subjective, but following basic rules can improve it.
Some things that need to be corrected when designing t-shirts that even big branding commits include spacing or bunching features, off-balance, or incorrect type order. To improve composition, put time and effort into it, compare layouts, and consult friends.
Consider the visual hierarchy and create a sense of balance and harmony. This can be achieved by carefully selecting and positioning text, images, and colors.
You may also experiment with different arrangements, and seeking feedback from others can help refine the composition and ensure a successful design outcome. Remember, investing effort into composition upfront can save time and frustration in the long run.
2. Consider the t-shirt size and design print.
A t-shirt design should be based on the purpose, garment properties, and design characteristics. Some shapes look better when sized smaller than standard.
In terms of t-shirt graphic designing, consider the total surface area of the print instead of focusing on width and height only. For larger orders, reduce the print size on smaller garments. Set the print size to meet style-specific requirements.
Moreover, consider comfort, as large prints can affect breathability and weigh down the shirt. Keep the print size modest to make people more likely to wear it.
Additionally, it is essential to consider the print placement on the garment. Specific designs may look more visually appealing when positioned in specific areas, such as centered or off-center.
Also, make sure that the fabric type used for the garment is well thought out, as different materials may react differently to larger prints and affect their overall appearance.
3. Experiment with colors.
In t-shirt graphic designing, colors are vital in creating visually appealing and impactful designs. The colors can evoke certain emotions, convey messages, and attract attention.
By carefully selecting the right color palette, you can effectively communicate the desired mood or theme of the design to the audience. Colors can also enhance the overall composition and make the design more visually engaging.
When designing t-shirts, you can experiment with different color combinations to see which ones work best for your design. This can involve playing with contrasting colors to create a bold, eye-catching design or combining complementary colors to achieve a harmonious and balanced look.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a visually appealing design that effectively communicates the intended message or theme.
4. Refrain from using low-resolution images.
Using low-resolution images in customer-submitted art files can decrease the overall print quality, as the lack of detail and clarity may result in blurry or pixelated prints. It is crucial to ensure that images are at least 200 dpi or higher at their full size to achieve optimal results.
In addition, web images, usually 72 dpi, may not be suitable for printing due to visible artifacts caused by compression. To enhance the outcome, it is recommended to use high-resolution images that are specifically designed for print.
These images have a higher pixel density, producing sharper and more vibrant prints. Moreover, adjusting the image’s color mode to CMYK, which is the standard for printing, can further improve the quality and accuracy of the printed artwork.
5. Use borders.
Consider adding a border or a frame to enhance the appearance of printed designs featuring photographs. Borders can be thin, white or black, or a combination of shapes.
Adding a border or frame to printed designs featuring photographs not only enhances their appearance but also helps to create a clear separation between the image and the surrounding space. This can draw attention to the picture and make it stand out while providing a visually pleasing aesthetic.
Additionally, experimenting with different border styles, such as rounded corners or decorative patterns, can add a unique touch to the overall design.
6. Use the right typography.
Typography is the visual arrangement of words in graphic design, involving typesetting, font choice, letter and line spacing, and aesthetically pleasing interaction with graphic elements. It conveys significant information and can evoke emotions, but it can be done without a trained artist.
Typography plays a crucial role in establishing the tone and personality of a brand or design. For example, using a bold and clean font can convey a sense of professionalism and reliability.
On the other hand, a playful and whimsical font may be more suitable for a children’s book or a casual event invitation. Ultimately, understanding typography’s impact allows designers to communicate their intended message to the audience effectively.
Typography is essential in the t-shirt business, as it can make or break the design. The font choice can determine whether the t-shirt appeals to a specific target audience.
Additionally, typography can be used creatively to enhance the overall aesthetic and make the t-shirt design stand out.
Final Thoughts on T Shirt Graphic Designing
Graphic designers can start a small t-shirt business using their unique methods. Doing so allows them to customize various items like t-shirts, jackets, mugs, and banners.
Starting a t-shirt graphic designing business is recommended, especially for illustrators, as it will enable them to showcase their talent and build a portfolio. Besides, the growing demand for custom-designed t-shirts, driven by social media and online marketplaces, can also be capitalized on.
Offering customers the opportunity to express their individuality through custom designs can increase sales and customer loyalty. This is because people seek unique and different clothing options.
In addition, the low startup costs and easy accessibility of printing technology make it relatively simple for graphic designers to enter the t-shirt business. With the ability to create and sell their designs online, they can reach a global audience and generate a steady income from their artwork.
Moreover, collaborating with influencers or local businesses can further expand the reach and visibility of the t-shirt brand.
