
Designing your own t-shirt can be a fun and creative activity. Whether you're creating a design for a company, a band, a sports team, or a personal illustration, there are several steps you can follow to bring your vision to life. First, consider the purpose of your design and the colours you want to use. Keep in mind that certain ink colours may appear differently on lighter or darker shirts. Next, add dimension to your design by using shades of colour to create depth. Balance your design by combining all the elements to form a cohesive whole. Determine the placement of your design on the t-shirt, such as centred or on the top left. Complete a final mock-up of your design, trying out different combinations of colours and layouts. Once you're happy with your design, you can use a service like Custom Ink, RushOrderTees, or Spreadshirt to print your design onto a t-shirt. These services offer customisation options, various printing techniques, and guidance on bringing your design to life.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Design | Think about what your design will represent, e.g. a company, a band, a sports team, or a personal illustration. |
Colour Scheme | Choose colours that will appear vibrant against a light or dark shirt. Avoid pastels on light shirts. |
Dimension | Add shade to your chosen colours to create depth and brighten the design. |
Balance | Combine all elements to form a cohesive whole. |
Placement | Decide where your design will go on the t-shirt, e.g. centred, top left, or wraparound. |
Mock-up | Sketch your ideas first, then create a digital image of the design. |
Text | Choose a font that complements your design. |
Prototype | Print the design and iron it onto a plain shirt. |
Printing Method | Screen-printing gives better results that last longer but digital printing is cheaper. |
Production | Use a printing company for larger-scale production. |
Choosing a colour scheme
You can also think about the desired aesthetic. Do you want the T-shirt to be more low-key and subtle, or do you want it to stand out and be noticed? Monochromatic colour schemes, which use different shades of the same base colour, are a great way to keep the design understated and elegant. On the other hand, complementary colours, which are opposite each other on the colour wheel, will create a vibrant contrast that is sure to be eye-catching. Analogous colours, which are adjacent on the colour wheel, offer a happy medium between these two extremes.
Another important consideration is the fabric of the T-shirt. The colour scheme you choose should take into account the colour of the fabric itself, ensuring there is enough contrast for your design to be visible. For example, white designs stand out on a maroon shirt, while green ink looks great on grey fabric. If you want to include intricate line work in your design, a strong contrast between the ink colour and the fabric colour will make it pop.
Finally, the printing process may influence your colour choices. Most printers are CMYK-based, so this colour model is generally preferred. However, RGB colours may offer a wider range of options, especially if you are designing on a screen. If you are using screen printing, flat solid colours are recommended, and you may want to use the Pantone Matching System (PMS) to achieve the best results.
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Adding text
Choose the Right Font:
Select a font that aligns with the style and message of your design. Ensure the font is legible and easy to read. You can find various font options on websites like Custom Ink, RushOrderTees, and Canva. These websites offer hundreds of fonts to choose from, or you can upload your own fonts.
Font Size and Spacing:
Consider the size of your text and the spacing between letters and lines. Avoid making the text too small, as it may become illegible. At the same time, bigger text is not always better. Find a balance that ensures the text is readable and visually appealing.
Text Placement:
Think about where you want the text to appear on the T-shirt. Will it be on the front, back, or sleeves? Adjust the size of your text based on its placement. Avoid the default maximum size, and consider the overall design and balance of the T-shirt.
Keep it Simple:
Simplicity is often more effective in T-shirt designs. Avoid cluttering your design with too much text or overly complex wording. A clean and straightforward message is more likely to catch the eye and convey your message effectively.
Using Text with Other Design Elements:
If you're using text in combination with other design elements, such as graphics or images, ensure they complement each other. You can use text to enhance the impact of your design or to provide additional information. Play around with different layouts and placements to see what works best.
Proofread and Edit:
Before finalising your design, carefully proofread the text for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ask for feedback from others to ensure your message is clear and concise. Making sure that your text is perfect will help to avoid any mistakes being printed on your T-shirt.
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Using a stencil
Materials:
- Plain coloured T-shirt (clean and ironed)
- Stencil (you can make your own using contact paper, freezer paper, or plastic sheets)
- Repositionable spray mount or masking tape
- Good-quality fabric paint
- Plate or paint tray
- Stiff cardboard
- Stencil brushes
- Kitchen roll
Instructions:
- Put a piece of stiff cardboard inside the T-shirt. This will prevent the paint from seeping through and staining the back of the shirt.
- Flatten the T-shirt and secure the stencil in the desired position. You can use spray mount or masking tape to attach the stencil to the shirt.
- Apply a small amount of paint to your stencil brush, then wipe off any excess.
- Paint through the cut-out areas of the stencil using an up-and-down stippling motion. Reload the brush as needed and avoid overloading it with too much paint to prevent bleeding under the stencil.
- Once all parts of the stencil have been painted, carefully peel back the stencil to reveal the image. Hold the T-shirt down with one hand while peeling with the other.
- Leave the T-shirt to dry. You may need to heat-set the paint with an iron, depending on the type of fabric paint used. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove the cardboard from inside the T-shirt.
Now you have a one-of-a-kind T-shirt to wear and show off! You can reuse the stencil to create more designs or give personalised T-shirts as gifts.
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Screen printing
Since each colour and location (front and back) require a separate screen, the number of colours and print locations will affect the cost of screen-printed shirts. However, once the screens are burned, it is inexpensive to add more shirts to the order, resulting in significant bulk discounts. This makes screen printing ideal for orders with the same design in large quantities.
When screen printing, it is important to consider the colour of the t-shirt, as the colour combination and contrast will ensure readability and visual appeal. The design process should also take into account the placement and size of the design on the t-shirt, avoiding the default maximum size, as bigger is not always better.
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Digital printing
The process is similar to the function of an inkjet printer for printing on paper. However, the latest technology allows for vibrant, high-definition artwork and unique digital print designs that are eye-catching and built to last. The best digital printing techniques utilize the CMYK colour model, as well as red, green, and white inks, achieving 30% more colours to make your art look breathtaking and ensure your creative juices keep flowing.
When creating your own t-shirt design, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, use high-quality images with good resolution to ensure that your print looks sharp and clear. Choose the right colours that align with your brand or message, and consider how they will look on the fabric. Pay attention to colour combinations and contrast for the best visual appeal.
You can also add text to your design. Ensure that you choose appropriate fonts that match the style and message of your design, and that the text is legible and properly spaced. Finally, consider the placement and size of your design on the t-shirt. Avoid the default maximum size, as bigger is not always better. Simplicity often leads to the most effective designs, so aim for a clean and straightforward look that will catch the eye and convey your message effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use an online platform or software to create your design. Some websites offer a range of customisable templates, while others allow you to upload your own design. You can also use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator to create your design.
Think about what your design will represent and the colours you want to use. Consider the placement of your design on the T-shirt and whether you want it on the front, back, or both. You should also think about the type of T-shirt you want to print on.
Possible file formats are usually PNG, JPG, BMP or GIF. The maximum file size is often around 10 MB, with a minimum image resolution of 200 dpi, and a maximum size of 4000 x 4000 pixels.
Yes, some companies offer no minimum order size, so you can order a single custom T-shirt.