Designing Cool T-Shirts: Tips And Tricks For Beginners

Designing a T-shirt is a fun and creative way to express yourself. Whether you're an artist, a business owner, or just someone looking for a unique way to make a statement, designing a T-shirt can be a rewarding experience. In this introduction, we will explore the basics of T-shirt design, from brainstorming ideas and choosing the right colours to finding a printer and evaluating your creation. We will also discuss common mistakes to avoid and provide tips on how to make your design stand out. By the end, you should have the knowledge and confidence to create your own amazing T-shirt designs.

Choosing colours and fonts

When choosing colours, it is important to consider the fabric colour of the T-shirt as well as the print colour. These two colours should complement each other. If you are screen printing, using more colours will increase the cost per item. Typically, screen printing is better suited for solid colours and a limited colour palette. If you are printing in full colour, such as with DTG printing, then the number of colours is less of a consideration. However, using too many colours can backfire and make your design ugly. It is best to achieve your design goals with the least number of colours possible.

When it comes to fonts, it is best not to use more than three different fonts in a design. The font you choose should match the message you are trying to convey. For example, if your T-shirt design is for a family reunion, you would not want to use the "Batman" font. If you are going for a corporate or professional look, avoid "Comic Sans". Standard fonts will work well for just about anything, but some fonts will only look right in specific contexts.

In addition to choosing the right colours and fonts, it is important to consider the composition of your design. A good composition will make your T-shirt design more appealing. You can improve your composition by following basic rules, such as ensuring that the elements are not too spaced apart or bunched up together. You should also consider the placement of your design on the T-shirt. A standard full front placement is actually around 4" from the collar, not halfway between the shirt's top and bottom.

Design size and placement

The size and placement of your design are crucial to its overall success. A common mistake is to set the design to a standard size, but this can be too large and look like a "belly print", which is never flattering. The size of your design should be based on the purpose of the shirt, the properties of the garment, and the characteristics of the design itself. For example, circles and squares tend to look better when sized smaller than standard. If you're ordering a large batch with a variety of T-shirt sizes, consider reducing the print size on the smaller garments.

Print placement is the exact measurement of where the design will be printed on the T-shirt. A standard full-front placement is around 4" from the collar, not halfway between the shirt's top and bottom. If you're choosing a unique placement, make sure you have a good reason for it.

When it comes to the design itself, it's important to keep things simple. Classic T-shirt designs are often the simplest, conveying their message clearly and effectively. However, don't forget to pay attention to the detail. Well-executed masterpieces that people can study for hours will always be appreciated.

Before finalising your design, make sure to view it at actual size and on a T-shirt. You can do this by printing it out and placing it on a T-shirt, or by using digital tools to mock up your design on a photo of a model. This will give you an accurate idea of how your design will look in reality.

Finally, remember that your design will be displayed on bodies, which are rarely symmetrical. Flat, uncomplicated designs are best, as there's no telling where the nooks and crannies will land on your image. Avoid intricate details and subtle colour gradients, and always opt for simplicity.

Printing options

There are several printing options to choose from, depending on your budget, the number of shirts you want to print, and the desired appearance of the final product. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Screen printing: This is the gold standard for T-shirt printing. Your printer makes original screens of your design (one for each colour), allowing you to print in bulk. It is a reliable, affordable, and high-quality option, ideal for large orders of more than 20 shirts. However, a new screen is required for each colour or design revision, which can get costly.
• Vinyl printing: Another method of heated transfer, vinyl printing uses durable vinyl instead of just ink. It is extremely durable and of high quality, making it ideal for designs that you want to stand out. However, additional colours can be costly, making it unsuitable for large orders.
• Direct-to-garment (DTG): A newer option, DTG uses inkjet printing that prints directly onto the fabric. It offers highly customizable designs with maximum detail and extensive colour choices. However, it is better suited for small batches or single samples and does not work well on dark-coloured garments.
• Heat Press Printing: This method involves printing your design onto a sheet of vinyl or transfer paper, which is then applied to the T-shirt using a heat press machine. It is a versatile and cost-effective option for small and large orders, and it works well with complex designs and various types of fabric.
• Sublimation Printing: This method uses a heat press to transfer dye onto the T-shirt, resulting in a permanent and highly durable print. It is ideal for designs with multiple colours and can produce photo-quality prints. However, it only works well with light-coloured shirts, preferably those with a high polyester content.

When choosing a printing method, it is important to consider the cost, appearance, production time, and materials used. Additionally, you should also decide whether you want to print the design on light or dark-coloured shirts, as this will impact the printing method and colour choices.

Image quality and composition

• Resolution — Use high-resolution images, ideally with 200 dpi or higher. Low-resolution images tend to have compression artefacts and lack the detail needed for good print quality. Vector graphics are recommended as they scale to any size without losing quality.
• Composition — The arrangement of the design elements is crucial. Avoid spacing elements too far apart or bunching them together. Ensure your design is balanced and that the text is easy to read.
• Detail — While attention to detail and intricate designs can be impressive, sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective. Classic T-shirt designs often convey their message through simplicity.
• Size — Consider the size of your design in relation to the T-shirt. A common mistake is to use a standard size, which can be too large. Smaller designs often work better, especially for lightweight shirts, and consider that different T-shirt sizes may require different design sizes.
• Placement — Think carefully about where the design will be placed on the T-shirt. A standard full-front placement is usually about 4" from the collar, not halfway between the top and bottom.
• Colours — Choose colours that complement each other and the T-shirt colour. Use restricted colours and halftones to make the most of your design. Keep in mind that more colours usually mean a higher cost per item for screen printing.
• Contrast — High-contrast designs are easier to read and more attention-grabbing, while low-contrast designs are more subtle. Consider the effect you want to achieve and the colours that will work best with your design and background.
• Borders and Edges — Adding a border or edge to your design can improve its appearance and make it look more professional. A simple thin white or black border works well, or you could use a mask to create a different shape.

Remember to take the time to explore different design options, mock up your design on a T-shirt, and get feedback from others to perfect your T-shirt design.

Contrast and borders

When designing a T-shirt, it's important to consider the impact of contrast and borders. Here are some tips and techniques to elevate your T-shirt design using these elements:

Contrast

Contrast is a powerful tool in design that can be achieved through various means, such as colour, size, or texture. Here are some ways to incorporate contrast in your T-shirt designs:

• Colour Contrast: Using colours that are opposite or complementary on the colour wheel can create a striking visual effect. For example, pairing red and green or blue and orange will make your design pop.
• Size Contrast: Playing with the size of different elements in your design can create a sense of depth and draw attention to specific parts of the design. For instance, using a larger font for key words or phrases can make them stand out.
• Texture Contrast: Combining different textures, such as smooth and rough elements, can add interest and dimension to your design. This can be achieved through the use of different fabrics or printing techniques.

Borders

Borders can be an effective way to frame your design and give it a more polished look. Here are some tips for incorporating borders:

• Single Square Outline: Adding a simple square outline around your design is an easy way to make it look neat and contained. You can vary the thickness of the border to suit your taste.
• Double Square Pop-Out: This technique involves cropping the image tighter and adding a second, thinner outline inside the dark stroke. It gives the illusion of depth and requires some photo editing skills to execute.
• Circle Outline: Masking your image with a circle shape and adding a thin border is a classic and eye-catching look. Just be careful not to crop out any important parts of the image.
• Distressed Edge: Adding a distressed, jagged, or worn edge to your design can give it an artistic, grunge-style appearance. This technique works well with certain target audiences and themes.
• Custom Borders: You can also create your own unique borders by combining different shapes, colours, and textures. Get creative and experiment with different ideas to find what works best for your design.

Remember, these are just a few techniques to enhance your T-shirt designs. Feel free to mix and match different elements of contrast and borders to create a design that truly reflects your style and personality.

Frequently asked questions