Guide To Submitting T-Shirt Designs For Corporate Clients

how to submit a t shirt design corporation

There are several ways to submit a T-shirt design to a corporation. Many companies hold design competitions, where the winner's design will be printed and sold. Some companies allow users to upload their own designs to be printed on T-shirts. To submit a T-shirt design, it is important to use a high-resolution image, and some companies prefer designs to be submitted in a vector file format, such as Adobe Illustrator.

Characteristics Values
Design Format Vector file, Adobe Illustrator, EPS, PDF, PSD
Resolution High, 300DPI
Submission Process Online form, low-resolution version
Review Process Internal review, confirmation email
Reasons for Rejection Placement, copyright infringement, offensive content, damaged file
Promotion Social media, email
Winner Selection Originality, quality, printability, brand alignment, artist reaction

shunvogue

Choosing the right file format

Vector files are also the preferred format for certain printing methods, such as screen printing. If you are using Adobe Illustrator, the native file type is AI. Alternatively, you can save your design as a PDF, which is a versatile format that can be opened or viewed on almost any operating system.

If you are creating your design in Adobe Photoshop or another raster-based program, it is crucial to focus on achieving high resolution. A high resolution of 300 DPI is recommended to ensure that your artwork retains its ultra-clean and smooth lines when printed on a t-shirt.

When submitting your design, ensure that it is in the desired size for printing, as scaling it up afterward may result in a loss of quality. If your artwork is in vector format, submit the Adobe Illustrator file, EPS file, or a PDF. For Photoshop designs, submit the PSD file saved at 300 DPI.

By choosing the right file format and following these guidelines, you can ensure that your t-shirt design submission is of the highest quality and ready for the printing process.

shunvogue

Using Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator

Firstly, you should roughly sketch out your design ideas. This can be done with pencil or fine liner pen, and it's important to keep in mind that the design is for a t-shirt, so it's best not to get too complicated.

Next, you'll want to scan your illustration. Make sure to scan at a high quality, preferably at a resolution of around 600 dpi, but no less than 300 dpi.

If you're using Adobe Illustrator, you'll then create a new file, using the CMYK colour setting to ensure your design is ready for print later on. Place your scan onto the canvas, and create a new layer above it, locking the scan layer so you don't accidentally edit it. You can then start to draw over your scan, using the Paintbrush Tool to go over your lines. You can group your lines together according to area, and change the stroke weight to add detail.

The next step is to create another new layer below your "lines" layer, called "colour". You can then lock your "lines" layer and begin to colour your lines using the Paintbrush Tool or the Pen Tool for larger areas.

Once you're happy with your illustration, you should highlight the entire design and then go to Object > Expand Appearance. This will allow you to resize the illustration without losing quality.

Finally, check that all your colours are correct, and that you haven't accidentally used more than you intended, as this can increase printing costs. You can then mock up the design on a photo of a t-shirt or a t-shirt vector template, before sending the file to the printer.

If you're using Adobe Photoshop, it's important to remember that your design will not be in vector format. This means that the name of the game is high quality and high resolution. Your artwork should be created at 300 DPI and in the size you want it to be printed. You can then submit the PSD file saved at 300 DPI.

  • Select the right fonts and colours that are attractive yet legible, and fit the overall design of the shirt.
  • Manipulate images using tools like the lasso, crop, blur and smudge tools to make precise adjustments.
  • Utilise shapes and layers to make your design stand out.
  • Apply filters and textures to adjust brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, etc.
  • Use masks and clipping paths to ensure your artwork looks professional and that all elements fit within the desired area.
  • Adjust colours using tools like the levels adjustment tool and the curves tool.
  • Output files for screen printing in PDF or EPS format, ensuring all colours are in CMYK mode.
  • Manage file formats and sizes by working in RGB colour mode and ensuring a resolution of 300 pixels per inch or higher. JPEG or PNG file formats are usually used.

shunvogue

Ensuring high resolution

Understand Image Resolution

Resolution refers to the level of detail in an image, typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). The higher the number, the more detail your image contains. For reference, computer screens typically display images at 72 PPI, which is suitable for digital viewing but not for printing on t-shirts.

Set the Right Resolution

Most printing experts recommend a minimum resolution of 300 DPI for t-shirt designs. Some suggest going as high as 600 DPI for better results and to ensure the design looks good even when printed on larger sizes or viewed up close. It's important to set your design software to the correct resolution for your chosen t-shirt size.

Use Vector Graphics

Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations, allowing them to be scaled up or down infinitely without losing quality. This makes them ideal for t-shirt designs, ensuring your design looks great regardless of the printed size. Vector artwork files are commonly associated with graphic design programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Start with High-Resolution Images

When creating your design, start with high-resolution images. You can create your own using graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Canva, or use stock images. Remember to set your canvas size correctly from the beginning—designing at the size you intend to print will help retain quality.

Check Export Settings and File Formats

When saving your final design, ensure you're exporting it at high resolution. For raster images, use lossless formats like PNG or TIFF, and for vector graphics, use AI or EPS file formats.

Consider Final Print Size and Other Factors

Always keep the final print size in mind to ensure your resolution is adequate. Other factors that can affect resolution requirements include print size, viewing distance, fabric type, printing method, and design complexity. For example, intricate designs with fine details may benefit from a higher resolution.

shunvogue

Uploading your design

Firstly, it is important to understand the preferred file types and requirements. Most companies accept various file formats, including .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .GIF, .BMP, and .PSD. The maximum file size is typically around 5MB. It is also worth noting that some companies may have specific preferences, such as favouring vector files created in Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop. Vector files are highly scalable and ensure the highest quality resolution for your T-shirt design.

When preparing your artwork, remember that high resolution is crucial. Aim for a resolution of 300 dots per inch (DPI) to ensure the best possible print quality. This will ensure that your design retains its ultra-clean and smooth lines when printed on the T-shirt. If you are using a different design program, make sure to adjust the settings to achieve the highest resolution.

Now, let's move on to the actual upload process. Most companies will provide an online platform or a design lab where you can upload your artwork. Look for an "Add Art" or a similar tab, which will allow you to specify the format of your file and then proceed to the upload. Some companies may also offer the option to email your art files, where a design specialist will assist you in getting started.

It is always a good idea to review your design before final submission. Check for any necessary adjustments, such as ensuring your design is in the size you desire for screen printing. Remember, if you need to scale up your design after it has been created, it may lose its aesthetic integrity.

Finally, don't hesitate to reach out for help if you encounter any issues during the upload process. Most companies will be happy to assist you and ensure that your design is ready for printing. With these steps, you should now have a clear understanding of how to upload your T-shirt design successfully.

shunvogue

Submission review and approval

After submitting your design, it will go through an internal review process. This process will likely include a check for quality, originality, and suitability. For instance, DesignByHumans mentions that submissions are reviewed for placement, copyright infringement, offensive content, file quality, and printability.

To ensure your design passes the review stage, it is important to follow the submission guidelines and requirements. These can vary depending on the company but generally include specifications related to file format, resolution, and size. For instance, Oh Boy! Print Shop accepts vector files such as Adobe Illustrator or EPS files, as well as PDF formats. They also accept Photoshop files (PSD) but emphasise the importance of high resolution, specifically mentioning a DPI of 300.

Additionally, TeeFury provides detailed submission guidelines, including specifications for file format, resolution, size, colour, and the use of trademarks and copyrights. They request that submissions include both low-resolution and high-resolution artwork files.

Once your design submission has been approved, you will typically receive a confirmation email. This indicates that your design has passed the initial review stage and is being considered for selection. In some cases, this may involve a judging panel that makes the final decision based on various factors, including brand alignment and originality.

It is important to note that even if your design is approved, it may still be subject to further review or modification before being finalised for printing.

Frequently asked questions

Preferred file types include: .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .PDF, .AI, .EPS, .GIF, .BMP, and .PSD. Vector files are also highly recommended as they can be scaled up or down without losing quality.

The file size limit for each image uploaded is typically 5MB.

After creating an account, you will need to provide a design name and the artwork. Some companies may also provide an "Add Art" tab in their Design Lab, allowing you to specify the format of the file and upload it.

Once your design is submitted, it will typically go through an internal review process. If approved, it may be added to a voting page where the public can vote for it to be printed. If chosen, your design will be printed and sold as a product.

Yes, it is important to ensure that your design is high-resolution and does not contain any offensive or inappropriate content. Additionally, ensure that your design does not infringe on any copyrights or duplicate existing submissions.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment