They say authenticity is rare in today's monotonous society. When it comes to standing out, personalised clothing is one of the best ways to do it- whether it’s branded or personal.

Coming up with an idea is half the battle, but the latter half is something many designers fail to recognize the importance of and this can even lead to re designing.

So here it is. The ultimate 5 step guide to preparing artwork for T-shirt printing.

1. Know your print type
No matter how many articles you see about file types, it’s useless if you don’t know what print method your design is destined for.

If you are using an external printing company, you may want to check up on their artwork guidelines to better inform you of what they’re looking for as they may have certain requirements to work to.

If you’re struggling to choose a printing company, websites such as these will display the highest rated according to customer reviews. Be sure to check the amount of reviews left against rating though- in these cases quality is as important as quantity.

Direct to garment printing (DTG)
One of the most recent printing methods to be established, DTG is essentially a big inkjet printer. It’s ability to print complex and multi-colour prints in a matter of minutes makes it one of the leading methods of modern t-shirt printing.

Market leaders, such as Banana Moon, usually have these pioneering technologies available- so it may be worth considering which companies have the best resources if you’re wanting to achieve the highest quality t-shirt print.

• DTG accepts PNG’s and prints directly.
• CMYK is the preferred colour profile.
• 300 d.p.i is the preferred quality.

Screen print
The more traditional and ever popular method of screen print involves laying layers of ink down through mesh. When creating artwork, it is important to bear colour separations in mind.

• Vector artwork is required
• Compatible with PMS (Pantone) colours

Heat transfer printing
This involves a print being transferred to the garment with the use of heat. It is more often than not used on polyester due to weaknesses in other printing methods.

• Vector artworks are preferable, but jpeg/png files can be accepted.
• Colour format may need to be checked with printing companies as machines differ
• 300 d.p.i is the preferred quality.

Vinyl printing
Usually used for one colour, sharp prints, Vinyl has standard colours that you or the designer will decide upon. It is cut with a CAD machine and so is limited in the detail it can achieve. You can then adhere the decal with a vinyl heat press.

• Vector artworks are preferable
• Simple designs work better

2. Calibrate your monitor
Before the next stage, you need to ensure you calibrate your monitor. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this step isn’t important as you may be met with a surprise when your print doesn’t look as it did on your home computer.

It’s worth noting that no matter how accurately calibrated your screen is, chances are it will never be the same as the print. But, by getting the match as close as possible you’re minimising any risk.

3. Colours
The colour model you will work in will depend on the print method you use. There is not much to remember other than to try and limit your colour use if you are going to be utilising screen print for your design- which is usually 10 colours at a maximum.

If your artwork is already designed, don’t worry. If you have many colours there are always methods a good printer will utilise to achieve the best print.

Another key part of designing is maintaining a transparent background (unless the background is intentional). The last thing you want is a white box printed around your design!

4. Size
Ensure that the artwork or image you create is scaled as closely as possible to the actual print size. Different t-shirt printing companies may specify different maximum measurements, so it is always worth checking this first.

The last thing you want is to wind up with a pixelated print as you didn’t size it correctly!

5. Resolution
Make sure you always check your resolution when creating or preparing artwork to be printed. It’s not rocket science that the higher quality an artwork is created in- the more chance it will have of making an awesome t-shirt.

To Conclude

• Establish what print type will be used for your t-shirts
• Calibrate your monitor!
• Know your colour models
• Size accurately
• Check your resolution