Do you have an amazing design ready for screen printing? I have a little check list that will help you prepare your art files before you send them off for printing.

Raster Art Files

Create the artwork at the size you would like to have printed, and at a minimum of 150 ppi
Do not include a background (have artwork on separate layer)
Send your files as .png with a transparent background, or .psd without merging your layers
If you have type (lettering elements) in your design, make sure to have them as smart objects rather than rasterized elements

Vector Files

Convert all type to outlines to avoid font substitution problems.
Send files as .eps or .ai
Although not a must, it is helpful to double check that your design uses the swatches in your saved swatch panel.
Include design sizing details if your design is not sized to print.

Tips

Keep clear from the seams. When printing close to a sleeve, collar, or seam, the ink tends to “Pool” because it is not being printed on a totally flat substrate.
Avoid tiny (less than 1/8”) details that will possible bleed, or flood to a point that creates problems. Especially type or fonts that are surrounded by shapes. Copyright icons are a perfect example of a problematic design element.
Long straight lines can be problematic on fabric, and can look warped after wearing & washing. Personally, I try to avoid borders and framed images.
Go Vector! Unless you are incorporating an actual photograph in your design, a vectorized image will tend to be easier to work with. Re sizing, coloring, and tweaking images with a program like Illustrator is always easier to do with a Vectorized image. If you have type in your image, then this is especially true!
Make is simple, but make it cool. Sometimes as a designer, I go overboard. Adding multiple colors, shapes, and details to a design that are just not necessary. After I do a design for garments, I always come back a few hours after the design process, and reevaluate the image, with the “how will this print” thought in my head. Most of time, I have to make tweaks and other adjustments to the design, in order to guarantee I get a great design and a great print.
It is always a great idea to print your image on paper before sending it off to a printer. This will help you get a feel for sizing your images. Remember that what may look good on a small garment, may look not so awesome on a really large garment!
If you have questions and or concerns about your design, feel free to send it us for review. We want every print to come out looking awesome, and will do our best to help you get that with your project!

We have designed thousands of t-shirts, and can help you modify old designs or create new designs!

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