T-shirt Printing

Graphic designing and printing are like peas in a pod. The two concepts are so tightly correlated that one cannot do without proper knowledge of another. Being a graphic designer, many times, you will be directly working with printing service providers to get the t-shirt printing job right. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the intricacies and speak the professional lingo of a printer. You must acquire a perspective on working as a designer and directly interacting with a printer. Follow these effective tips from printers about t-shirt printing:

Pre-define the Bleed for Your Designs

Different printers may define differing margin sizes. However, a general recommendation is for an inch or a quarter of an inch covering all sides. Most printers may distort or alter your design, especially in cases of complicated patterns or complex backgrounds; while creating the bleed. Nobody knows your design better than you. Therefore, it is highly advised to pre-define the bleed for your design when you submit it for printing.

Mind The File Size

You cannot submit your print job in excessively large files. Of course, minor modifications can be made to the design, but you cannot expect your artwork to be scaled-down by thirty or forty inches of the original document size. It is advisable to design by a 100% scale for a physical dimension of two by four feet or even smaller. You should consider adjusting the size by a fraction of it for a proportion of four by eight or larger size. Scaling up is more manageable when designing in a vector editing software. However, you should use an appropriate resolution size when designing in a raster editing software so that it should be appropriately enlarged without distortion.

Create Outlines

If you are using unique fonts, you should consider including the font file with your print file. An alternate option can be to convert written text into outlines. It is a preferable option to outline fonts because a printer will not require to load a font that is not reusable or required only for printing a specific design. Furthermore, your document will load without a missing font message every time you open it for printing.

Specify Colors

Use CMYK colors for printing wherever possible. RGB may provide a broader range of colors, but they may look muted when you switch to CMYK. Some extreme hues do not translate well from RGB to CMYK. Your final design may appear drastically altered or vastly different due to divergent colors.

Plan Some Extra Time for t-shirt Printing

You should plan some extra days to get the final files to your printer. Sometimes, printers may have many pre-scheduled jobs. Getting your files early to the printer may help them get your job done quickly. Printers may have to manage contingencies such as shifting employee schedules, emergency rush jobs, and malfunctioning equipment. They are more likely to get your files printed in time if you have an extra period for printing.

Precisely Communicate Your Requirements

Once you have finalized a printing service provider, ask about their file requirements. It is beneficial to know if they prefer any specific file formats or the version of the software they are running. It is preferable to provide the files in compatible file formats. Coordinate well with your printing service provider to avoid any last-minute surprises or discrepancies with the end product.

Carefully Proofread The Final Print

You should carefully proofread the file before sending it for final printing, especially the text-heavy files. Sometimes, your client may skip skimming through the design. An error in design will require a reprint costing you money and time.

A little planning ahead of time can save you from various potential problems during the t-shirt printing process. Reliable printing companies take the time and resources required to bring about the desired results. All you need is to precisely communicate your requirements and coordinate well for better professional relationships.