T-shirt design is becoming a very famous outlet for creatives. It is what differentiates your brand and make you stand out from your competitors. Whether you are a graphic designer, illustrator, or typographer, the basic idea of putting the design on t-shirts is hugely appealing.

Corporates have since capitalised on this by coming up with Custom T-Shirt designs that uniquely represent their respective companies. Schools have also used them to make their class t-shirts while others simply want to create unique custom t-shirt designs for people to wear them. Whatever your intentions may be, the procedure of t shirt printing can be an intimidating one.

1. Explore Your Sketch Options

You can explore various options on the internet to find the best sketching platform for your t-shirt design. Using software such as Adobe Illustrator at the get-go can be useful in the final print stages when you are printing your design. Remember to sketch the t-shirt design and then introduce some variations in it. It is useful to have a brainstorming process to know what works for you. Sketching will allow you to examine and pick one design that best suits your brand.

2. Imagine the T Shirt Design

There is a big difference between what appears on the screen and what you see in actual printed form. If you are from a large or small company, imagine the number of people wearing your design. You would want to come up with a design that is appealing to the masses, or at least something people would wear.

Do not shy away from the thought that your t shirt design will be worn by senior executives or even your company’s CEO. If anything, this should motivate you to want to come up with a quality design. You can even take a print out of it if you deem necessary and place it on your actual tee. Doing this will help ensure that your design works at an actual size.

3. Simplification

Even though everyone likes impeccable drawing ability and detailed attention, learning how to create simple designs is just as useful. Some of the classic t shirt designs are the simplest yet the most effective. Essentially your artstyle should define your company or brand, it could be a logo or a unique design but it should allow people to recognise you instantly. Anything over complicated may lower your chances to deliver a successful design.

4. Keep Your Humor Pleasant

If your main intention is to present a humorous design for your t-shirt, then don’t come off as a low-cost or cheap t shirt. Whether it is through text or artwork, ensure that your t shirt design does not get criticism. Get validation from your colleagues, friends and family. Post your design online to see the reception and feedback. Humor is very subjective but when used correctly, it can turn heads. It is important to strike the right balance.

5. Make the Right Selection of Colors

When your sketch work is all done up, you need to plan for the color application. Try selecting complementary colors in the t shirt design. You can use the color of your t shirt effectively and, then choose complementary colors. Use of global colors and halftones will help you make the best use of the restricted colors.

If you are representing a company, you have an easier task. Most companies already have corporate colors that are unique to them. These colour codes are usually attainable from the list of “pantone colors”.

6. Understanding the Market

As briefly mentioned, it is important to imagine people wearing your t shirts. If the purpose of the t shirt is more specific to an event or function, then you will need to know who the recipients are. Be clear of whether you are designing for a largely male or female crowd; old or young. At the end of it all, you are designing a t shirt that you wish people to wear. You will need to be clear of the objective and purpose of the custom t shirt if you want it to be successful.

7. Choosing the Right Print Method

It is essential that you take some time off to understand the different t-shirt printing methods currently available in the market. Each printing method is unique to printing different designs. Silkscreen printing is ideal for printing 1 to 2 colour designs but not overlapping or colours with different gradients. Heat transfer printing produces highly saturated prints but creates a border around the design. The best printing method for full colour designs is yet another method of its own. Knowing which print method will work in your favour can help you save time and money.

The Takeaway

Implementing all of these into designing your custom t shirt will set you on the right path to success. As it is, having an attractive t shirt design is the only chance you have at effective marketing. TREA is your one stop solution for custom t shirt printing, lending you a hand in  merchandise marketing.