Your idea! It all starts with an idea, after all. Before we can get started, we need to see your artwork as to know what we're working with. (Don't get intimidated - this can freak people out and it really shouldn't!) Whether you have a print-ready file or a sketch on a napkin, we're here to help. We'll review, offer suggestions, make recommendations and create a plan for your design. If you only have an idea, we have seasoned graphic designers on hand who can work within your budget and timeline.
Selecting what you'll print on. Shirts, totes, jackets, hoodies and so much more. We have a ton of experience on fabrics and can guide you through selecting the perfect garment for your design. Want something basic and cost-friendly? Want something extra comfy and soft? Want something for a team or race? Understanding the fabric and how your design will print on it is super important. There are various types of fabrics - cotton, polycotton blends, polyester, burnout styles and more, and sometimes it can be overwhelming to select something! We'll help you find exactly what works, and we'll have samples on hand to help you make a decision.
Finalizing your art and apparel. You'll work directly with our team on finalizing the art proof of your design. We'll discuss exact imprint sizes, colors, placement and other design specifications. During this time, we will also order your garments. You will sign off on the final design, apparel order and printing schedule and we'll get to work! Color separation and films For each color in a design, we produce a piece of film that will become an individual screen. Each separate screen is put on the press and loaded with a specific color of ink. The more colorful the design, the more screens required (and the more expensive your design becomes.) Our graphic designer will deconstruct the art into it’s single color components (this is color separation).
Burning screens During this process we take each film and burn it onto a screen. We coat the screens well in advance of this process, which is also why we can't always 'hurry up and print' designs on demand. The screen is then washed and given time to dry before it's ready for the press.
Ink prep There are so many options when it comes to inks and colors. In the design and proof process, we'll have discussed with you the type of ink we're using and the exact colors we're mixing. We'll offer recommendations based on the look, feel and budget you have in mind.
Setting up the press There are several variables that are addressed each time a screen print design is set up on press. The number of screens, squeegee angles, how many 'hits' each color will receive, and other technical aspects of screen print. Once every prep item is checked off the list, it's GO TIME! We start printing and the magic starts to happen.