How To Prepare a Design File for Screen Printing

Screen Printing file setup is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving a high-quality print, and this is largely due to minimal knowledge on how screen printing works. There are specific ways in which the artwork needs to be submitted for your printer to ensure a perfect print. We will go over two file types and their attributes as well as the common mistakes made and which file types to avoid.

What Type Of File Should I Have?

There are two main types of files for apparel printing that you should know, Vector and Raster. A vector file is always the best option and most printers will ask for this file type as it will always produce the best results. Raster files are the alternative option and a necessary option in some cases, especially for photographic artwork. Raster files should be high-resolution with minimal compression for the best print possible.

The most problematic files are those that are low-resolution and compressed raster images, which is the reason why vectors are favored as they will not require as much work to prepare for printing, and in some instances, bitmap files will require for the artwork to be recreated entirely.

Vector & Rasters

There are instances where both file types are needed for one single print. A raster can exist within a vector file, for example, if a graphic requires an element of smoke or a photograph then the raster file will need to be converted by using a raster imaging processor; This is a software program like a PostScript Driver that can convert the raster artwork and the information it holds to halftones. When converting to a vector format, or rasterizing, image parameters such as resolution, antialias, color mode and color profile are set.

Vector Graphic Files

A vector graphic is made up of points and distance between those points where each of these point relates to each other and define the shapes of the graphic elements. This type of graphic is based on the Cartesian Coordinate system which is based in complicated mathematics. Within the vector file, there are other components of the data that include colors, gradients, font type, and effects. One of the best features of this type of file is the ability to resize your graphic as big as you need it to be without losing the quality, as well as taking up less space in your computer’s hard drive because instead of mapping large pixel arrays it just maps out the coordinates of the points in the file.

There is a downside to Vector files, however, if the grid has a lot of points this may cause a delay whenever a change is made as it will re-calculate each point and will require a lot of RAM.

Raster Graphic Files

A raster file is a grid of pixels that has information stored for each one of them containing the position, color, and brightness. A raster file is a less complex file than a vector, it is the simplest way to present image data. JPEGs, TIFFs, and PNGs are common raster image types. Almost all of the photos found on the web and in print catalogs are raster images.

View fullsize

Because raster graphics are created from pixels, when you expand your image, you are expanding those pixel blocks. That’s why the image becomes blurry if you make it too large.

““Raster graphics are pixel-based and work on a large grid. Think of a mosaic where all the tiles up close just look like a bunch of different colors, but when you view it at a distance it becomes a very detailed picture of the Mona Lisa.””

— Alex Meiners, Family Industries Head of Art Department

Preparing Your File

Photoshop

Before creating your artwork in Photoshop you should ensure that your file is set to RGB color mode and at least 300 dpi. If this is not set correctly before you begin your design phase, resizing it later will result in a blurry image and jagged edges on fonts.

Adobe Illustrator / Affinity Designer / Corel Draw

If you are designing your artwork on Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer or Corel Draw all you need to do is set your file to the size you want to print. Programs like illustrator will have an option to turn your Raster artwork into a vector.
Normally, any raster artwork (created in Adobe Photoshop or CorelDRAW PHOTO-PAINT or other raster software program) has to be separated into four process colors or simulated process color prior to printing out the films used to expose each screen.

Transparent Background

To isolate the white channels in a color separation an image needs to be masked onto a transparent background. Using a transparent background provides control over the transition from the garment color to the printed colors, and can be used to manage the ink deposit as well. Image areas that fade to shirt color when screen printed should fade to a transparent background in the image file.

Most Common Mistakes

Fonts

The most common error people make when submitting a design to a screen printer is not converting the fonts into outlines. This means converting your editable text into shapes, this will save your printer time, otherwise, they will need to find the exact font then download it and load it into your design. Keep in mind that once a font is converted into shapes, you cannot edit your text.

View fullsize

Luckily, at Family Industries, we understand this process can be overwhelming, but there’s no need to worry! Our super knowledgeable staff are here to help you get through any design challenges that come your way. Ask Us How!

Author: Irene Floridia - Content Creator

Screen Printing vs. Digital Printing

The art of screen printing has been around since the late 900s, and as with any industry that gains popularity over time, innovation is no stranger to the world of printing. With so many print styles to choose from, it isn’t always easy to match the right style with the right project. No one understands how difficult this decision can be more than us at Family Industries. With over a decade of experience, we’ve seen it all.

The two most popular forms of apparel and art printing are Screen Printing and Digital Printing. For some, the differences in the finished product can often be indistinguishable. However, the contrast between these two styles extend far beyond the print itself. That’s why we thought we’d take a stab at helping you figure out which print style works best for your next order.

Screen Printing

What is Screen Printing?

The screen printing process involves a silkscreen with your image. The inks are applied by color and by layer unto the printing surface one at a time. Screen printing is very versatile, and the technique can be used to print on many different types of material such as textiles, plastic, and latex. Check how does screen printing work?.

Screen printing is the most widely known and used method, as it has been around for a very long time. Technology has made some advancements in this method to speed up the process but its main functions have not changed, it is still ink being pushed through a stenciled screen.

Screen Printing Pros

• Color vibrancy - Screen printing uses Plastisol inks and water-based inks, which are the most vibrant colors available, while digital printing is limited by the CMYK color gamut. It is also easier for screen printers to match the exact color, especially when using the Pantone Matching System.

• Durability - Digital prints can deteriorate as you wash your clothes, especially if you are washing with hot water. While screen printing does not have this problem, if done correctly, your print will retain its color and vibrancy for a long time.

• Versatility - With screen printing, you have the ability to print on many different textiles, garment styles, print locations, and placements. While digital printing is limited to the type of textiles and placement.

• Special effects - From raised print to texture, shine, sparkles, or glows, there’s a special ink or additive that can do it and it can only be done with screen printing. Digital printing now has some specialty inks but they are not widely available or as easy to accomplish.

  Check out the different types of special effects possible with screen printing:

  • Water-based
    Absorbs into the fabric for a very lightweight and soft print.

  • Discharge
    Chemically removes the dye from the pigment of the fabric.

  • Puff
    This additive expands while being cured, for a soft, raised feel.

  • Fluorescent
    Very bright neon colors, also known as “day glow”.

  • Metallic
    Popular ink for a shiny look. Typically in gold, silver, or copper.

  • Glitter
    Contains glitter for a sparkly look, often combined with a clear gel.

  • Glow-in-the-dark
    Almost clear, light-activated ink that glows in the dark.

  • Suede
    Similar to puff, but creates a soft and fuzzy texture to the surface.

  • High-density
    Creates raised layers of rubber-like ink for a 3-dimensional print.

  • Soft Hand
    Additive for reducing the thickness of ink for a softer feel.

  • Clear Gel
    A thick glossy coating that can be used in combination with others.

  • Shimmer
    Creates a unique reflective, iridescent shine.

  • Crackle
    Splits and cracks during curing for a naturally distressed look.

  • Plasticharge
    Combines the best of Plastisol and discharge.

Digital Printing

What is Digital Printing?

This process is much newer and involves specialized inkjet printers developed to print textile inks. The image on the screen is converted into a format that can then be printed unto the surface required. Digital printing is typically used when the print requires more details and this method is very versatile as it can be used on any type of surface. Check out how Digital Printing works.

In the Print Industry, “digital printing” is more of a term than an actual method of printing. In the world of Screen Printing, “digital printing” is typically referred to as “Direct to Garment”. While Screen Printing has been around for centuries, Direct to Garment printing has only been around for about 15 years. As society has grown more impatient over time, people are always looking for instant gratification. The majority of online on-demand printing companies use this as a primary method because of the speed and accuracy with minimal set-up.

Digital Printing Pros

• Details - Designs with a lot of detail or photographs usually require a more precise and clear print. These types of designs are better candidates for digital printing.

• Color Blending - Photographs or intricate designs will require color blends that may be more difficult to achieve with screen printing, for this reason, digital prints would be a better option.

• Consistency - Your print is most likely to be consistent all throughout when printed digitally as the file is set-up by a computer and the consistency of the ink is distributed at the same rate for each piece.

• Quantity - Digital prints require less of a set-up, therefore, allowing for a much-limited amount of prints to be done, while most printing services have a minimum quantity for screen printing.

So, Which Print Method is The Best?

The best method depends on what you intend on printing and the surface. The look is different as the digital printing allows for a more precise, crisp, and detailed print while screen printing provides a more authentic, softer, and retro look. Because both methods are good and serve different purposes, here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

View fullsize

1. Quantity: Digital printing allows for a smaller quantity to be printed while screen printing will usually require a minimum.

2. Apparel: Screen printing has more versatility when choosing your fabric. For digital printing, it is advised to print on 100% cotton or other select cotton blends and only certain colors.

3. Design: Photographs or hyper-detailed images with a lot of colors are usually better printed digitally. However, if you have a large number of shirts you would like to print, screen printing may still be an option but it may cost you a little bit more or may require some adapting to make the design work best.

For some people it may come down to cost, so we will take you through what will dictate your cost based on several factors for both methods.

1. Apparel: The type of apparel can range from value to premium options and depends on the style and brand.

2. Print Locations: There is the option for 1 or 2 locations, which would be the front and/or the back (for a t-shirt or sweatshirt).

3. Fabric Color: For screen printing on darker color fabrics, a white layer before your print is necessary and may cost a little bit more.

4. Number of Colors: The more colors your print requires the higher the cost is for screen printing, however, if you have a large quantity, this cost may be a lot lower as you can have access to deeper discounts.

5. Quantity: With screen printing, the number of pieces will dictate the majority of your cost. This is the most important factor that will most likely dictate the right method for you.

Author: Irene Floridia - Content Creator

Need more information? Hit us up! and we will be glad to walk you through the process.

Are you ready to make a choice and place an order? Click Here!

A Guide To Streetwear Design

Designing artwork for a t-shirt or a hat may seem like a simple task, but when it comes to the technical application of the design; things may get complicated. The road to starting your own streetwear brand does not have to be bumpy! we encourage you to inform yourself before investing time and money, and we will help you by taking you through the different steps to consider when creating and designing your own apparel brand.

In this article, we will walk you through efficient and economical ways to begin a streetwear clothing line as well as the technical part of apparel printing to help you avoid having to re-design your logo or any other artwork you would like to print on t-shirts, hats, or pants.

Photo and T-Shirt Design By NEVER MADE

What Is Streetwear?

Streetwear is a casual fashion style that became popular in the 1990s. It includes comfortable yet trendy clothing such as graphic tees, hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers. Streetwear brands are inspired by both hip-hop culture and skater style. Followers of the latest trends in streetwear are known as hypebeasts, and many go to great lengths to acquire limited-edition designer hats, hoodies, sneakers, and more.

The first streetwear brands emerged in Southern California in the 1980s, when surfers sold screen printed T-shirts to promote their hand-shaped surfboards. Inspired by the street style of LA skateboarders and surfers as well as hip-hop fashion, small skateboarding shops in NYC started creating their own designs in the 1990s.

In the 2000s, sneaker culture influenced streetwear fashion. Hypebeasts paired their graphic tees with athletic sneakers, and collaborations flourished.

In the 2010s, luxury streetwear was born. As young people and social influencers made streetwear an important part of pop culture, and the fashion industry noticed, from mainstream sportswear brands to high fashion brands, got in on the action.

The Basics

Comfort

As mentioned, streetwear takes inspiration from the hip-hop culture as well as the skater style. When figuring out the fit of your apparel, you will first want to think about whether you’re looking to design loose and comfortable pieces or have more of a tapered look.

Streetwear is generally defined by breaking the rules of proportion by using oversize t-shirts with skinny jeans or dropped-crotch sweatpants, but as the style evolves, it is encouraged to just make cool and interesting apparel regardless of fit.

Ripped pants and distressed jeans are also part of the streetwear style, these details are important to the overall look. Considering what type of fit and style gives you brand identity and consolidates your audience to a specific group, which in turn, will help you narrow down your marketing efforts in the future.

Fabrics & Design

Because t-shirts are one in a million, and cool graphics are being designed and printed daily; good high-quality fabrics will set you apart from the competition and give your brand an edge. If this is something you can afford, we highly recommend going with higher quality cotton.

Cotton fabrics are premium options and ideal for long-lasting apparel. Additionally, the thicker the fabric, the better the graphics will be. The thicker fabric allows for a cleaner and nicer print, whether you’re screen printing the design or opting for a DTG print (direct to garment), a nice cotton blend is what you will need.

The design will depend on what your brand is about. Considering the name and the inspiration behind your brand as well as finding a compelling way to translate your passion for the brand into a cool graphic is key, and that same sentiment should show throughout each article of clothing and each collection thereafter.

We recommend that you stick to one logo and that logo be visible enough on all articles of clothing offered by your brand. The graphic design should be easy to read and recognizable. When designing the graphics, seek inspiration from your life, your surroundings, or the culture within your community. Having a design that directly connects to a certain lifestyle is what makes a streetwear brand successful.

Versatility

When creating your own apparel brand, especially in the streetwear category, you want each piece to be versatile. Versatility means that you can wear that article of clothing with many other pieces to allow the buyer to create their own unique look and keep their originality.

You can achieve versatility by including basic colors such as white, black, or grey. Minimal designs such as your logo embroidered small on the chest or your logo screen printed on the back of a t-shirt.

The Details

Accessories are essential to completing a look. There are simple accessories you can offer, such as hats, beanies, and bandanas to complete a unique outfit.

Screen printing a hat or a bandana is fairly easy and affordable, and are a good way to add accessories to your clothing line. Additionally, embroidering a logo on a hat or a cross-body bag is a good alternative that provides an added touch of customization and quality.

Focusing on the smaller details can make all of the difference in setting your brand apart from others, such as printing on unconventional spots like the sleeves or adding an embroidered element to the design.

Screen Print or Direct To Garment?

There are many differences and similarities between these two methods of printing, and there are a number of criteria to be taken into consideration when making your decision. The following points will help you decide on which print method is better for your brand and more specifically what type of print method is best for your designs such as logo and other artwork you wish to display on the apparel.

1. Quantity: Digital printing allows for a smaller quantity to be printed while screen printing will usually require a minimum.

2. Apparel: Screen printing has more versatility when choosing your fabric. For digital printing, it is advised to print on 100% cotton or other select cotton blends and only certain colors.

3. Design: Photographs or hyper-detailed images with a lot of colors are usually better printed digitally. However, if you have a large number of shirts you would like to print, screen printing may still be an option but it may cost you a little bit more or may require some adapting to make the design work best.

If cost is your main concern, the following criteria will dictate the best print method:

1. Apparel: The type of apparel can range from value to premium options and depends on the style and brand.

2. Print Locations: There is the option for 1 or 2 locations, which would be the front and/or the back (for a t-shirt or sweatshirt).

3. Fabric Color: For screen printing on darker color fabrics, a white layer before your print is necessary and may cost a little bit more.

4. Number of Colors: The more colors your print requires the higher the cost is for screen printing, however, if you have a large quantity, this cost may be a lot lower as you can have access to deeper discounts.

5. Quantity: With screen printing, the number of pieces will dictate the majority of your cost. This is the most important factor that will most likely dictate the right method for you.

---

Streetwear Brand Spotlight:

Never Made is a Los Angeles based streetwear / lifestyle brand created by artist Francisco Reyes, Jr.

---

Remember!

When people look at you as a “high-quality” streetwear brand, you’ll not only be able to charge more money, but you’ll be much more reputable in the process. Reputation can take you a long way in the fashion industry, especially when it comes to something as urban as streetwear.

Author: Irene Floridia - Content Creator

---

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

For FAQ, check out our site!

For any inquiries, send us a message!

OR

send us an e-mail at quotes@familyindustriesla.com

Our showroom at 2755 Fruitdale Street, Los Angeles, CA 90039 is open by appointment only from 10 am - 4 pm Monday through Friday.