The basic principle of preparing artwork specifically for printing a t-shirt is usually quite different to working on the normal graphic design. If the artwork isn't prepared using the proper techniques it isn't likely to be acceptable to the printers. Here are five useful tips to get the artwork prepared for printing on t-shirts:
PMS Colors
The preferred color mode for t-shirt printing is PMS colors because this makes it possible to produce the most accurate color scheme for the silk screen. By using the PMS colors it is much easily for the printer to separate the individual colors to produce the accurate artwork. The more typical modes are CMYK and RGB which are practical options for normal graphic design work. Also, a cost-cutting technique that can be used for print designs is to use halftone color instead of full color.
Prepare text
To avoid issues with the printers being unable to read the specific type of font it can benefit to convert the text into outlines. A benefit of this is the ability to preserve the custom or obscure font and prevent it being automatically converted to standard font that is easier to read by the print machines.
Actual size
Creating the full size artwork is the best way to avoid it being adjusted to match the settings on the printer. By creating the artwork at actual size it increases the chance of getting the image printed on the t-shirt as you imagined. If you don't certain of the specific dimension of the artwork, simply measure out the size on an old t-shirt at home and use that information when creating the artwork.
Vector artwork
It is preferable to use vector artwork in the design process for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it makes sure the print design on the t-shirt is more detailed and secondly the colors are more defined and separate easier.
Save an editable copy
Once the final artwork is complete make sure to save an editable copy. This should be kept safe in the event of needing to make adjustments to the design at a later date. A common reason to store a backup of the design is for printer related issues. If the printer is having difficulties with any of the fine details of the artwork it will be quick and easy to amend the work using the editable copy.
Overall, by preparing the t-shirt artwork in the most efficient manner it is possible to avoid most of the common printer problems and receive a more accurate t-shirt print with a faster turnaround time.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Leo_Eigenberg/1776992
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