The Art of T-Shirt Design

Designing a custom t-shirt is more than just slapping a logo on a chest. It's about self-expression, branding, and creating something unique. Whether you're designing for a family reunion, a corporate event, or your own fashion line, mastering a few key principles can take your design from amateur to pro.

1. Know Your Purpose and Audience

Before you open your design software, ask yourself:

• **Who is this for?** (Trendy teens, corporate employees, podcast fans?)
• **What is the vibe?** (Funny, serious, minimalistic, loud?)

2. Composition and Placement

• **Center Chest:** The classic standard. Great for logos and main graphics.
• **Pocket Print:** Subtle and stylish. Perfect for small logos or monograms.
• **Back Print:** Ideal for event details, tour dates, or large complex illustrations.

3. Choosing the Right Colors

Contrast is king. If your shirt is dark (Black, Navy), use light ink colors (White, Yellow, Light Blue). If your shirt is light (White, Heather Grey), use dark inks.

• **Pro Tip:** Limited color palettes (1-3 colors) often look more professional and are cheaper to print with some methods (though Print Brawl's Direct-to-Garment printing handles unlimited colors easily!).

4. Typography Matters

Don't just use Comic Sans. Pick a font that matches your message.

• **Serif:** Traditional, reliable.
• **Sans Serif:** Modern, clean.
• **Script:** Elegant, creative.

5. File Quality

Always use high-resolution files. For Print on Demand, we recommend **PNG files with transparent backgrounds at 300 DPI**. This prevents "fuzzy" edges and ensures your print looks crisp.