8 Pro tips for creating better t-shirt designs

A t-shirt is a fashion staple that never goes out of style. The design of a shirt is the first thing that people notice about. For businesses, these staples are the perfect ways for free advertising while for creatives, it’s an ideal way to showcase their talent. Irrespective of the purpose, the entirety of a design depends on one thing — the right print file.

Here, in this guide, we will discuss eight pro tips for creating better t-shirt designs before sending it for the final print.

1. Find out why you need a t-shirt

No matter what reason you’re going to make a shirt for, keep in mind that it will always have a bit of branding quotient. If a t-shirt is being used for promotional purposes, then branding is your main objective. Even if it is meant for fashion, your focus should be on weaving consistent brand themes. For personal use such as celebration, make sure that the design communicates the purpose clearly.

If you haven't figured it out, create a list of key themes, personality traits, and styles you want your shirt to convey. Consider what the brand is into — a serious or playful business, affordable or luxurious. A focused design can satiate all these questions in the first place.

2. Take your time & explore your concept

Here comes the main stuff. Now, you have to find out what will go on your t-shirt. Don’t jump off the bat to this step. You need to put more time and effort into exploring your concepts. It will help you create better t-shirt designs. It may go in many different directions. Create sketches, take a break, create different variations, and brainstorm as much as you can. After that, sleep on it. If the idea strikes you right away, it’s great if not, keep exploring other options.

3. Don't indulge in details but the simplicity

Everyone likes a great drawing with attention to detail. It’s incredible to see a really well-designed masterpiece on a t-shirt that can turn heads all of a sudden. But if you go back and see, some of the world’s most iconic shirt designs are the simplest.

A simple design gets the message across with ease. On the other hand, if it's complex or has a lot of details, it may deter you from conveying the right message.

So, don't create a sophisticated but simple tshirt design.
4. Consider the market you’re designing for

It is an important parameter to consider. Find out who are you going to design for — young, old, male or female? Ask this question beforehand while researching more about the target market. After all, you are going to design a product that you want your customers to wear. Conduct market research to understand the taste of your target audience. At some point, your own preferences are good, but when you’re selling to the masses, count on quantifiable data, not the guesswork.

5. Be subtle in your humor game

If you are designing a shirt with a humorous element, make sure it is not a cheap joke shirt. Keep the humor subtle otherwise; it may put some bitter taste in your customers' mouth. Even, some may end up being offended if the humor is too loud or straight-forward.

When done correctly, humor turns heads.
6. Consider the right color

Color is best at communicating the personality of design. Each shade and hue evokes a specific emotion and acts as a medium to highlight your brand. Remember that t-shirt designs have two types of colors — print color and fabric color. To make these colors work best, use the fabric color as a canvas of your design ideas.

Printing colors get a little trickier as t-shirt inks work differently. Approximate the colors to cut off the printing cost of your design. But keep this fact in mind that colors appearing on a digital screen are different when printed. You can choose Pantone or custom blended CMYK for the exact color mix, but that would be hard on your pocket.

In CMYK printing, you can create any color out of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key inks. You need to check with your printer to know the available colors.

7. Evaluate your design

As your design options start expanding due to brainstorming, check every version carefully and pick your favorites. Also, consider your marketing and technical needs. Is the design feasible for a tank top? Is the color fit for your budget? Is the design conveying the right message? Remember, your design isn't just for fashion purpose but for business. As a designer, ask your client for the opinion. Make sure to provide a few versions for better choice and seek feedback.

Also, include key stakeholders and people who do not have any connection with t-shirt design. Even your friends, family members and strangers will help you notice shortfalls in your design that you can't figure out.

8. Pick the right t-shirt fabric for the best outcome

Every t-shirt has a different feel and texture when printed. That is why when you choose fabric for your design; think about what the print will look like. Remember, your design will look somewhat different depending on the fabric it's printed on. For example, the ink looks more faded on a sweatshirt as compared to a t-shirt since it is made from thicker fabrics

. Conclusion

Custom t-shirt designs are in demand. Not just common folks but businesses too are relying on them to get their words out. The sphere has turned out to be more advantageous for creatives. As long as you know what you are doing, you can take advantage of your t-shirt design. Keep each of these tips in mind before arriving at any conclusion. We hope that this guide to better t-shirt design gave you everything you need to step into the world of t-shirt design.

Author profile

Campbell Jof is a graphic designer and blogger associated with Designhill’s PrintShop, a custom designs marketplace, he generally writes on topics logo maker tool, concerning design, start-ups, design your own clothes, e-commerce, small business.