If you’ve ever been stuck when trying to design a t-shirt, remember that it doesn’t have to be that difficult. With the correct equipment and some practice, anyone can make professional-grade t-shirts.
There are a few different approaches to achieving this goal, the most prominent of which are the creation of accessible design tools and the meticulous curating of our website around the current trends. Having ready access to comprehensive resources is especially important if you aren’t already well-versed in the finer points of t-shirt design.
There are many tutorials in design with a T-shirt focus, detailing how to apply the fundamentals of layout to create the best possible bespoke shirts for any event.
With those guidelines in mind, even a novice designer can make something that not only sells well but is also simple to make and inexpensive.
You can start from scratch making your tshirt, or use one of the existing t-shirt designs that come with the design studio as inspiration. If you put in the time to study these guidelines, though, you can improve your confidence in your abilities to make it your own.
The size and placement of your design play a big impact in determining the overall aesthetic of your t-shirt, so it’s worth discussing. The size and placement of the design may also be determined by the garment itself.
Here are some examples to show how shifting the positioning and arrangement of your design may completely change the feel of your t-shirts.
- Illustrations of advertisements worn over the chest
A certain kind of impact is made by T-shirt designs that focus on a single, bold statement that is printed across the chest. This is a common way for companies to make promotional t-shirts because it gets their name out there and turns the wearer into a billboard. Breast logo placement is easy, straight to the point, and a good way to get your brand, name, or logo out there.
- Designs on the left chest and on the back
Left-chest (or, much less often, right-chest) designs are often used to brand clothing with a logo and are paired with a full-back print that is more detailed and elaborate to complete the look. This combination makes the design look more official and is very popular for Greek t-shirts, clothing brands, staff uniforms, and other things.
- Designs on the whole front
When you design the whole front of a t-shirt, you have a lot of space for more detailed prints. Most of the time, these are more artistic and use the t-shirt as a canvas. Not to say that this isn’t a good way to run a business. This is a great way to make your t-shirts look like they belong in a store.
There are, of course, many ways to arrange and place designs on a t-shirt. I chose these examples because they show how familiar you are with some of these common styles and how they send a certain message to both the designer and the person wearing the shirt.
Also, knowing whether you’re designing for a left chest or a full back, for example, will affect how you arrange elements and what scale you’ll be working at. By planning this big picture first, the next steps will be easier.
Consider these recommendations as you decide where to implement your design
- Don’t put the design too far down
The vertical middle of a t-shirt is about where the sternum is, which is roughly the chest. Don’t make the mistake of putting it right between the collar and the bottom hem, as it will look too low.
- Focus on the middle of your design
If your design has parts that go off to one side, it’s probably best to center it based on where it looks best instead of where it’s actually in space.
- Think about how much space the garment you’re designing gives you
You may want to stay within the size limits of the style of clothing. One good example is pocket t-shirts, which only have so much room to print on the pocket. The most comfortable hoodie material, which has a small amount of space above the pouch pocket, is another example.
- Bigger isn’t always better
Sometimes you want to fill the printable area, but sometimes bigger looks weird, especially when you’re wearing it. Some logos and pictures just need more room to breathe.
- Change the size and amount of detail when making designs for two print locations
There’s a reason why a small print on the left chest goes well with a complex print on the back. The difference between where the print is on the two pieces is a good way to give your look some asymmetrical balance. A front and back with big, complicated designs can look too busy at times. And please don’t just copy and paste the same thing on the front and back.
