Setting Up a Custom Transfer

Producing a perfect (or nearly so) custom transfer always starts with quality artwork. Each custom job starts with defining exactly what the customer wants. Your job is to assist the customer in deciding what exactly they want, make that design a reality, and put that design onto T-shirts. If you are like me, creativity is not your long suit. If you are like my partner, creativity comes easily, but learning the graphics software packages comes slow. In either case, you have options.

The first thing you must do is decide which graphics software package you will use, buy it and immediately learn all about how to use its features (not easy). We actually use several packages because each package has its strengths and weaknesses. We use Corel Draw for printing and design layout, Adobe PhotoShop for photo editing, and Paint Shop Pro for file formats that simply won't open in Corel Draw. Corel Paint that comes with Corel Draw in the suite is not nearly as easy to use or capable as PhotoShop, although with release of version X3, that gap is closing. PhotoShop is a bitmap editing program and does not create vector output (you need vector capability to print clean edges on lettering). Paint Shop Pro is vector and bitmap capable, but not nearly as easy to use as either. We recommend you own at least two. We primarily use Corel Draw, PhotoShop and Paint Shop Pro, so suggest you get those.  Adobe PhotoShop Elements is another good program to try.

Once you know what graphics programs you will use and are actively learning all of the features and how to use them, we recommend you consider owning a good ClipArt collection, like the 600K collection from NOVA Systems. You can also buy some high-end vector clipart from several companies. We own a couple of them and use them often, since they are so much better than the alternative. My creative wife uses clip art and her "Corel Draw for Dummies" book often and has created some art that customers truly love.  For easy layouts and art creation, with incredible results, try Smart Designer from Digital Art Solutions (http://www.smartdesigns.com/)

Bottom line is you should never send out products with inferior art. If it starts out looking mediocre, time will not improve it. Make sure your lettering has sharp, crisp edges and make sure your blacks are truly black in color.