When customers come to us to create their custom t-shirts, they’re usually ecstatic.
They are very excited to get a product which displays their company or team name for the entire world to see. It’s a wonderful way to advertise, but custom apparel is also a great way to make you and everyone who wears it feels like a true team.
Sometimes, though, we meet clients who have a serious creative block when it comes to the design of their t-shirt.
They’re just not sure what they want. Or, they have a vision but they aren’t sure it will translate well onto a t-shirt.
What can be done to overcome these blocks or doubts?
4 Pro Tips to Help You Create the Perfect Custom T-Shirt Design
Here are four tips which can help you work through any creative blocks which might be getting in the way of designing your perfect custom T.
1. Don’t Rush the Process
The creative process is one which can’t (and won’t) be rushed. If you try to rush it, you won’t end up with your best work.
Even after you’ve created a design, don’t assume you’re done.
Walk away from your project for a few hours or even for a few days.
Then, come back to it and see if you still feel as strongly about it. If you do – great! You’ve found your perfect design.
If you aren’t as crazy about it as you were at first – no problem. Look closely at your design to see what it is about it you don’t like. Then, make changes from there. Just because you don’t like everything about it doesn’t mean you have to scrap your whole design.
This process will take some time, but believe us – it will definitely be worth it.
2. K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple, Silly
It’s so easy to go overboard with a design at first. We’ve all done it from time to time. We think we have to create a design which speaks to everything we’re about or what our business can do for others.
The best thing you can do, though, is to remember to keep things simple.
Yes, you want a fantastic design and you want it to convey a message. But you don’t have to throw in everything but the kitchen sink.
Think about some classic t-shirt designs which you like. Most of them likely have designs which are on the simpler side. Take note of the designs you admire and see if you can do something similar.
If, however, you love a more complex, detailed design or a type of design which conveys your message best, by all means – go for it.
3. Take Your Target Market into Consideration
Who are you trying to appeal to? You have to think about who will be wearing your t-shirt.
What’s their age? What are their likes and dislikes?
Create a design which appeals to the person who is going to wear your shirt, whether it’s a customer, team member, or employee.
4. Choose Your Color Palette Wisely
As much as you may love olive green and sunshine yellow, this doesn’t mean those two colors look good together.
Instead of just creating a black and white design and making a note of the colors you want, try adding the colors to your rough draft design.
You can use colored pencils or put your design into Adobe Illustrator or some other paint program. Add the colors you want and see how they work together.
Make adjustments to this draft of the design. Then, print out a copy and bring it to us. It will be easier for us to copy the colors if we have a good idea of exactly what colors you want.
Still Struggling? Let Us Help You with Your Design or Any Other Customization Questions You Have
What should you do if you’re still struggling with a creative block and just don’t know what to do about your custom t-shirt design?
You should come to us for some help.
We can help give you some creative ideas.
You can browse through designs we’ve made for other teams or businesses. We can even show you what type of design works best on what type of material.
We’d love for you to come visit our showroom and discuss your vision. We’re sure some creative stimulation will help you blast through any blocks you have so you can finally create an awesome custom t-shirt design.
