One of the clothing staples found in almost every cupboard around the globe is a garment made of cotton. Other fibers are also used, but this the most popular. The name of this garment originated from the shape that it has when hanging on the body. Firstly it was worn as an undergarment on the top half of the body, where after it was worn on its own. In the early 1950s, people in Florida started decorating their garments. This trend became popular among resorts and amusement parks. This is how t-shirt printing was born.
This process, being fairly simple, has helped many designers to showcase their designs by applying ink to material. Together with technological developments over the years, this has also evolved. Effects such as glowing ink can now be reached with the available types of ink, providing the design is in correct format.
A lot of new designers see this process as a gateway into designing because of the simplicity it offers, opposed to couture design. A graphic design will be taken to companies specializing in garment printing and the finished product will be handed back to it's designer. The designer will then use available resources to sell the product. That is quite a fine way to really get their work out there to be seen by everyone.
If this process succeeds, the next step is to purchase the machine. This is an expensive move but in the long run will prove profitable. It will then cut out the middle man.
Understanding how the machine works is crucial. Art has to be designed in a certain way to achieve the desired look. Also, not knowing how to operate the machine will result in an inferior end product and wastes labor and consumables. This in turn means that money is wasted, not made.
After sorting out the aforementioned issues, it is safe to start producing. This, however, is not the last step on the money making ladder. Marketing and distribution plays an equally important part in the success of a new business.
Once these issues are cleared up, production can start. This is not the last step in the process. Distribution and marketing is also crucial in the success of the business. Social media proves to be a working tool, reaching a lot of people while being much cheaper than other marketing tools. If the area the designer lives in doesn't allow making use of social media, or the target market doesn't make use of it, other alternatives should be explored. This must then be put into the budget.
If done correctly, t-shirt printing kills two birds with one stone. Artists can put their designs on display, and make extra money at the same time. The over saturated market of designing makes it difficult for new designers to enter the market. It is easy to run a successful business in the industry if one is aware of the potential pitfalls.
