“Some people become cops because they want to make the world a better place. Some people become vandals because they want to make the world a better looking place.”
― Banksy, Wall and Piece
What is Drop Shipping and Print on Demand?
First, let’s talk about what drop shipping and print on demand mean for you. At INIT Apparel, we handle everything from printing your designs onto high-quality garments to shipping them directly to your customers. This means no inventory, no upfront costs, and no hassle for you.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Our print on demand service uses cutting-edge DTG (Direct-to-Garment) technology to bring your designs to life. DTG printing is perfect for detailed graphics, photographs, and designs with lots of colours. The printer uses specialised water-based inks that are absorbed by the fibres of the garment, resulting in vibrant, durable prints.
Tips for Designing for DTG Printing
To make the most out of our print on demand service, you need to prepare your designs correctly. Here are a few essential tips:
High-Resolution Images: Always use high-resolution images. The higher the resolution, the better your print will look. Aim for at least 300 DPI (dots per inch).
Garment Colour: Consider the colour of your garment. Darker garments require a white under-base to make the colours pop, which can affect the feel of the print slightly. Lighter garments usually don't need this, resulting in a softer print.
Preview Your Design: Always preview your design. Use mockups to see how your artwork will look on the actual garment. This can help you spot any issues before you print.
Introduction to Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
Now, let’s talk about Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. This is a fantastic option for designs with intricate details and vibrant colours. DTF printing involves printing your design onto a special film and then transferring it onto the garment using heat. It's perfect for both light and dark fabrics and offers great durability.
As you can see, DTF printing allows for even more flexibility in your designs. The prints are highly durable, with excellent washability and a soft hand feel. This method is ideal for those who want to explore more design options and ensure high-quality prints.
Submitting Your Artwork for Drop Shipping
Now that you know how to prepare your designs, let’s talk about submitting your artwork for our drop shipping service. The process is straightforward and ensures your designs are print-ready.
Email Submission: Email your artwork and mockups to online@initapparel.co.za directly. You can also use cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or WeTransfer to send your submissions.
Labelling Files: If you’re submitting multiple designs, label your files clearly to avoid any confusion. When labelling your artwork and mockups, make sure they are named the same or named after the artwork to ensure consistency and easy identification. Include any special instructions in the email.
Design File Preparation
Preparing your design file correctly is critical for both DTG and DTF printing.
High Resolution: Design at a high resolution to ensure that your printed product looks as crisp as it does on your screen. Save your designs in PNG format with a transparent background to avoid unwanted blocks of colour in your final print.
Think Scale: Consider how your design will look on different sizes of apparel. A design that looks great on a small tee may not translate well to an extra-large.
Mock Ups: Creating mock-ups is a great way to visualise your design on different garments. Use tools like Placeit to create mock-ups and sales images. Submit your mock-ups under 1MB to ensure quick processing.
Ordering Samples
If you want to see a sample before committing, you can order samples directly from Init Express. This way, you can check the quality and make any necessary adjustments.
Final Thoughts
With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering your designs for our drop shipping and print on demand services. Remember, the key to great prints is in the details—so take your time, follow the guidelines, and your designs will look amazing.
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