Want to design T-shirts? Learn how to use Illustrator.

I saw one of my screen printers post a comment on FaceBook a while back venting his frustration of some file types that people would send him of their artwork.  Went something like this. "A Word document is not an illustration file".  That one gave me a good chuckle.  But I doubt he was too upset since it was an opportunity to make a little extra coin charging an art fee.  This is typically a charge that screen printers charge to "prep" your artwork if its not already done.  The typical charges that I see for art services is around $40 an hour but that probably fluctuates depending on your location and skill level.

When I started designing T-Shirts I watched a lot, and I mean a lot, of YouTube videos and tutorials on Adobe's website learning the ins and outs of Illustrator and designing Vector graphics in general.  I have been using Photoshop and other pixel based image programs for years and I knew that I could create my designs using these programs.  But I also knew that it would be more difficult to get things just right so I decided if I was going to be taken seriously and wanted to be a good designer I need to use the right tool.  Illustrator is that right tool for me.

To get you started here is a quick tut on knocking out shapes & text in your designs.  This allows the color of the shirt to show through the design in areas where no ink will be applied. 

Design by Humans

Design By Humans is an ongoing t-shirt design competition and community where 
artists and t-shirt lovers can create, buy, and talk about art and t-shirts.

Design By Humans was born in 2007 with the simple vision of bringing artists from around the globe together to give them a platform to produce wearable art that tells a story, strengthens humanity and inspires life through creativity and design.

You will find hundreds of awesome t-shirt designs at Design By Humans in Men's, Women's and kid's in sizes Small through 2XLarge.  Prices range from $15 - $25 and orders over $75 ship free in the US.

If Mama Ain't Happy Ain't Nobody Happy

If Mama ain't Happy Ain't Nobody Happy V-neck Tri-Blend T-Shirt 

Here is another cheeky Tee from Sugar Pie Tees on White Fleck Tri-Blend with the oh so true phrase "If Mama ain't Happy, ain't nobody happy".  At least I know that's how it is around my house.  

This T-shirt is printed on fabric made of 50% polyester, 25% cotton and 25% rayon for the softest feel possible.

You can grab this tee from Sugar Pie Tees in a Unisex fit v-neck in Small - XLarge for $22 and it makes the perfect mothers day gift!

Design Nerds Seal T-Shirt

Design Nerds Seal T-Shirt

I was at a show a couple weeks ago where The Social Dept had a booth setup and I knew I should have gotten this tee when I was there. In fact I just need to get in the habit of buying a cool t-shirt at every show I attend or participate in.  Everyone needs more t-shirts.

The Social Dept. thought it was time that Design Nerds had an official seal of authenticity.  So here it is.

DESIGN NERD / We hereby certify the completion of all requirements prescribed by the faculty & board. Officially declared by the office of The Social Dept.

This t-shirt is American Apparel Tri-Blend Tee(50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon)
Available in both men and woman's sizes in Athletic gray and can be purchased from The Social Dept.

State of Devotion - Cardinal Ohio T-Shirt

State of Devotion - Cardinal Ohio is one of my favorite Tees that I bought within the last year.  Its perfect for just hanging out having a cookout with the family or even dressing things up a bit with a pair of jeans and a blazer.

The shirt features the Ohio state bird, flower and flag.  In the case of this Cardinal it has a little atitude which I love.

This is an ultra-soft, ultra-comfy unisex T-shirt that feels like you’ve owned it for years the moment you put it on, and for years to come.

The shirt is American Apparel Poly-Cotton (50% Polyester / 50% Cotton) construction, durable rib neckband and fits slimmer than most shirts.

You can pick this T-Shirt up from State of Devotion in Small - 2XLarge for $35 

All You Need Is LOVE

All You Need Is LOVE T-Shirt

Guess what?  It's true..."All You Need Is LOVE!"

For VALENTINE'S DAY, MOTHER'S DAY ....or ANY day....our LOVE tee celebrates a sentiment we enjoy wearing (and sharing) ALL YEAR ROUND!

Our All You Need is LOVE tee is a super soft, light red tee with a distressed vintage look and feel.

This Tee is available at SuparPieTees for $22.00  in a Unisex fashion fit V-neck, in sizes Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. 

Printed using white waterbased ink for a very soft feel, this tee retains its vibrant color even after multiple washings.

This extremely soft triblend tee will quickly become one of your favorite shirts.  The fabric is made of 50% polyester 25% cotton 25% rayon.

We LOVE getting pictures of our fabulous customers wearing their tees. 

Do what you LOVE Heather Black blended Tee

Do what you love, love what you do t-shirt

No better advice has ever been given.  

This shirt is a 50/50 Poly Cotton blend and fits a bit slimmer than 100% cotton.

This shirt is available in Heather Black from Ugmonk in most men and women sizes for $26.00