How To Break Into T-Shirt Design

Last Updated: Wednesday 29th April 2015 By Benjamin Gellert

Have you ever wondered how to break into the t shirt design business and how to start selling your own t-shirts. One of the fastest growing business opportunities of recent years is t-shirt design. Whether you are interested in starting your own t shirt business or developing your own brand, t-shirt design is a lucrative field that offers creative opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs alike.

For those wondering how to become a t-shirt designer, there are certain things you will need to do, to ensure that your designs are recognised.

Research Your Design Ideas

Knowing what to design is the first step. This process is often called market research. This comes from knowing who your customers are, what market segment (or niche) they belong to,

You need to focus on this group of customers and get to know exactly what they are looking for. Talk to them and ask questions, then listen to their answers, so you can understand their needs.

It might even be worthwhile to create your own blog or website and start to talk about your niche. Even try and reach out to key members of this community using email or your website. This will give potential customers a sense that you belong to the community, and will make it easier when you want them to purchase your products in the future.

Begin The design Process

Before starting on the design process it is important that you develop your skills in drawing, sketching, or computer design. Practice creating your own designs using paper or computer programs until you have developed the proper technique needed for t-shirt design.

Whether you decide to hire a graphic artist or you want to do your own designs, learning the basics is very recommended.

After developing your art, the next thing to do is determine the process you will use for creating the t-shirts. There are many different choices for creating t-shirts, called printing methods, so narrowing down your print options will help you, when focusing on your designs down the road.

The print options for creating t-shirts are as follows: screen printing, DTG digital, and Transfers. If you want to DIY (Do It Yourself), then stencils are a great option for beginners, it gives that cool street wear look.

Create Samples And Test Your Market

After you have created a design for your tshirts, the next step is to make a prototype of your design on a t shirt to show them off and see what your design will look like.

We talk to a lot of t-shirt designers and some of them get hung up on the sample stage, and try to get a small order instead. We highly recommended getting samples, even though they cost more, they will save you money in the long run.

There are websites that will print t-shirt graphics for you, but if you are wondering if you should print your own, then you need to consider the cost of setting this process up yourself - if purchasing a t-shirt printing machine - when compared to the $30 - $40 to get a sample printed.

Just remember to look at what the big brands are doing, they all use a specialist printing company to do their printing for them. They just concentrate on finding what there customers want and using that knowledge to help in creating designs that their customers are searching for. They always create samples and use them to get feedback from their customers.

If people like your designs, see if someone will pay you for your sample, even if you don't make any money from them, it doesn't matter now, if someone will pay for it, it's a good sign, many will be nice to you and say that they like your designs, but if someone DOES pay you, your off and running, and you have your first paying customer.

Develop Your Brand Image

Once you have determined the designs and the method you plan to use for printing your t-shirts, it is time to develop a logo for your brand. The design process is especially important for your brand's success because the design speaks for the brand.

You need to create your logo as a representation your brand's market, and make it recognisable to your market segment and to your core customer. When people see your designs, you want them to instantly think of your brand.

How you market your t-shirt brand will determine whether your business is a success or not.

Marketing And Distribution

Try to create your own website or blog using a simple website e-commerce kit. You may have done this already, which is good. This will give potential customers a place to browse and buy. In addition, you can also use online markets to sell shirts directly to consumers. Upload some photos of your shirts to Facebook to showcase all the designs that are available.

With regard to stock, one of the first things you will need to decide on is what items or what range of goods you want to sell. The second decision is related to supply – where will you get these items, at a competitive wholesale price and of a high quality finish?

Drop shipping your design from a qualified supplier, is an easy first step, this allows you to sell you t-shirts on demand or as the orders become available.

The final step to becoming a t-shirt designer is bringing your t-shirts to the public. When you go out, always be sure to either wear one of your t-shirts or carry a t-shirt with you. You need to be the ambassador for your brand.

Final Thoughts and Ideas

Get a small booth at a mall or flea market and set up a display of all the designs that you have available. Be sure to carry a business card with your brand name, e-mail address, web address, and Twitter tag so people know where to find you.

Once you have created a recognisable design, logo, and the brand image you are well on your way to having a lucrative business in t-shirt design.