Screen Printing Ideas | You Think It, We Ink It!

Posted by Sandy Higgins, CEO on 5th Feb 2015

About a year ago, we launched a Facebook contest where we asked people to comment and post photos of their favorite t-shirt of all time. I mean, who doesn't have a favorite tee from the past? The response was fantastic! There were people from all over the country that posted photos and stories dating back to their early adulthood.

We saw t-shirts from concerts, church camps, special events, and yes, business events as well! When asked why these shirts were the favorites, there were two common themes that we discovered.

First, the shirt HAD to be comfortable

Second, it had to remind them of a time or event they truly enjoyed.

As a business person myself, that got my marketing juices flowing! How could I use this information to help our business customers create apparel that would get the most mileage possible out of their message? I already knew that t-shirt advertising is one of the very best forms of message delivery - lasting several years in most cases - but how could I help our clients create that one special garment that was a hit with their audience?

After applying these two priorities to companies we were already selling screen printed apparel to, the feedback has been eye-opening for them and for us. Although, price is always a consideration in any project, it was amazing to see how the "perceived value" of a simple t-shirt changed when these two concepts were applied: comfort and associating that comfort with a lasting memory of a milestone or event. It has made the difference in the longevity of the dollars spent.

"So how does this apply to me and my business?" you may be asking. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're looking to screen print for an upcoming project.

1. If people aren't completely comfortable with the fabric and the design (artwork) they will not wear that shirt past your event. End of story. For just a small amount more per shirt, you can upgrade that simple cotton t-shirt to a super soft ringspun cotton that is soft to the touch and extremely comfortable to wear. It is the one sure way to get people wearing your message!

2. Artwork is critical! You may know how to use Photoshop yourself, and we print many shirts with artwork created by clients, but an experienced graphic artist trained in screen printing, can take that good artwork and make it GREAT! These professionals understand films, screen mesh, ink viscosity, how inks perform together, and how to create color separations that create outstanding compositions. This is knowledge you just can't gain outside of the screen printing industry, so bring your idea to your printer, and let a professional artist bring that idea to life!

Side Note - This is one area that separates us from our competition. When you order your shirts through The Crackerjack Shack, we don't charge those annoying fees you'll find at many other printers. Your first proof and one revision are included in the price we quote!

3. Make your event FUN and MEMORABLE - and make your t-shirts coordinate with that! Just because it's a company event, doesn't mean you have to stick with the company logo on the front left chest. Many of our corporate clients, for example, are using screen printed mediums to award their employees on safety achievements, sales achievements, and company/employee events. Get with your staff or talk to our staff to see how we can incorporate your event into an award winning design that people are proud to wear. There is no better compliment to your business, than to have a client or employee show up at a weekend ballgame or a social event wearing your company's shirt simply because it's their favorite! It's extremely valuable advertising you can't contrive or manipulate - it happens naturally because you made the right choices at the very beginning of the project!

If you're ready to begin a screen printed project with us, call Lauren at our Springfield store. She is the friendly face and helpful partner you need to make your message create a lasting impression!

1321 W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807

417-351-3436

lauren@crackerjackshack.com