T-shirt Design Tutorials

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Intro

As a cafepress shop owner, I know how important it is to have eye-catching designs. Whether you are selling on cafepress, zazzle or getting your shirts printed somewhere else, you know that good clear t-shirt designs equals more sales and more returning customers. Remember, people are not buying the t-shirts, they are buying the artwork on the t-shirts.

You might be getting traffic to your store, even targeted traffic, but for some reason the sales are still not coming. Those extra improvements on your t-shirt designs can mean the difference between a sale and a pass. Spend a little extra time to improve your t-shirt art and more sales will follow. Here are some tips that will get your t-shirts noticed and win over potential customers.

How to transform rectangular paintings into sellable t-shirt graphics

Example #1: The boring box shape

It's not horrible but neither is it interesting. Perhaps a few people might buy this one if the art is really good. But why give up all those other opportunities to sell it to those people who don't like the rectangular shape edges. Make the design more appealing by using some simple tricks.

Example #2: Adding a Border

Adding a tasteful and simple border that complements the artwork might bring around more customers. There might be some royalty-free borders out there that you could use.

Example #3: Cutting out the main element

Cutting the main image out of the artwork will really make the design stand out. Just make sure to leave a clean crisp edge around the image for a more professional look. Yes it might take a little more work and a good eye. But the results will pay off.

Example #4: Adding Text

Add a clever saying to the image to make it fun. For some reason an image with clear graphic text really creates a nice balance in the design.

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These are just some ideas that might help you sell your t-shirt art.

If you don't believe me, go to different t-shirts sites and browse around. What seems to appeal to you the most on a visual level? What seems to be more popular or sell better?

Sometimes you have a piece of artwork that just doesn't look that good on a t-shirt no matter what you try to do with it. It happens. You don't have to put all your artwork on t-shirts. One bad design can make your entire store look unprofessional.

More examples of T-shirt Designs

From my my own store :)

My Art

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Its a strange looking christmas toy. I made this piece for holiday greeting card...

A pretty fantasy angel piece. She is holding a strange rock/crystal ball. I'm no...

The Dragon lizard is sitting on a wicked looking tree protecting her cocoon nest...

One of my first paintings of this style

Reader Feedback

Lensmaster

praz wrote

I agree with you and I just want add something to make different design. Don't always put the design in the centre of tee. It could be placed everywhere on t shirt. Very interesting!

Posted April 22, 2008

Lensmaster

wickeddiana wrote...

More t-shirt tutorials are coming soon. Check back often.

Posted March 07, 2008

wickeddiana

by wickeddiana

Hi Everyone.

I am an fantasy artist/illustrator. I love to to draw, paint and read fantasy and science fiction.

check out my sites: www.dragonfantas...

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T-shirt Design Tutorials

Intro

How to transform rectangular paintings into sellable t-shirt graphics