T-SHIRT ARTWORK & DESIGN SUPPORT
Artwork that is ready for your printing project.
A good file makes it easier to review print clarity, sizing and placement. Aaron’s Designs has an in-house design team and can help develop ideas or prepare submitted artwork for custom T-shirts.
SCREEN PRINTING
Made for a shared design across multiple T-shirts.
Screen printing uses individual screens for the colors in an artwork design. Aaron’s Designs prepares color separations, exposes the screens, aligns each layer on an automatic press and cures the printed ink using high-capacity dryers.
The published minimum is 20 pieces per design. For group projects, provide your artwork, shirt style, quantities, sizes and color details so the team can discuss how to set up the order.
- Good to discuss for businesses, schools, teams and events needing a shared design.
- Artwork preparation and color registration are part of the process.
- Print and finishing details are confirmed during order review.
DIRECT TO FILM (DTF)
Detailed designs—with no minimum quantity.
With DTF, artwork is printed in color onto a film, covered with adhesive powder and heat-pressed onto the garment. The company describes this method as suitable for photographic details, gradients, many colors and complex graphic designs.
There is no minimum order: discuss one shirt, a sample or a larger quantity. DTF can be a practical option for artwork that would require numerous individual colors in screen printing.
- No per-color screen setup.
- Artwork can include many colors, fine details and gradients.
- Fabric compatibility and the final print size are confirmed for the selected shirt.
PRINTING METHOD COMPARISON
Screen printing or DTF: what's different?
These are the shop’s documented requirements and process distinctions, not a claim that one method is always cheaper or faster.
| What to compare | Screen Printing | Direct to Film (DTF) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum quantity | 20 pieces per design | No minimum: single shirts are possible |
| How the artwork prints | Individual screens and ink colors are set up on the press | Full-color film transfer applied with heat |
| Artwork considerations | Color separations and precise registration are part of setup | Suitable for detailed, photographic or gradient artwork |
| What to send | Artwork, estimated quantity, shirt choices and deadline | Artwork, shirt choices and desired quantity, even if it's one |
| Proof | Artwork reviewed before production | Digital mockup reviewed before production |
| Typical processing | Most orders: approximately 3–7 business days after artwork approval and deposit; schedule varies by project | |
Not sure which printing method fits your project? Share your artwork, order quantity, and preferred timeline. Our team can help you explore the available printing options.
HOW THE PRINT IS MADE
What happens to the design before you get your shirts?
SCREEN PRINTING
- 1. Artwork is checked and separated by color.
- 2.Color separations are transferred to film for screen exposure.
- 3. Screens are washed to create print stencils, then aligned on the press.
- 4. Test prints help confirm registration and ink colors.
- 5. Shirts are printed, cured through the dryers, inspected and packed.
DTF PRINTING
- 1. Full-color artwork is printed onto a PET film.
- 2. Adhesive powder is applied and cured.
- 3. Printed film is heat-pressed onto a compatible shirt.
- 4. The film is peeled away to reveal the finished print.
- 5. Final handling follows your approved project and order details.
PLACING AN ORDER
How to move your printing project forward.
These are the practical customer steps, separate from the technical printing process explained above.
01
Tell us what you need
Share your T-shirt style, quantity, sizes, colors, artwork and desired date.
02
Review the artwork proof
The team checks the file and provides a digital mockup for your approval.
03
Approve and schedule
A deposit is required after approval. Confirm expected timing and arrange pickup or delivery.
PRACTICAL ORDER INFORMATION
Timing, artwork and garment questions.
Know the important details before you plan around a specific event date or quantity.
Normal processing
The published typical processing period is 3–7 business days once the artwork is approved and the deposit has been made. Complexity and order size affect timing.
Rush availability
The shop says rush printing may be available subject to its schedule, with an additional 25% rush fee. Contact the team to confirm your date.
Your own T-shirts
The shop may accept customer-supplied garments after reviewing fabric compatibility. Ask before purchasing or dropping off shirts.
Artwork formats
The published accepted-file list includes PNG, PDF, AI, EPS, CDR and JPG at 300 DPI minimum.
Pickup & delivery
Local pickup is available from the shop's Red Oak location. The team also describes delivery options; confirm the details for your order.
Care for DTF prints
The official DTF guide recommends washing inside-out in cold water and tumble drying on low for longer print life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Printing details worth checking.
How many shirts do I need for screen printing?
The published minimum is 20 pieces per design. Tell the team about your artwork and quantity when requesting a quote.
What if I only need one T-shirt?
The company’s DTF service has no minimum, so a one-off shirt is possible. File and fabric details should still be checked before printing.
How is DTF different from screen printing?
Screen printing uses separate screens to apply ink colors. DTF prints artwork on a film and uses heat to transfer it, making full-color and gradient graphics possible without separate screens.
What files should I send?
Aaron’s Designs accepts PNG, PDF, AI, EPS, CDR and high-resolution JPG artwork. Its DTF guidelines say JPG files should be at least 300 DPI.
Can I approve the artwork before printing?
Yes. A digital proof or mockup is provided for review and approval before production begins.
When does production start?
The shop describes starting after the artwork is approved and the required deposit has been paid.
How long does my order take?
Typical processing is approximately 3–7 business days after approval and deposit. Timing depends on order complexity, product and size.
Do rush orders cost extra?
Rush service may be available subject to scheduling, with an additional 25% fee according to the shop’s published policy.
Can I bring my own T-shirts to print?
Yes, subject to fabric compatibility and the shop’s review. Contact the team before bringing in your garments.
Can my shirt include a detailed, full-color image?
DTF printing supports photo-like detail, many colors and gradients. Ask the team to check final artwork and print size.