Artwork

How is the artwork generated?

Anything you need printed or embroidered, is done by Futuristic Innovative Graphics talented art design staff. All artwork is done on PC computers. The artwork can be generated from various techniques. For example, it can be scanned from paper, downloaded from the Internet, or given to us on a CD. The artwork is then completed to the customers specifications and sent back for a signed approval. From there it is sent to production.

Can I use my own artwork?

You can use your own artwork or you can have us generate it for you. If your not sure what you really want, but just have an idea, don't worry. We're professionals! Here to offer advice on what you need to stand above the rest. If you are interested in reducing the art charges that might be incurred, be sure to provide us with camera ready artwork.

How can I submit artwork?

Artwork may be submitted in black and white camera ready art, computer disc, or via e-mail - graphics@4t-shirts.com. We accept art created in Corel Draw, and Adobe Photoshop, all PC based.

Camera ready art is defined as clean, crisp, sharp copy that does NOT require touch-up. Enlargement of art is done at no extra charge. CAUTION: excessive enlargement will create rough edges. Computer generated artwork should be solid black and white printed on laser paper at no less than 600dpi.

Acceptable file formats: psd, pdf, cdr, eps, tiff, jpg. Include all fonts or convert all fonts to outlines or curves.

Please send art at 300 dpi at actual size. A low resolution jpg with color is encouraged to be sent along with black and white art for refference. NO FAXED artwork will be accepted.

Art charges may apply.

Can FIG generate the artwork if I don't have a design?

We sure can. The artwork you request might be drawn by our talented artist, then computer generated. It might also be entirely computerized. Listen to what our art dept. has to say, they will be able to give the best suggestions to saving you time and money. Please remember that making changes to your design after it is complete, will result in additional charges.

Will a certain type of artwork effect pricing?

Certain types of artwork will effect pricing. The reason for this is, each screen that has to be made for your print job comes with a maximum of 1/2 hour artwork time included in the price. That means, if you have a 3 color front print and a 2 color back print, you have 5 screens and 2.5 hours maximum artwork time allotted without incurring additional charges. Our artwork staff always does their best to make sure you get what you want without requiring additional charges. You can also receive an estimate of how long your artwork might take before we begin. Another form of printing that effects pricing is process printing. Process printing is the combining of 4 process colors to create a design with thousands or millions of colors. This is a time consuming process that requires additional cost. All artwork and print prices are laid out in our print price list.

Production

How long is the turn around time?

Futuristic Innovative Graphics has the capability of printing a dozen pieces or 50,000 pieces, all in a timely manor. Our normal turnaround time on any job is 2 to 3 weeks, depending on shipping destinations and season. We realize that a rush order might be your request. You can rely on Futuristic Innovative Graphics for those as well. Because of our quick turnarounds, you can be confident your order will arrive on time, all the time.

How is screen printing different from iron-ons?

Screen printing is different from iron-ons for a couple of reasons. First, screen printing generally will last longer. In screen printing, the ink meshes into the fabric of the garment. Where as in iron-ons or heat transfers, the ink sets on top of the material. It doesn't have the same bond that screen printing allows. Second, screen printing is less costly on a large quantity scale. Heat transfers are less costly on a smaller scale, say under a dozen pieces. This is because iron-ons aren't always screen printed first onto a sheet of transfer paper. So there wouldn't be any screen charges. They can also be computer generated and printed onto transfer paper. Then ironed directly to the garment. Iron-ons can also be felt or pre screen printed letters or numbers, that are ironed on the garment. If iron-ons are properly applied to the shirts, they can last a very long time. We don't want you to get the wrong idea that iron-ons don't work. They do! The result lies in the application.

How big or small can the size of the prints be?

The size of the prints is totally up to the customer. Lets say you would like a full front or a full back print. Generally, this would be 12.5"x15" print. It can be smaller, but this is our normal size for full prints. Some might prefer a smaller print on the back of their shirts. This has become very popular. This print is usually in the 4"x4" range. We usually take the width of the image and stretch it to the maximum length without taking it out of proportion. Chest prints are also around the 4"x4" range. Whether you prefer the left or right side of the shirt, is totally up to you. The left side of the shirt is the norm, unless its a pocket tee. Then we print on the right side or on the pocket. Lastly, sleeve prints might be your desire. These can be on the upper band of the arm or down the length of the sleeve if you're ordering long sleeved shirts.

Pricing

What are one time screen charges?

Screen charges cover the cost of generating the artwork and prepping the screens used to print the shirts. Every color needs a screen. For example, if you have a 2 color front print and a 3 color back print, there would be 5 screens needed for that job. Each screen charge has 1/2 hour of artwork time allotted in its cost. So needing 5 screens, you would have 2.5 hours of artwork time included in that cost. Anything over the allotted artwork time is $45.00 per hour broken into 30 minute increments.

These are ONE TIME screen charges because as long as you order the minimum and don't change the artwork on reorders, you will never pay for those screens again. We require a minimum of a dozen shirts on reorders and 6 shirts per screen to alleviate any reset-up charges. Otherwise, underminimum setup charges are $7.00 per screen. For example:If your print job required the same 5 screens from above, you would need a minimum of 30 shirts on your reorder. If you need 30 or more shirts on the reorder, we reset the screens up for FREE! Six shirts X Five screens =30. If you only need 24 shirts, you would only have to pay $7.00 to reset-up the screens because you only covered 4 of the 5 screens with shirts. So on and so forth. If you're confused, don't sweat it, you're not the first. Give us a call and we will explain it to you.

What's the best way to keep my cost low?

In an effort to keep costs in or below budget, you should consider the following questions.
Is it possible to print the job on white tee shirts?
Is it possible to get everything on either the front or back of the shirt, instead of both sides?
Are the additional colors of ink going to make that much of a difference?
Is it more feasible for me to do the bulk of the artwork myself, so to be sure I don't go over the minimum art time per screen?
Am I ordering enough shirts, knowing that a higher quantity will possibly lower the unit price?
Did I check out the SALES site on this web site?

Is it more expensive to print on darks than on light colored shirts?

Dark shirts are more expensive for a couple of reasons. First, dark shirts are higher in price than white or light colored shirts. Dark shirts also require several applications of ink or a white under print to get a brighter color. Most prints on dark shirts will not have the same soft feel as if it was on a white shirt due to the heavier deposit of ink required for dark material. Also, the longevity of a print on dark shirts will not be as long as on white shirts.

Does quantity effect the price?

The quantity of shirts you order does directly effect the price. As the quantity of shirts you order increases, the unit price decreases and possibly some setup and print cost as well. It is very hard to eliminate screen charges regardless of quantity of shirts; because of the amount of time spent prepping and setting up the print job. Not to mention making a test print, curing it, and finally inspecting it for perfection. We print small orders, (12 to 36 shirts) but expect to save the most money on orders of 144 pieces and up.

Textiles(T-shirts)

What's the difference between 50/50 and 100% cotton?

The difference between 50/50 and 100% cotton is polyester. When shirts are 50/50 blend, this means they are made of 50% polyester and 50% cotton. These shirts are very popular with elementary schools, church groups, give away tees, etc. When ordering 50/50 shirts just keep in mind, that even though the shirt contains 50% polyester, it is still dyed from the mill with all cotton dye. Thus, not all of the dye is adhering to all of the fabric. These shirts tend not to hold the rich original color that 100% cotton shirts do. Most people with cost in mind will order these shirts anyway. Because they are still a good quality shirt that does not tend to shrink as much as 100% cotton. In white or light colored shirts, it doesn't make a difference if the shirts are 50/50 blend or 100% cotton because there is very little, if any dye in the shirt.

The most popular 100% cotton shirts with our customers is the Fruit of the Loom- LOFTEEZ, Hanes-BEEFY-T,or the Gildan-ULTRA COTTON is most economical. All of these shirts are well constructed; oversized (for shrinking purposes); preshrunk; and come in many of today's most popular colors.

The other shirts many of our customer prefer is the Fruit of the Loom-BEST 50/50 tee, and the Gildan-HEAVYWEIGHT COTTON 5.1oz. 100% cotton T-shirt. Both shirts are constructed well and cost less than the industries best.

We also carry a wide variety of shirts made by Anvil, Jerzees, Delta, and other top manufacturers. Whether you are looking for a super heavyweight shirt in the latest fashion colors, or a lightweight shirt to give away at your next grand opening, let our professional sales staff advise you.

What's the best quality for printing/embroidering?
The best quality shirts for printing on are combed cotton shirts. This style of shirt is much easier to print on than pique mesh, or a herringbone style. These stitch patterns are usually made for sportshirts and look best embroidered.

Where can I have the designs printed on my shirts?

There are a variety of places to print on garments. Full front prints and full back prints are the most common. You may also choose to do sleeve prints, smaller prints at the top by the collar or under the hood, or even prints down low at the bottom of the garment by the seam. A lot of companies are printing in different locations such as on the sides of shirts giving an eye catching off center look.