How to Create a Band T-Shirt
Custom t-shirts have been a staple of band merchandising for many years. They represent a small investment for the band, which can be turned over quickly to produce a profitable return. Additionally, they can be used as a low-cost promotional tool for both live shows and sales of records, CDs and downloads. Designing and producing a custom band t-shirt is not a complicated project and can be completed with a small amount of effort. Use the information in the article to help you plan the design and creation process of a custom t-shirt for your band.
Things You'll Need
- Computer Design Software (helpful, but not required) Listing of local printers
Instructions
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1
Design the t-shirt.
The most important part of the creation process is the design of the look and layout of the band t-shirt. If you don't already have a band logo, work with your band mates to come up with a design that reflects your music or band personality. If possible, agree on several different designs so that you can vote on the best choices--or print several different versions. -
2
Create a design template.
With your design ideas in hand, you will need to create a high-resolution template for use in the production process. If you have access to a computer design program such as Photoshop, Illustrator or Fireworks, use it to produce a design template. If not, investigate graphic designers in your area and get several competitive bids. A professional quality template is key to producing a high quality t-shirt. -
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3
Investigate shirt options.
A simple, cotton t-shirt is not the only option for a band t-shirt. Check into options such as golf shirts, sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, long-sleeved shirts or even tank tops. A broad selection of choices will help attract customers with varying tastes, as well as promote multiple purchases. Don't forget to ask about various choices of shirt quality, available colors or even shirts designed specifically for women. -
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Get bids from t-shirt printers
Once you have a design template and a good idea of the type of t-shirts you want to order, contact several printers for a quote. Be sure to give each printer the same order specifications, so that the various bids will be easier to compare. Consider printer reputation, turnaround time, delivery costs and payment options when choosing a printer. When you have narrowed your quotes to a single printer, contact that company to set up an account. -
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Place an initial order.
Unless you already have standing orders for a number of shirts, place a small initial order. This will limit your upfront costs and allow you to check out the quality of work and response from the printer. Since the standard "set up fee" is only charged once, subsequent orders won't require as much cash up front and will be produced in a shorter time frame. -
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Sell the t-shirts.
Promote the t-shirts at live shows and on the Internet. Merchandise can represent a good amount of cash for any band and can prove to be a windfall for independent acts with no major label support.
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Tips & Warnings
Some t-shirt printers will help you design a shirt for little or no cost, if you use them for the production process. Don't be afraid to give away some t-shirts to promote the merchandise and the band. The cost of producing t-shirts can often be considered a business expense for your band tax returns. Be sure to trademark or copyright your t-shirt design. Computer printed or iron-on transfers are a cheap and easy way to produce a small number of shirts.
Avoid the cheapest t-shirts, as they will fall apart quickly and result in fewer referral sales. Don't invest too much money in high cost shirts, as it may be harder to recoup your investment. Be careful not to duplicate another band's design or utilize any copyrighted material in your design. Avoid selling shirts at consignment shops as this will tie up a lot of inventory and require constant management.
