How to Design an Elementary School T-Shirt

Design custom imprinted t-shirts for your child or student's elementary school to encourage teamwork and instill school pride. The low cost of commercially printing custom "tees" makes selling them an excellent school fundraising project. Thanks to inkjet printers and iron-on transfers, you can even make them yourself!

Things You'll Need

• T-Shirts Computer Word Processing Program Ruler Clip art, drawing or digital photo (optional) Scanner (optional) Iron-on Inkjet t-shirt transfers (optional) Inkjet Printer (optional) Iron

Instructions

Designing a Graphic

1. Think of a short, clever verse or caption that says something positive about the school and the t-shirt's wearer.
   Ideas for student slogans: "My school gets an A++!" or "I'm cool! I go to (Name of Elementary School)."
   For parents: "My smart first grader (or appropriate grade level) goes to (Name of Elementary School)" or "My awesome kid goes to (Name of Elementary School)."
   For teachers: "I've got class. I teach at (Name of Elementary School)"

2. Select a font (type design) that is easy-to-read. Avoid "thick and thin" type styles.

3. Add color and interest to your t-shirt design with artwork that appeals to elementary school children. Use the school's official colors as you develop your design.

4. Choose an image for your elementary school t-shirt design that ties into the school's name, sports team, club or mascot. Some suggestions:
   • Royalty-free clip art (Check the website of your word processing software manufacturer)
   • Artwork of the school's team mascot
   • Hand-drawn kid's crayon art (smiley face, happy sun, handprints, apple, books, ruler, school bus)
   • Digital photo of the school or class of students with their teacher

For Commerical Printing

1. Identify local shops that custom print t-shirts. Call them up or go visit them in person.

2. Request cost estimates from two or three vendors. You'll need to tell them how many shirts you'll need and the sizes. If you don't know, try to give a realistic estimate. Remember: The cost-per-shirt decreases as the quantity ordered increases.

3. Be sure to tell the printers that you want cotton blend t-shirts so the tees won't shrink in laundering. Ask the print shops to include any costs they'll charge for preparing your t-shirt design for printing.

4. Select a printer and take your t-shirt design ideas and art to the shop. Show your concept and ask for professional advice on type style, imprint size, t-shirt and ink colors.

5. Ask to see a color proof of the finished design for approval.

6. Order one or more samples before placing a larger order. Show the printed t-shirt samples to other school representatives and potential buyers and take orders.

At Home Printing

1. Purchase cotton blend t-shirts at a local discount store or craft shop.

2. Buy inkjet t-shirt transfers at stores that sell computer printing supplies.

3. Create the t-shirt design yourself using a computer and a word processing program.

4. Set up a document the same size as the iron-on t-shirt transfer.

5. Type words into text boxes and position with imported pictures or clip art as desired on the page. Hint: You might need to right-click on the objects to access a menu of layout and formatting options for fitting text to pictures.

6. Measure across the front of the t-shirt to determine the size of the graphic. Enlarge or reduce the art on the computer to fit the t-shirt.

7. Print out a color copy on paper so you can proofread it. Cut the paper design out and position it on the front of the t-shirt to make sure it is acceptable.

8. Follow the instructions on the inkjet t-shirt transfer to print the design.

9. Iron the design onto the front of the t-shirt as directed by the t-shirt transfer instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use type that is smaller than 60 point size. Simple designs have more impact.

• Use caution when applying iron-on transfers.

References

• Working with Clip Art (Microsoft website)

Resources

• Public Domain Clip Art