artwork

Artwork refers to the design file provided by the customer for printing on garments like t-shirts, hoodies, or tote bags. It can be in vector or raster format. This can include company logos, illustrations, typography, photographs, or branded layouts prepared specifically for printing on garments such as t-shirts, hoodies, polos, workwear, and activewear. Artwork acts as the foundation of the entire printing process its quality and setup directly influence the final print result.

Role of Artwork in the Printing Process

Artwork is not just about how a design looks on screen; it must be technically suitable for printing. In professional garment printing, artwork needs to be prepared according to the selected printing method, garment material, and intended use.

For example:

Screen printing requires clean vector artwork with defined colours.
DTF or DTG printing allows more complex, full-colour designs but still relies on high-resolution files.
Sublimation demands artwork designed specifically for polyester fabrics and light-coloured garments.

Correct artwork preparation ensures colour accuracy, sharp detail, and long-lasting results after repeated washing.

Key Features of Print-Ready Artwork

File Formats and Resolution

High-quality artwork is typically supplied in vector formats such as AI, EPS, or PDF, as these files scale without losing clarity. Raster images (JPEG or PNG) can be used if they meet resolution requirements—generally 300 DPI at actual print size.

Colour Modes

Artwork is usually set up in CMYK or spot colours (Pantone) depending on the printing method. Accurate colour setup helps achieve consistent branding across garments, which is particularly important for businesses, schools, and organisations in Australia.

Sizing and Placement

Artwork must be sized correctly for the garment type and print location, such as chest prints, back prints, sleeve logos, or pocket placements. A design that works well on a t-shirt may need adjustment for polos or hi-vis workwear.

Benefits of Professionally Prepared Artwork

Cleaner, sharper prints with accurate detail
Improved durability, reducing cracking or fading
Faster production times, as fewer adjustments are required
Consistent branding across multiple garment types and orders

For bulk orders, especially common in Australian workplaces, sporting clubs, and events, professional artwork preparation helps maintain uniformity across large print runs.

Common Use Cases for Artwork in Apparel Printing

Artwork is used across a wide range of applications, including:

Business logos on workwear and uniforms
Promotional t-shirts for events, expos, and campaigns
Club and team apparel for sports and community groups
Branded merchandise for retail or online sales
Personalised designs for schools, charities, and fundraisers

Each use case may require different artwork considerations, such as increased durability for workwear or vibrant colour output for promotional garments.

Practical Insights and Industry Considerations

In the Australian custom apparel industry, artwork must often comply with branding guidelines, safety requirements (especially for hi-vis garments), and fabric limitations. Fine details may need simplification for certain printing methods, while bold designs often perform better on textured or heavy fabrics.

Artwork approval is typically a crucial step before production begins. Reviewing digital proofs helps avoid costly errors and ensures the final print matches expectations.

Why Artwork Quality Matters

Artwork is the starting point of every successful garment print. Even the best printing equipment cannot compensate for poorly prepared files. Investing time in correct artwork setup leads to professional results, longer-lasting prints, and garments that represent brands accurately and confidently.

For any custom apparel project, clear, print-ready artwork is essential to achieving high-quality, reliable outcomes across all garment types and printing methods.

Artwork