lovebaseball62

Thanks for repsonding....We already have some business lined up for shirts, etc. We have the Brother GT-541 and need a VERY user friendly, easy program to learn in order to print out shirts, sweats, hats, polo's, shorts etc....We bought the Hanes Sublimation Maker Software on the advice of a salesperson (it prints shirts, but...)....bad move, as it is primitive and doesn't interact well with the GT-541 at all, (reminds us of a kid's software years ago).....Some people say "use Corel Draw"....others say "Use Adobe Illustrator", and users of each say that one is easier than the other...YET BOTH ARE PRETTY "INVOLVED" and will take us qjuite a while to learn to use well, and we simply don't have the time to learn intricate software, etc, as we need to , well, we need to get up and going a.s.a.p.!!....so we are looking for something that is easy (like the Hanes) but actually is a little more professional (the Hanes limits us to small print area on the front/rear....cant even do a full "semi-wrap" front, can't make the shirts look very cool and different/interesting, etc etc....can't align sleeve prints, etc etc
Can anyone offer some suggestions??? Your help is greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!!

 

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Printzilla

This is like asking for a really inexpensive, high quality sports car, that comes with a hottie and a get out of jail free card. It does not exist.

However, Corel Draw kinda fits the bill. Easy to learn to use basically. You can learn the basics in less than a day, and then expand your knowledge as you go.

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lovebaseball62

But I've read other posts that say Corel Draw is "difficult to learn".....or "need to read a novel to figure the thing out" etc..........

???????

 

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prometheus

Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. You just need to attack the vector program. It's what you are going to need.

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sharktees

WOW, I agree with Printzilla,Not to make you feel bad but would you try to fly a plane without the propper training.I can do the basics on coreldraw and I was afraid to try it but now I can do enough to make good shirts.You have 20k invested so suck it up and start to experiment,get video training,take classes,do what you have to to make the most of your printer.I don't think many people can use all the items that a software package can do,but if you don't start punching the keyboard you'll never know.The brother is such a cool machine you'll love it once you start playing with different software.If you don't like what you see on the screen just delete it and start over sooner or later it will come. So good luck and get to work there is no replacement for practice.

 

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lovebaseball62

Hmm...and there is no such thing as Corel Draw "Lite" or "quick & easy" etc etc...??

 

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abmcdan

Have you looked into outsourcing your artwork and getting a file back that is ready to print?

But at some point you will have to learn the graphics program to get the most out of your printer.

 

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charles95405

corel is not that hard...there are a ton of free videos on youtube.com and then corelunleashed.com and advancedartists.com have videos as does lynda.com...plan on a day of playing...and couple days to get comfortable...

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DTFuqua

The thing that helped me turn the corner, or at least peak around it, with corel is to remember there are two programs that do different but similar things and you need to learn which one does what. There is corel draw and corel photo paint the paint works with pictures and draw makes all the things around the picturers (I THINK)

 

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Catbox

It takes time to learn graphics software(no way around that...lol)
... there are a zillion Pshop/Corel and Illustrator tutorials... concentrate on text designs and simple shapes and expand...
your best bet if you don't have the time or don't wan't to learn one of the various graphics software programs... is to hire an artist on one of the sites that feature freelance designers...
found these on google
http://www.ifreelance.com/
T-Shirt Logos - Freelance T-Shirt Designers and Contests

 

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Printzilla

By the time you pay an artist for a few designs, you could have been way ahead by spending a couple of days to learn the basics yourself.

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sunnydayz

I think your best bet is corel draw, its pretty easy to learn once you get used to it. You can download a free trial version to try it at corel.com, and play with it to get used to it before buying. There are also programs you can use with it that will make it easier such as smart designer from digital art solutions that has alot of premade artwork that prints well with the dtg machines. I agree with the poster above about advanced artist having great tutorials for coreldraw. I would down load the free trial and watch some tutorials and that should give you a good idea of what it is capable of.

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Catbox

Quote: Originally Posted by Printzilla By the time you pay an artist for a few designs, you could have been way ahead by spending a couple of days to learn the basics yourself.

he sounds like he doesnt have the time...

"Some people say "use Corel Draw"....others say "Use Adobe Illustrator", and users of each say that one is easier than the other...YET BOTH ARE PRETTY "INVOLVED" and will take us qjuite a while to learn to use well, and we simply don't have the time to learn intricate software, etc, as we need to , well, we need to get up and going a.s.a.p.!!...."

 

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Rodney

Quote: Originally Posted by Catbox he sounds like he doesnt have the time... "Some people say "use Corel Draw"....others say "Use Adobe Illustrator", and users of each say that one is easier than the other...YET BOTH ARE PRETTY "INVOLVED" and will take us qjuite a while to learn to use well, and we simply don't have the time to learn intricate software, etc, as we need to , well, we need to get up and going a.s.a.p.!!...."

Unfortunately, there's no way to get up and running ASAP unless you know the software or hire someone that does.

So you basically have to MAKE the time, or you won't be able to run the machine.

All software will require some learning curve, so you either have to take the time to learn it or hire someone that has already taken the time to learn it.

There's no real quick fix.

That being said, if you have coreldraw, there is a program that really simplifies the process of making logos and editing existing graphics called SmartDesigner.

It costs a LOT of money, but for those people without time (and depending on their needs), it can get you up and running faster. Still some learning, but it makes everything much easier.

If you watch the videos on their site, you can see how it automates a lot of tasks and I think it comes with a lot of customizable logos and designs.

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mbeebs2000

I'm in the same boat
I need to get a lot better with the graphics etc.

I spoke to a local high school teacher the other day
He is going to recomend a student or two that may be interested in doing freelance work as soon as classes begin. He said that it could help the students with building experience and creating their portfolios

I will know in a few weeks when classes begin

 

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