emmetkeaneteague

OK, first of hello.

So a little about myself. I did graphic design in college but unfortunately never got into that area, and now 7 years down the line I've decided to put my talent to use and I have ordered a 4 colour silk screen, flash dryer and exposure unit.
Infact this very package CUSTOM CAROUSELS.
I'm currently working on my website and I already have loads of original designs to print up. I'm hoping to do high quality tee's with designs limited to 100 per design per size. I don't intend to take in work from 3rd parties (print up things for business's etc.) just yet. I have to say I'm very excited about all this but I really am jumping in at the deep end I have a lot to learn.

I just found this site a couple of nights ago and I have been glued ever since. I have to say that the structure of the forum is excellent and hats off to who ever is running it. Also the vast majority of members seem to very helpful and informative. Now I am a total newb at this game and I have a million questions. I have already gone through the archive and I will continue to do so but I take receipt of my press next week so I have some questions that I'd like to throw out there if thats ok.

Q.1
1st of all, Inks. What are the best inks for printing and where is the cheapest most economical place to order from? Preferably in Europe as I am situated in Ireland.

Q.2
Tee's I have already taken order of some American Apparel classic Tee's and I have to say I love the cut, colour and quality. However I do find them a bit expensive, where else can I go (in Europe) to get similar quality and selection?

Q.3 Tags is it better to get some printed up and sow them on or go along the threadless route and print them on? What are peoples opinions.

Q.4 Besides the items I am getting in the package I bought above are there any other things I need to get started?

Well those are my main questions for now, everything else I'm sure I can find in the archives. I look forward to talking to you all a lot in the future.

 

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piscitelli ink.

Hi Emmet!!!!!
welcome to the forums, I don't have much technical advice except have fun! i just started screenprinting about a year ago, and it is addictive! It looks like the kit you purchased has everything you need!!! Good luck & have fun!!

best wishes
becky

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by emmetkeaneteague where else can I go (in Europe) to get similar quality and selection [to AA shirts]?

Continental Clothing

Quote: Originally Posted by emmetkeaneteague Tags is it better to get some printed up and sow them on or go along the threadless route and print them on?

Printed tags suck. I'd suggest either getting woven labels sewn in, or printing the label directly into the shirt. Personally I prefer woven labels, but direct printed labels are a better fit for some brands. Either is professional and attractive (and at a roughly similar cost), so it's up to you really.

Quote: Originally Posted by emmetkeaneteague Besides the items I am getting in the package I bought above are there any other things I need to get started?

It seems to cover the obvious things. Maybe film for image output.

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badalou

Welcome to the forums. I have several question. You are doing all these designs and spending a lot of money on equipment but who have you sold to. Do you have orders for your product? What is your market? How are you marketing? I hope you have a business plan. The lesson you will learn here for what you are doing is that many have done what you are doing and have not gone past the ability to design and buy equipment. The end results is eventually they are no longer here. I hope you have a plan. Other wise it is printing money that you can't spend. In other words inventory you can't sell.

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emmetkeaneteague

Quote: Originally Posted by badalou Welcome to the forums. I have several question. You are doing all these designs and spending a lot of money on equipment but who have you sold to. Do you have orders for your product? What is your market? How are you marketing? I hope you have a business plan. The lesson you will learn here for what you are doing is that many have done what you are doing and have not gone past the ability to design and buy equipment. The end results is eventually they are no longer here. I hope you have a plan. Other wise it is printing money that you can't spend. In other words inventory you can't sell.

As of now I have not sold to anyone as I haven't made any tee's.

For my initial site the market is a fairly specific one. I am aiming at the electronic music/ Dj market (which I am involved in). I have a whole range of designs that are original and totally tailored to this market. I will market my site via the internet forums that are associated with this market. I also have a large mailing list which I plan to do a couple of viral adds. Other than that I don't have anything planned. Can you suggest anything else (cheap,or basically free) that I can do?

I'm learning all of this as I go along but I'm lucky enough to be able to afford all of my equipment through my day job and also absorb costs (tee's, consumables, packaging) at least for the initial first few months so hopefully I'll learn the ropes within that time and make the mistakes I need to make before I make my site successful.

With the help of this forum of course.

 

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