How to Prepare Artwork for a Small Apparel Run

For a small custom apparel run, submit the cleanest artwork you have, preferably as a vector file, with a transparent background and clearly readable text. Before sending it off, check the design at its intended print size, confirm the number of colours you expect, and make sure you have permission to use every logo, image and typeface included.

Small runs leave less room for correcting avoidable artwork problems. A design that looks fine on a large computer screen may become difficult to print, read or position once it is reduced to fit a shirt, polo, jumper, tote bag or cap. A short artwork check before ordering can prevent delays and disappointing results.

Start with the best file available

Vector artwork is usually the most flexible option. It is made from lines and shapes rather than a fixed grid of pixels, so it can be resized without becoming visibly blurry. Common vector formats include editable design files and export formats such as PDF, SVG or EPS, although the preferred format can vary between suppliers.

Raster artwork, such as a PNG or JPEG, can still work well if it is large enough for the finished print. A small image copied from a website or social media page is rarely suitable. It may look sharp on a phone but become pixelated when enlarged.

• Send the original file rather than a screenshot or image copied from a webpage.
• Keep a high-resolution version of any raster artwork.
• Avoid repeatedly saving and resaving JPEG files, which can introduce compression artefacts.
• If you only have a low-quality image, ask whether it can be redrawn before placing the order.

Check the artwork at its actual size

Artwork should be judged at, or close to, the size it will appear on the garment. Zooming in can hide problems; shrinking a design can reveal them. Print the artwork on ordinary paper at its proposed size and hold it at a normal viewing distance. This is a useful way to check whether names, dates, team numbers and small symbols remain clear.

Be careful with thin lines, narrow gaps and tiny decorative details. They may disappear when printed, embroidered or placed on textured fabric. Small text is particularly risky on sleeves, chest positions and accessories, where the available area is limited.

Keep text readable

Text in a logo or event design should be legible without requiring someone to stand close to the garment. Avoid overly delicate fonts, tightly packed lettering and long lines squeezed into a small area. Give letters enough space to breathe, especially when the design includes a curved name, slogan or list of details.

Before submitting the file, check spelling, capital letters, dates, phone numbers, web addresses and team names. Ask another organiser to proofread it. Once artwork has been approved, a simple typing error can affect the whole run.

If the artwork uses custom or less common fonts, convert the text to outlines in the working file or supply the font information as requested. This helps prevent the lettering changing when the file is opened on another computer. Keep an editable text version as well, in case a correction is needed.

Be realistic about colour

Colours can look different on a screen, on paper and on fabric. The garment colour also affects how the design appears. A dark print on a dark shirt may lack contrast, while a pale design can become hard to see on a light garment.

Review the design against the actual garment colour, not just a white background. If possible, prepare a version showing the artwork on the selected fabric colour. This makes problems with contrast easier to spot before production.

Do not assume that every screen colour can be reproduced exactly. Bright digital colours, subtle gradients and soft shadows may need to be adjusted for the chosen printing method. If an exact colour matters for a workplace, club or event identity, provide the relevant colour reference and ask how closely it can be matched.

Use a transparent background where appropriate

A transparent background allows the garment fabric to show around the design. This is usually preferable when printing a logo or isolated graphic. A white rectangle behind the artwork can be obvious on a coloured shirt, even if it is not visible on a white computer screen.

Check that the file really has transparency. Some images appear to have a chequered background in editing software but are actually saved with a solid white layer. Open the file against a contrasting background or inspect its layers before sending it.

Understand why simple designs are often safer

Simple artwork is not automatically better, but it is generally more reliable for a small run. Bold shapes, clear outlines and strong contrast tend to remain recognisable across different garment colours and sizes. They are also easier to position consistently if several people are preparing or reviewing the order.

Consider removing details that do not add meaning: tiny borders, fine shading, complex textures, closely spaced patterns and very small secondary text. If the design needs a detailed version for posters or digital use, create a simplified apparel version as well.

Confirm permission to use the artwork

The organiser placing the order should be able to use every part of the design. This includes business logos, club emblems, photographs, illustrations, sponsor marks and commissioned artwork. Permission to view or download an image does not necessarily give permission to reproduce it on clothing.

Keep a written record of approvals where practical, particularly if several groups or sponsors are involved. Check that the supplied logo is the approved version and that any required clear space, colour or sizing rules have been followed.

Prepare a final submission pack

1. Provide the artwork file in the requested format.
2. State the finished print size and placement, such as left chest, full front or back.
3. List the garment colours and sizes required.
4. Identify any separate versions needed for light and dark garments.
5. Include a visual proof with the design shown at approximately its finished size.
6. Write down the final text, colours and quantities so everyone is checking the same version.

Do not rely on verbal instructions for important details. A simple written brief reduces confusion when the artwork contains multiple colours, placements or variations for different teams.

Practical summary

Use the highest-quality file available, test it at its finished size, check contrast and transparency, proofread every word, and simplify details that may disappear. Confirm permission for all supplied artwork and send a clear final brief before approving the run.