From Sketch to Shirt: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Custom Design Process

Published on Mar. 23rd, 2025

When it comes to custom clothing, there’s something special about rocking a shirt that’s totally you. At Prints on Demand, we believe every piece of apparel should tell a story—whether it’s a bold statement, a family tribute, or just something that makes people smile. But how do we go from a rough sketch or wild idea to a tee that’s ready to wear? That’s exactly what we’re breaking down in this post. We’re walking you through our full creative process, from concept and collaboration to choosing the right material and seeing your vision come to life—so if you’ve ever wondered how the magic happens, buckle up.

Inspiration Sparks Everything

Every design starts with a spark—sometimes it’s a random idea in the shower, other times it’s inspired by something funny someone said at a cookout. We’re always tuned in to real-life moments, emotions, and cultural trends because that’s where the best ideas live. Whether it's a feel-good quote, a tribute to someone special, or just a hilarious thought, our designs are built around authentic expressions. We create apparel for all kinds of occasions: reunions, church events, memorials, or just everyday vibes. The best part? Inspiration can come from you, too—we love when customers bring us their raw ideas to shape into something awesome.

Once the concept is in place, we start visualizing how it’ll look on fabric. Not every idea translates the same across a t-shirt versus a hoodie or cap, so we think through the layout, placement, and balance. It’s about making sure the message pops without overwhelming the shirt. Fonts, illustrations, and spacing all play a role in this early stage. This is where creativity meets purpose—because every design deserves to be more than just ink on cotton.

Sketching the Vision

Now that we’ve got the idea, it’s time to sketch it out. Whether we’re working digitally or old-school with pencil and paper, the goal here is to get the bones of the design on display. We experiment with shapes, flows, and how the visuals interact with text (if there is any). It’s not about perfection—it’s about capturing the heart of the concept. Sketching helps us spot what works, what doesn’t, and where we can push the creativity further.

Once the rough layout feels right, we move into refinement mode. This means smoothing lines, adjusting scale, and really locking in the details that will make the design pop once printed. At this stage, we also think about how the artwork will behave on different garments and sizes. Some pieces look better big and bold across a sweatshirt, while others shine when kept minimal on a tee. Sketching is where we bridge the idea with the final product.

Digitizing the Design

After the sketch feels strong, it’s time to go digital. We transfer the artwork into design software that allows us to clean up lines, add color, and prep it for print. This step gives us the flexibility to tweak colors, play with textures, and explore layout variations that wouldn’t be possible on paper. We work in high resolution, always, because crisp lines matter when your design’s going on fabric. The digital process is where the whole thing starts to feel real.

Here’s where customization shines. We can add client-requested changes, swap out colors, and even create multiple versions of a design to suit different shirt colors or garment styles. Our software lets us see how the artwork looks on mockups, giving us (and you) a preview before it ever hits the press. This back-and-forth process is part of what makes our service personal and collaborative. We’re not just uploading files—we’re curating something made just for you.

Choosing the Right Apparel

Design's important, but so is the canvas it lives on. That’s why we take choosing the right apparel seriously. Whether it’s a soft, breathable t-shirt, a thick hoodie for colder days, or a cap to top it all off, each item has its own personality. We look at fabric quality, fit, color options, and how well it holds up to printing. The goal? Apparel that looks amazing and feels just right.

We’ll walk you through options depending on your event, audience, or personal style. Want something light for a summer family reunion? We've got it. Looking for a sleek sweatshirt that still makes a statement? Done. Choosing the right base ensures your design shines the way it should—and that you’ll want to wear it again and again.

Color, Contrast, and Layout Magic

Once the design and apparel are matched up, we dig into color theory and contrast. This step ensures that your design doesn’t just blend into the fabric—it stands out exactly how you pictured it. We test different background and ink color combos to make sure your message pops, whether it's subtle and classy or loud and proud. Color can completely shift the vibe of a design, so we approach it with both creativity and strategy. Even a single shade tweak can make a huge difference.

Layout is equally important, especially when balancing images and text. We think about visibility, alignment, and how the design will move with the body once it's worn. The last thing anyone wants is a logo that folds awkwardly or text that vanishes into an armpit crease. That’s why we take time here—it’s all in the details. A great layout can turn a good design into a total showstopper.

Print Prep: Getting Everything Just Right

Before anything hits the press, we double-check everything. That means reviewing files for size, resolution, transparency, and color accuracy. This might sound technical, but it's how we make sure your design prints clean, sharp, and true to what you approved. We prep each file for the type of printing we’ll be using—whether it's screen printing, heat transfer, or DTG (direct to garment). Every method has its own quirks, and we prep accordingly.

We also finalize placements, check print dimensions, and test the look against multiple garment sizes. What looks centered on a small shirt might look off on an XL, so we adjust as needed. That attention to detail is what keeps our quality consistent. We treat every piece like it’s going to be someone’s favorite shirt—because chances are, it will be.

Printing in Action

Time to bring it to life! Once everything’s ready, we move into production. Depending on the order and design, we might use screen printing for vibrant, long-lasting color, or DTG for more detailed, photo-like prints. Each method has its strengths, and we choose the one that best fits your vision and garment. Watching the ink hit the fabric never gets old—it’s where all the planning finally pays off.

We monitor every print as it comes through to make sure colors are sharp and lines are clear. No blurry prints or smudged designs here—we hold ourselves to high standards. If something doesn’t look right, we fix it before it goes anywhere. That way, you get something that feels professional, personal, and ready to wear right out the box. Quality checks are our final layer of love.

Packing It Up and Sending It Out

Once your gear’s printed and looking fly, it’s time to pack it with care. We fold, check for any last details, and make sure everything’s clean, pressed, and ready for its debut. Whether it's one tee or a bulk order for your whole crew, we handle each order with love. We know how excited you are to see the final product, and we take that seriously. Packaging may be the last step, but it’s a big part of the experience.

Shipping timelines vary, but we aim to get your order out as quickly (and safely) as possible. We’ll always keep you updated with tracking info, so you’re never left wondering. If you're local to Metro Atlanta or Metro NYC, we’ll do what we can to keep delivery smooth. For us, it's not just about printing and packing—it’s about making sure you feel just as good receiving it as you did designing it. That’s the full-circle moment we live for.

Your Vision, Brought to Life

From that first spark of an idea to rocking your design with pride, creating custom apparel is a journey—and we’re pumped to walk it with you. At Prints on Demand, every shirt, hoodie, and cap is more than just merch—it’s a piece of your story, and we’re honored to help you tell it. Whether you're designing for an event, business, or just for fun, we’ve got the tools and passion to make it unforgettable. Ready to turn your sketch into something you’ll wear again and again? Give us a call at (678) 956-2180 and let’s bring your next design to life!