T-shirt design has become a fashion in itself. Indeed, this seams like a field which almost any one can take on as a profession or as a hobby. A short search engine search will make clear how many people are into it. Don't be discouraged. You will need: a good idea for some prints and a way to create them, a shirt (or more) to print on, and (if you want to make some money out of it) some good old business skills.

The following tips are relevant to both those who would like to print some tees for fun, and those who would like to make designing unique t-shirts their main source of income. However, the main focus is on how to become a professional. If you are into trying a new hobby, they will still be useful.

Look, turning your ideas into products that you will be proud of, and that will make you a living, isn't that easy. So, before you begin, you might like to think about the objectives of your new initiative. What kind of t-shirts do you want to design? Funny, radical, old school, artistic... Who is going to wear (buy) your clothing? Teenagers, moms, geeks... Where are you going to sell? The Internet, local shops, your car's trunk...

All of these questions are relevant and each of them will open up new questions and ideas regarding your future t-shirt enterprise. Do spend some time thinking about your new label. It will help you to stay focused on the various aspects of the game. You have probably thought of how cool it would be to print this and that sentence on a tee, or how beautiful a t-shirt with your uncle's portrait printed on it would look on your step mother. These ideas are not enough to make your ideas sell. Be creative.

So, what are you going to print on? While you spend some time thinking about life, you should also ask yourself what is a t-shirt? Now that you know, you can decide to buy wholesale, or produce your own.

Buying wholesale is easier (especially for beginners). All you have to do is buy the tees and take them to the printer. However, consider the following:

• You might want to replace the ticket with which the supplier sells the t-shirt.
• A certain size for a certain color might be out of stock when you need it.
• The t-shirt's fit is decided for you.
• Some prints will not be possible.

Producing your own t-shirts is trickier. The major advantage is control. You will need to create your own pattern (or pay some for one), buy the fabric you would like to use, and find the professionals that can cut and sew your tees. You will be able to:

• Use a ticket that you will create or print.
• Control exactly what you want your t-shirt to look like.
• Perform trickier prints.
• Look like a pro.
• And much more...

However, you will be obliged to produce larger quantities (fabric and labour are cheaper the more you buy), and you will be entirely responsible for the outcome. If you want to give it a try, don't forget to be careful, and test the fabric and the cut before you produce 10,000 tees. Consult with as many professionals as you can.

Now, before you go and buy or produce anything, think about the following:

Fabric colors Vs. print colors – the color of the cotton you are going to print on is part of the design. Using the color of the fabric as part of the print will (if done properly) make your product an interesting one. Moreover, you should think about the distinct colors you want to use. T-shirt design is an art. A good looking match between fabric and print will make the difference between a beautiful t-shirt and something printed on a piece of cotton.

Sizes – there is no international t-shirt size standard. Europe and the U.S differ in the definition of medium. So will two different manufacturers. If you are into producing your own t-shirts, think about your customers. Plan a size scale that will enable you to produce enough of each size, but not to much. There is tons of information about sizes on the web. If you are going to buy t-shirts from a wholesaler, do the same. Prepare yourself with a list of sizes and colors. Make a B plan in case they exactly ran out of the size and color you need.

Now that you at least know what you are going to print on. Find a printer. You can find more about how t-shirts are printed here. Serious t-shirt printing is done by screen printing. Screen printing gives the highest quality results and value per money when dealing with relatively large amounts. If you want to create products that will last, screen print. Ask your printer how to prepare for printing.

You should meet with the printer at least once before printing and consult with them regarding what you want to achieve, how much it should cost, and what they are capable of. I have printed t-shirts at several different places, and each one has its own pros and cons. One might be cheaper, but give you mediocre results. Another may be highly equipped as far as machinery and technology go, but will not be open to printing in relatively small amounts. Find a printer that you feel you can trust. You might want to be present when they print your t-shirts. If you can, do so. You will learn allot about how things are done, and will be able to correct mistakes on the spot.

Before printing, try things out. The position of the print on the t-shirt might be something you want to consider even during the first stages of the design. Not all tees have to be printed on the front at chest height. Here's a tip regarding this. If you are producing your own t-shirts you can (if your suppliers allow so) print on the different parts of the shirt (front, back, sleeves) before they are sewn together. You will find it much easier to do all kinds of things this way, so will your printer. Consult with all of the professionals that you are going to work with. They have seen almost everything by now.

So, you have printed your first collection. Congratulations. What next? How are you going to sell all of those t-shirts? The best advise is: do everything. Try to sell your tees at designer stores, fairs and festivals might work, facebook your label, try attending special events... The list goes on. The more people will see your products, the more feedback you will collect.

That's all for now. I'll work on this article some more soon. Good luck with your project. Tell us how things are going, and if this helped you.

Please take this as general advice. You are responsible for the outcome of your choices (that's good advice in any case).

Now that you know how to become a designer, you might like to buy a t-shirt.