Helpful How To: Fold a Shirt Origami Style (Includes Long Sleeve Demo)

For those who have not seen this before, it can seem pretty tricky at first. But once you have done it a few times, you will realize that folding a shirt origami style is actually quite easy, and time saving. Here is a video from Screeners Choice by Jerid Hill (now of BelQuette, Inc., a Direct-to-Garment printer manufacturer). Check it out!                         Video Credit: YouTube

The Right to Tee Speech

Credit: RollingStone.com

Say What You Mean

Recently, new DTG Awareness reader, Dustin Devos commented,

"Not only are consumers becoming design-savvy but they also are realizing that the Tee-Shirt is more than a fashion statement or a cheap piece of apparel. In this new age of social media and technological communication the founding right and principle of free speech is now in full swing when it comes to custom designed tees. Now you can convey a message without even speaking to a person and they know your serious because you are willing to wear it on your body. Yep, I'd say DTG aware is the tip of the ice burg!"

Dustin, I'd say you nailed it. In my previous post, "T-Shirts: 100 Years of Awesomeness" I made a similar point.

"The t-shirt, like a billboard you wear, can be an advertisement for what you think. In an age where everywhere we go, there is an ad telling us what to believe about this or that, the t-shirt is a way of expressing our personal view. It allows a way of communicating without opening your mouth."

DTG differentiates itself from other forms of t-shirt printing in that it is easily customizable down to a single article of clothing, and it allows for high quality design and feel. The wearer is not relegated to the words and ideas of another thinker, nor inferior or amateur looking style.

The fact that a t-shirt can have an impact has been the topic of many news stories. The recent case of an eighth grader in West Virginia is a poignant example of this. ABC News reports, "The shirt included the logo of the National Rifle Association, an image of a rifle, and words 'protect your right.'” Police were called to the boys school when he refused to turn his shirt inside out.

The effect of wearing a t-shirt with an idea on it can be profound. In a sense, the wearer becomes the message. To reiterate Dustin's point, if you are willing to wear it, people get the sense that you can back it up too.

Making Use of a Billboard

Hollywoodlife.com picked up on what Taylor Swift was going for when she wore a t-shirt with a message at the most recent Billboard Music Awards.

"The star was cool and confident at the show, where she sent a very strong message to all of the haters who were trying to bring her down, sporting a shirt that sent a very powerful saying.... While her tee seemed so playful it was actually quite bold — it read, ‘Haters Gonna Hate.’ If Taylor’s haters were, in fact, hating the singer could care less!"

Being that Ms. Swift took home eight Billboard awards, the casual observer could note that whoever these "haters" are, they likely got her point. Of course, it's long been a hallmark of the famous that they speak their mind. Agree with them or not, you pay attention to them.

So, can DTG make you a rock star? Wrong question.
Are you a rock star? You can prove it by wearing what you believe. DTG makes that easy.

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/junkfoodclothing

Breaking news.... Taylor Swift is now dating her famous t-shirt. Sources say the songstress is scheduled to record the breakup song at the end of June.

"The Right to Tee Speech" is a trademark of the DTG Awareness blog and it's writer.

Digital Passion

Credit: Tumblr

Good advice from the blog of Lara Warmwinter, at Digital Art: 

  "If the T-shirt design related to your colors and photorealistic images, then digital printing should be your primary choice [sic]."

Digital direct to garment printing is the best way to get high quality images, and a high quality feel with gradients. Not to mention the fact that digital DTG is fast. People that have tried DTG are passionate about it. I remember when I was younger and I wanted to get a couple of custom t-shirts made. I had the ideas, but when I went to my friend who owned a t-shirt printing shop to ask about getting them done, I was disappointed. He told me that in order to be affordable on a per shirt basis, I would have to order a large quantity of shirts. The time he would have to invest in making screens, just to do four colors, would be cost prohibitive for only two or three shirts. That was 16 years ago. Today, I can walk in to many shops, and walk out that same day with a custom printed, high quality shirt with gradients, and thousands of colors. And, all for around $20. There are also many online custom DTG printing shops. I can design a shirt from the comfort of my living room, and have it sent to me. When people finally realize the awesome power they have with DTG, the clothing industry is going to be radically changed. Big name corporate clothing designers, meet the Indy artists of the world.

A Digital Artist Finds DTG

A reader recently posted:

"bless my stars I found your blog in the sources section on the Wikipedia page for DTG printing, if you'd be so kind as to answer a question that's really troubling me I would be grateful.

I'm an illustrator I create high resolution digital paintings on photoshop and someone recently told me I should look into printing and selling some of these designs on t-shirts so I've been looking into t-shirt printing and what is the best method for me to get my paintings onto t-shirts with high quality prints, I'm planning to have low quantities and high pricing, so a high printing cost for a high quality print on 100% cotton can be absorbed. so could you please help me out with this? Thank You Sir"

People are becoming aware of DTG! This is great. Now we must educate. Here is the response I gave:

"Great question. There are several options for getting your images on to clothing. Heat transfers will get your print on to the shirt, but this method does not attain the high quality you are going for. Based on your comments, you will want to go with a process that can attain not just high quality look, but also a high quality feel. The best way to do this is digital direct-to-garment. Another consideration is whether the company you purchase your machine from is able to ship their product to your country, and give the support needed to help you get up and running. If you are based in the United States, you will have many companies to choose from. Pricing can vary greatly from company to company. Things you will want to consider are machine cost, ink cost, maintenance cost, and head replacement cost. Some companies also offer financing options, and this can be very helpful if you need to keep your cash flow free. Be very careful about used or homemade printers, as they probably won't come with a warranty, and you need to make sure that you can get support for your product. I recommend checking out the forums too. Here are a couple of addresses:

https://plus.google.com/b/117973706207801271116/communities/101204742741581995959

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/

DTG printing is a great way to profit from your art! I hope it goes well for you!"

Another one comes to the light of DTG, and a dream has been born. When will you make your Mona Lisa?

T-Shirts: 100 Years of Awesomeness!

Attribution: tshirts.com

2013 is the 100th Year Anniversary of the T-Shirt. 

An article in Promowearmag.com explains, "In 1913, the T-shirt as we know it first appeared as standard-issue gear within the U.S. Navy. Since then, the iconic garment has become an essential part of the American wardrobe and identity."

And become a part of our national identity it has. The t-shirt, like a billboard you wear, can be an advertisement for what you think. In an age where everywhere we go, there is an ad telling us what to believe about this or that, the t-shirt is a way of expressing our personal view. It allows a way of communicating without opening your mouth. A t-shirt can make people see you as funny, and approachable or, it can communicate, "stay the hell away from me". The majority of us own all kinds of t-shirts, and truthfully, most of the time, we just want to be comfortable and look cool, like the above pictured John Lennon.

The Power of a T-Shirt Design

In this history of t-shirts, some designs have reached an iconic status. They can be like universal symbols of an ideology, or relate a common experience. These t-shirts have the power to bring people together. Check out this tribute to the t-shirt in Parade Magazine's, "Top 10 Most Iconic Designs".

Attribution: parade.com

What is most interesting is that because of it's comfort, low cost to manufacture, and ability to be printed on, the t-shirt, regardless of what image or saying is actually on it, is itself an icon. This is because we are a generation that put off the stuffiness of suits, vests, and petticoats, and accepted the idea that a simple garment is good enough. At one time, there were truly rich clothes and poor clothes. Today, this is not altogether gone, but the t-shirt is a type of equalizer. Rock stars, jocks, boaters, moms, bums, businessmen, babies and people from almost every other category of society wear t-shirts. It is the American uniform.


                             "The t-shirt is a type of equalizer... it is the American uniform."

 Everybody's Doing it

With such wide acceptance, people have tried a myriad of ways to personalize their shirts. From tie-dye, to that puffy paint stuff, to markers, to cutting holes; folks made t-shirts their own. But it was never quite the same as that printed image you bought at the concert, or the mall. The digital age is now revolutionizing the way people individualize their clothes.

Through the process of digital Direct-to-Garment printing, people are now making their own mark on the world. And it looks like we prefer it this way. According to a survey conducted by CustomInk, found in the same Promowearmag.com article mentioned earlier, "76 percent of Americans report they would have a stronger emotional connection with a shirt that they or someone they knew custom-designed, versus a shirt that was mass-produced." While there will always be a place for those mass produced shirts, this generation is transitioning into custom everything: custom song lists, custom cell phones, custom rims, custom paint jobs, custom TV, custom walls (social media), custom YouTube channels, and on and on. As the Byrds famously quoted from the book of Ecclesiastes "To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season." With 100 years of t-shirt awesomeness, it now continues with the season of digital Direct-to-Garment freedom. Those who have used it, love it. But for those who just won't try it, I leave you with the famous words of Marty McFly in "Back to the Future", "I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet..........but your kids are gonna love it."

                                                                     YouTube

DTG, That's What I Meme

Do you frequently find yourself in the midst of a conversation where you bring up DTG, and your friends look at you like you are from Mars? That is because they are not yet aware of the wonders of Direct-to-Garment technology. What you should do in these situations:

1. Make fun of them.
2. Facebook bomb them with memes, like these:

Teach the Web to be DTG Aware!

Hello Interwebs,

What a great topic trending today on Google+!

#TeachTheWeb

Teaching is what the DTG Awareness blog is all about people! I'm here to teach the web what's up when it comes to getting the coolest shirts! Print your own- Go out tonight in a shirt that you came up with. What's your style? What's your favorite quote? Wear a picture of your mom for Mother's Day! It's all up to you.

Another great idea: Are you a graphic artist? Become a designer, and sell your own clothing line! The possibilities are endless with DTG!

Printed on the BelQuette Mod1 Direct-to-Garment Printer

So call up your local print shop, and ask them if they do DTG!

A Mother's Day Poem

This poem, by Joanna Fuchs, is from poemsource.com
  Super Mom
Mom, you're a wonderful mother,
So gentle, yet so strong.
The many ways you show you care
Always make me feel I belong. You're patient when I'm foolish;
You give guidance when I ask;
It seems you can do most anything;
You're the master of every task. You're a dependable source of comfort;
You're my cushion when I fall.
You help in times of trouble;
You support me whenever I call. I love you more than you know;
You have my total respect.
If I had my choice of mothers,
You'd be the one I'd select! By Joanna Fuchs  
Want to give your mom something that she can show off of on Mother's Day? Write her a poem, and put it on a new shirt. DTG will make you the best kid in the family!

GO MOM!

Direct-to-Garment Extravaganza

I had an interesting conversation with someone today about all of the things that a Direct-to-Garment printer can print on. DTG is for more than T-Shirts. Don't get me wrong, t-shirts give you the most surface to play with, and to say with. When your whole upper body is wearing the canvas, you can get a lot of art seen. But sometimes, you may want to change it up.

Ever seen 30 Rock?

Trucker cap enthusiasm unchecked. Say what you want, on the hat you want... everyday if you want. Yep, you can do it with DTG.


Say it on a sweatband.

If your team is looking for something to make you stand out, or if you just want to keep the sweat out of your eyes in style, you can get your image or logo printed on sweatbands with DTG.

Other things you can print on:
Socks
Canvas bags

Wood

Glass

Leather

Jeans

Towels

Cotton koozies (no rubber lining)

Pre-stretched canvas for pictures

There are so many possibilities! Are you starting to become aware yet?

Local DTG Printers

You may be wondering where to find some great Direct-to-Garment printed shirts. Today, I am going to show you just how easy it is to find a local company that, for about $20, can make the shirt that you always wanted.

A great place to look is yellowpages.com. I put "direct to garment printing" in the search bar on their site, and near "Columbus Ohio" as the location. This is what was returned:

There were a total of 17 results. It is not guaranteed that every one of those companies will actually do Direct-to-Garment printing. Some of them might use "direct to garment" as a keyword search because they offer other printing services. However, it is very likely that within these first 6 results, at least one of the companies will offer Direct-to-Garment printing. It is really that easy to strike t-shirt gold. Go ahead and try it. Once you make your own t-shirt, you'll be wondering how you ever survived without DTG. You're welcome.

Without DTG, You Might Be Naked.

Raising DTG awareness is everybody's job. When people don't talk about DTG, other people won't know that they can put anything they want on a garment. If people don't know that they can put anything they want on a garment, they might not be able to find the right clothes for the occasion. If they can't find the right clothes, they might get so frustrated, they just decide to wear nothing.
This is just a guess, but I'm going to say that approximately 42.05683% of nudists are just people who couldn't find the right clothes. Direct-to-Garment can help. So, when your friend suddenly decides to become a nudist, ask yourself, "are they aware of Direct-to-Garment?" Then, ask them the same question.

DTG Made Me a Man

Some people think that it doesn't matter what you put on your t-shirt, until you hear about a story like this. It comes to us from a "DTG Awareness" reader in Fort Worth, Texas.

"DTG Made Me a Man"

Dear DTG Awareness,
I am sure you hear stories like this all of the time, but after reading your first post, I felt compelled to share my story about my experience with undecorated apparel. It was July 4th, of 2011 and my entire family was at my brother-in-laws house for a barbeque. I had worn a plain white t-shirt that day, as I did every day, because up until that point, I saw no advantage to wearing any particular saying or picture on my chest. Soon after we arrived at the party, the food was served and I began sinking my teeth into the delicious barbeque ribs my brother-law-had prepared. Suddenly, a flying object struck me in the back of the head! "What the bottle rocket?" I queried. It turns out, it was a bottle rocket. One of the neighbors had been launching fireworks, but had apparently failed to properly set the correct coordinates for the exploding craft, which caused it to blast my cabeça, instead of innocently exploding in midair. I turned and ran toward the neighbor's house to warn them not to set off another, for fear they may strike a less resilient person than I. As I closed in on my unwitting assailants, I could not help but notice the lack of fluidity with which my body moved. It was at this moment that it dawned in my imagination that if I had a t-shirt with a muscular chest printed on it, I could appear much more intimidating, as, from a certain distance, one could perhaps mistake the printed muscles for my real muscles, which, in these sort of situations carries a certain gravitas.
Minus the printed muscular shirt, I was left to acknowledge that my muscles, though impressive in their power to move heavy objects, do not hold their shape in a way that relates the type of strength they contain. So, while inside I felt like I should boldly demand that the neighbors continue their 4th of July celebration in another location far from our cook-out, I was instead forced to resort to the same tactic I had used so many other times in my life, which it turns out, is not quite as manly as I had imagined I would be in my muscle shirt. When I neared the neighbors', half smiling, I sheepishly stated, "you guys hit me in the head. Huh, huh!" The guys looked at each other, laughed, said "sorry man", and set off another bottle rocket, which whizzed past my face. 
I determined that if I could ever find a way to make my own shirts, I would have one made with muscles. Not only that, but I would also have ones made with cool and tough sayings. Sayings, that I have had in my head, that I know would be awesome and intimidating. DTG awareness has come to my life, and now I walk around with confidence. My wife loves me more, my kids respect me, and those neighbors... well let's just say there will be no bottle rockets hitting anybody in the head on that block for a long, long time.

-Phil S. 
 Fort Worth, TX

First Post- DTG is Real

Why do so many people go around today wearing boring, plain shirts? In a time when everyone personalizes their music playlists, their cell phone apps, and their computer wallpaper, why would people still go around with a plain white t-shirt everyday? For that matter, why do people continue to walk into stores, day after day, and buy shirts that have the exact same print on them as the ones next to them? I mean, how many times have you walked into a room and thought, "dang, that loser is wearing the same shirt as me." Why in the digital age that has brought us "social networking", where people record every single action they take from going to Disneyland to scratching their nose, and grown men post their thoughts about baseball and Justin Beiber all in the same day, would people continue to wear shirts that have the words and thoughts of others? Are we not INDIVIDUALS? Do we not have SOULS? Are not DIGITALLY PRINTED THOUGHTS available for our clothes?
The answer I have found is DTG, or Direct-to-Garment printing. BelQuette, Inc makes the Mod1, with the Edge Pretreament system. I just wish more shops had them. The next time a thought comes to your head, don't just put it on Facebook,  Google+, or Twitter. Put it on a shirt. Contact your local screen printer, and ask if they have a Mod1 DTG printer. Think about it, what if you put that thought  on a shirt, how many more "friends" could you get? Maybe other people like Key Lime Pie just as much as you! What a great conversation starter! But it won't happen if we don't put our thoughts on our shirts people! DTG is real, so let's put that social network to good use and get the word out!
Direct-to-Garment Awareness on Facebook