Introduction

Custom t-shirts aren’t just clothing — they’re statements, memories, and marketing tools all rolled into one. Whether you’re designing for a family reunion, a business, or just for fun, getting the design right makes all the difference. At The Tee Spot, we’ve printed thousands of shirts right here in Staten Island, and today we’re sharing our best tips for creating a custom tee you’ll love to wear.

1. Start with a Clear Purpose

Ask yourself: Why am I making this shirt?

• Events: Birthdays, reunions, weddings, sports teams.

• Business: Branded apparel for staff or promotions.

• Personal: A photo of your pet, a travel memory, or an inside joke.

The clearer your purpose, the easier it is to pick the right design elements.

2. Choose the Right Image or Logo

• For photos, make sure they’re high-resolution (no blurry phone screenshots!).

• For logos, use a vector file (SVG, AI, or EPS) whenever possible to keep sharp edges.

• Keep in mind that DTG printing captures fine details and vibrant colors — so go bold.

3. Keep the Text Short & Impactful

Words matter, but less is more.
Good: “Team Johnson 2025”
Bad: “This Is the Official Johnson Family Reunion T-Shirt 2025”

Pick fonts that are easy to read from a distance, especially if you’re printing on darker shirts.

4. Select the Right Shirt Color

Your shirt color sets the tone:

• White or light colors: Best for photos.

• Black or dark colors: Make bold text or logos pop.

• Bright colors: Great for kids’ events, sports teams, or parties.

5. Preview Before You Print

Always use an online design tool (like our [Design Studio]) to preview your shirt. This helps you spot issues like off-center text, clashing colors, or images that are too small.

Conclusion

Designing a custom t-shirt is all about mixing creativity with simplicity. At The Tee Spot, we make the process easy with same-day DTG printing, an online design studio, and templates you can edit in minutes. Whether it’s for your business, your family, or just for fun — we’ll help bring your idea to life.