The Top 9 Screen Printed Shirt Trends for 2017

Posted by: Mary Yaeger 5-5-17



As screen printing enthusiasts, it’s important to stay on top of the trends in the industries that impact us the most. Staying current not only allows your business to produce relevant designs, but it also provides an opportunity to design outside of the box when everyone is looking at the same thing. If there is one thing that people don’t like it’s repetition so it’s important to know what people are looking at, what the fashion industry says is in style and decide how to best apply your own unique touches to the trend.

For screen printing, take in consideration these top 9 trends and how you will be able to use them in your own business. The inks and screen printing methods used to make these styles vary, but with a little know-how and digging into what makes these such popular styles will give your screen printing business the advantage over your competitors.

9 The Whole Wild World  

This trend is especially important to the up and coming generations who are trying to get back to the basics of life. More people are starting to realize how important it is to unplug and invest their time in the natural pleasures of life. People are enjoying the outdoors in such ways as hiking and surfing. This trend is all about embracing nature's creations. With naturalism on the rise it is important that your screen printing business explores people's new mindfulness of a care free well being. When searching for inspiration for your next design, be sure to look to the natural environment. It's time to restore the balance. Printed designs such as the ones pictured above are grounded in natural landscapes and takes inspiration from the earth's beauty.

You can achieve this look by experimenting with different kinds of inks and printing methods. When printing, it’s important to use the right kind of ink. Certain ink textures will make natural prints look and feel imbalanced. To get the most natural feel for a flexible shirt, we recommend using discharge inks. Not only will you still see the natural texture of your design, but you will get the natural texture of the shirt which will make the shirt more appealing to the nature seeker.

8 Luminescent Inks  

Luminescent inks have become increasingly popular during the last few years, and in 2017 we’re going to witness an explosion of these “holographic” designs. The type of ink that you use can create a new reality and illicit a certain response from the people that wear and view it. Luminescent colors combined with futuristic textures present the idea of exploration, escape and the psychedelic. Inspiration for this trend is a fusion between reality and fantasy. Figures like unicorns and mermaids have been a recurring theme in recent months. Combine mystical creatures with natural phenomena like the aurora borealis, gems and shells makes these prints look digitized and surreal.

7 Bold Typography

Recent generations have a lot to say and not enough time to say it. Typographical prints and with bright and bold lettering bring a feeling of rebellion through slogans, quotes and get out of my way statements. It’s all about having a ‘don’t care attitude’ and saying what you want in written form. The origins of these prints come from contemporary street style. This style is about color, contrast and most importantly; the message written on it. This kind of shirt is screen printed using one color, or for more dynamic prints can even be printed as a 4 color process. Another popular choice is to use vinyl for small print runs, since there are usually just a few solid colors involved in the design.

6 Black and White Prints

Black and white prints are something that everyone is used to seeing. This isn't a really new trend, but it is still one that is relevant. The allure of the high contrast shirts has everything to do with space. It is impossible for the eye not to concentrate on white lettering or shapes when surrounded by black. Likewise, you eye will automatically be drawn to the bold black helvetica that has been strategically placed on your clean white tee. This year we are going to see more of the white ink on black shirts as it really makes screen printed designs stand out. While it does create an interesting print, white inks can be tricky to screen print with. Printing with white ink takes proper artwork preparation as well as choosing the right mesh count. There are also classes that are dedicated to teaching people how to properly set up their next screen printing session using special effect inks and techniques.

5 The Dark Side of the Moon

The "space" trend, as it is often called, pays homage to the infinite discoveries that are yet to be made in the mysterious universe that we live in. Discoveries are made all over the world, everyday, by explorers and scientists, but there is still so much we can explore and learn. This trend tends to focus on the idea of space exploration, alien beings and catchy space related slogans - especially those for people that still can't handle Pluto not being a planet. Screen printing for this trend needs detail and reflective areas to represent constellations, movement and our unquenchable thirst for the unknown.

4 Boho Inspired  

"Boho" is an informal version of Bohemian. The term Bohemian came about during a movement of artist and poets in late 19th century France, especially in Paris. Bohemians believed in living outside of the bourgeois mainstream culture. In today's culture, the artsy style "boho" is expressed through thin geometric patterns and even takes on concepts and designs from Native cultures. This graphic print trend explores eclectic directions inspired by a passion for handcrafted and centuries-old techniques. Inspired by free-thinking and an appreciation for craftsmanship, this theme is a curated collection of textured surfaces and mixed patterns.

3 Faded Throwbacks

Everybody loves a new vintage t-shirt that looks 20 years old, so you’ve probably seen this trend quite a bit over the past several years especially with band t-shirts. A good tip, if you're going to screen print faded designs, is to make the typography work together with the colors. Complementary colors are a must for throwback designs. These shirts should also be soft. Remember, you're trying to give the illusion of an old and worn in shirt. So your shirt can't be crisp and brand new looking. The softer the shade of the shirt, the more natural your faded tee will look. White and black shirts take too long to fade and look worn. The screen printing technique will vary depending on the design. This is another great opportunity to play around with discharge inks to get that worn in look.

2 Geometry and Color Blocks

This trend sticks on the basic side of design. With the rise of more simplistic design, your underground electronic band tee is about to hit the mainstream. To get the right fit, it's important that the shirt complements the design. These shirts are usually kept to one color, so it makes an economical and quick screen printing option. When done well, geometric and color block designs can compliment a woman's curves and enhance the chest and arms for guys.

1 Accented Designs

Accented designs are another great example of contrast. Patterned accents bring attention to the elements of a t-shirt that would normally go ignored - pockets for example. By embellishing a t-shirt in this manner, the designer ads value to it without doing an overall design which means that the price of the shirt increases but not as much as one would expect.

What do you think about these trending designs? There is a lot of opportunity to try different screen printing techniques, test specialty inks and get creative with your designs. Are there any screen printing techniques that you would like to implement in your own shop? Let us know in the comment section!

Back to the Basics: Elements of Design and the Screen Printing Process

posted by Mary Yaeger - Texsource - 4/28/2017

So, you’re looking for the key to screen printing success, huh? To find it you have to get back to the core of what design is. Great design comes from knowing and understanding the fundamentals - mainly the elements and principles of design.

In this post, we will explain the elements of design. Keep an eye out for part two where we will discuss the principles of design! Understanding the fundamentals of design will give you a competitive edge in your screen printing as well. Although some of these elements may seem only applicable to the artwork itself, it also applies to how your prints get set up.

A Super Brief History of Screen Printing 

Screen printing as a method for creating an image was first discovered in China and Japan in early centuries. Around 1860, was the first time screen printing was used on textiles. England started the trend and France shortly followed. It wasn’t until the United States used screen printing for an industrial purpose that the industry developed for business use. With technological and political advances (especially in the art world), influencers like Andy Warhol began using screen printing as an artform. In today’s society, screen printing is not only a large industry, it is a well respected art form.

So, What the Heck are the Elements of Design? 

The elements of design are structural values that were first created to give a visual explanation of the arts. They became a new formal vocabulary that was developed during the industrial and technological revolutions in the art world during the 19th century. Eventually they became established as the foundation for good design. In today’s world, they are meant to be used as a tool for up and coming artists (especially in formal design schools), but not everyone goes to get their 4 year degree in the arts, so the elements of design have more or less been forgotten. But, there is power in understanding these values. That power is having the ability to make sense of trends and even allow you to predict new ones. Below, we have defined the 6 elements of design. Going a step further, you will begin to see the relevance to the screen printing industry.


The 6 Elements of Design

Line

This is probably the most fundamental element in design as it is considered the beginning of artistic creation. Lines are versatile - they can be implied, continuous or broken. They can be short, long, vertical, horizontal, curved or diagonal. They can be any width and some have texture.

Shape

Shapes are the forms that come from the combination of lines (see again why lines are so fundamental?). Shapes then become your subject matter and are defined by boundaries (implied or otherwise) like color and texture.

Form

Form is usually described as a three dimensional object. Why? Forms can be measured - height, width and depth. Being a 3D object means that it is also defined by light. Light creates shadows and faces of the object. There are two main forms - geometric (man-made) and organic (in nature).

This is the perfect example of trend prediction. Something fairly new with screen printing is the use of 3D modeling technology. Now, 3D printers have been out for years, but have only recently started getting used in an “arts and crafts” and fashionable setting. First it started with jewelry and now printers are starting to create 3D models and apply them to the shirts. After the model is applied to the shirt, then ink is applied over top of the 3D model.

Space

Space is what determines how objects interact with one another. Space is the concept that concerns how people perceive a piece of artwork. Even in two dimensional pieces, you can create the illusion of three dimensions.

Space and form tend to work hand-in-hand. When printing a shirt, especially one with a scene of some kind, it is important to make sure that you have good color separation and that you print in the same order every time. Printing a shirt in the Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, Black order is going to yield different results than a Magenta, Yellow, Black, Cyan order. Not having good color separation or print order means that the illusion of a 3D space that you tried printing won’t read right to the viewer. Software products such as Separation Studio can aid in the color separation process.

Color

Color plays one of the biggest roles in design - especially in screen printing. Color is created by the way our eyes interpret light. One of the most important roles color plays is creating a visual impact which can draw in or repel interest of the viewer. Depending on the type of reaction you were wanting for your print determines the colors you should consider using. Color sets the tone for scenes and ultimately is the first thing someone is bound to notice.

When it comes to screen printing, color is usually discussed in terms of CMYK which is short for Cyan, Magenta (which doesn't exist), Yellow and Black - this is also known as a 4 color process. This process was developed to reproduce full-color artwork when printed on white; however, variations of the primary colors are visible when printed in various densities if you chose to print on a shirt other than white.

Texture 

Texture is fun because it is defined as the way something feels or the way that people perceive it to feel. Texture can be added (just like color) to attract or repel interest. Now, I want to go back to some of the earlier elements that were mentioned - Line and Space. In the shirt concept below, you can see how lines were applied to create the illusion of bone texture. In regards to space, you can see how this is clearly an illusion. We know that there REALLY aren't any bones, a heart, and more bones hanging on this shirt (that would be plain creepy), but the way that it was printed represents a skeleton. Adding texture is what finalizes a piece by bringing all of the concepts together. A good way to generate a similar texture would be using a puff additive.

Making an Informed Choice on Emulsions

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster on 1/31/2017

Finding the right emulsion can be tricky, but is also vital to the screen printing process. Emulsion is used to create your stencil, meaning without it, you have nothing to screen print. It is photosensitive no matter what form it is purchased in, the options being direct emulsion (liquid) or films, so be sure to handle in yellow safelight conditions. Deciding which type is best for you comes down to understanding the subcategories along with the presented options.

What type of liquid emulsion is out there?

A liquid emulsion is a direct emulsion applied to your screen with a scoop coater. You have three choices in liquid emulsions, and all three print plastisol ink. There are pure photopolymer emulsions, diazo emulsions, and dual-cure emulsions. Diazo and Dual-Cure emulsions are both two part emulsions: they require the screen printer to mix the diazo sensitizer into the emulsion base. Pure Photopolymer emulsions are the only one part liquid emulsion.

Most screen printers will recommend a pure photopolymer direct emulsion for quite a few reasons. To use this type of emulsion, no mixing is required and it can be used straight out of the container. In regards to the screen printing process, this emulsion does the work for you while staying consistent and lasting longer, meaning that you have to purchase it less as well. However, the one thing you have to watch out for with this emulsion is how fast it exposes. While it is great in terms of getting the job done, this short range of exposure latitude means if you don't have your correct exposure times down you can very easily overexpose your screen and be left without a usable stencil. With that in mind, please note that pure photopolymers tend to be able to create a thicker stencil (though any can create a thick stencil if coated enough times). When it comes to your work environment, this emulsion is one that is least affected by its surroundings, giving it a shelf life of anywhere from one to two years. It is the most light sensitive of the three (making it faster acting), but also the most expensive.

Ulano QTX Pure Photopolymer Direct Emulsion.

If you're interested in the cheapest version, you will want to go for a diazo emulsion. However, you need to be aware that this type of liquid emulsion is the most affected by its environment and takes the longest to burn. You must have a very strong light source to prevent underexposure and be extra careful of where it is stored. Even with its downsides, it is still recommended to beginning screen printers because of its price and the educational use of two part emulsions: it changes color as you mix the two parts to create the emulsion to affirm that the sensitizer has reacted completely. It also can be very forgiving during exposing times as even if it takes you longer depending on the humidity, you may still have a good result. Unfortunately, even with this exposure forgiveness, you often risk the possibility of underexposing your screen, which can make other parts of the process more difficult. You have the option to create a solvent or water resistant emulsion with diazo, but you can only choose one or the other.

The last option is certainly a unique one. Dual-Cure emulsion's purpose is to combine the benefits of both a photopolymer and a diazo emulsion. The effect is created by adding diazo to a photopolymer base. Much like the diazo, the contents must be stirred together to create the emulsion, meaning it also has the value of color change. Dual-cure is forgiving like the diazo as well, but leaves less opportunity to underexpose. The main reason this one is not normally chosen over the photopolymer is the mixing process and the fact that even with the better properties of the diazo, it still is not as long lasting as the photopolymer with having a shelf life of only six to eight weeks. It will also break down if the run gets to be too long, but the run would have to be in the thousands for this to affect you. However, it is a good option in regards to working with both solvent and water based inks.

Note on Burning: It is important to realize the burning times differ between these three emulsions. For example, in a decent environment with a good light source, if a photopolymer is burning a basic design at 1 minute, then a dual-cure will burn the same design at 2 minutes and a diazo at 5 minutes.

What are emulsion films?

Capillary film is emulsion (any of the three represented above) dried onto a sheet by the manufacturers and then sold by quantity and thickness. By already being set, you're guaranteed a fast, smooth, even coat. Using film allows for more versatility as you can screen print on coarser materials such as twills, piques, and corduroy and depending on the level of thickness you are using to screen print, it is argued to be possible to print white ink on black shirts without flashing, more than doubling your production. One downside to capillary film is it’s only really as good as the emulsion dried on it, but the main issue is the cost. If you're screen printing smaller images, using an entire sheet seems wasteful, but also unavoidable. In regards to buying the film in quantities, it can also be argued as a waste if you're doing a short run even with large images. To avoid other printing difficulties, it is important to note that there have been issues with applying the film to mesh. In order to reduce this problem, you need to make sure to wet down the screen before application with either water, or for better application consistency, a wetting agent. A way to avoid this is an indirect-direct method, but it requires you to re-coat thicker film with liquid emulsion, upping your cost that much more. However, Texsource does offer Chromaline's Direct/Indirect Stencil System which eliminates some of the cost of this process.

In the end, which is better?

Arguably, the photopolymer direct emulsion and the capillary film are on the same level, especially when the film has dried photopolymer on it. The difference being that when exposed properly, the pure photopolymer direct emulsion will last a long time and its shelf life is longer as well. When that is considered, along with the overall cost, the smarter move may be to go with the photopolymer. In regards to finding a financially easier route, a dual-cure would be your next option eliminating both the film and photopolymer for their cost. It is a sturdy emulsion yet allows for errors while still having a decent shelf life. A diazo emulsion would be a last resort for some, or a first for a startup company without the funds for a better functioning emulsion. It has a very low shelf life (4-6 weeks) which can get lower depending on the storing environment.

With this information at hand, you always have the option to contact your local sales representative to figure out the best emulsion for you. Texsource offers many different types and colors, so it will always come down to your individual shop and preference.

How To Become a Screen Printing Master

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster on 1/19/2017

You may say to yourself, “I have been screen printing for years, why would I need to go to a 101 class?” However, to think that way is to do yourself a disservice. Many of us are more than familiar with being a jack of all trades, and in screen printing this would include the capability to mess with all the little tricks, whether it be a puff here and there, a discharge design, or even sublimation. But we know how the phrase ends, don’t we? “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.”

When it comes to the basics of screen printing, you do, in fact, want to be the master. You want to understand not only what customers may ask for, but how to accomplish any task. Say a customer walks in with a certain dark colored garment in mind with a bright design. You’re going to need to know how to create a white underbase at the lowest cost to you. Depending on the size of the design they want, it’s also good to know the mesh, ink, and fabric details.

Screen Printing 101 classes allow you to refresh on the fundamentals, which really comes in handy when you’re out learning the new stuff that continuously pops up (who was excited when silicone inks came out?). By consistently keeping yourself up to date on new (and most of the time, easier) ways of doing the basics, you could save yourself a lot of time to be able to focus on learning more risky techniques.

Let’s be honest, a lot of us are self-taught screen printers. We worked through trial and error time and again. We may have even researched and watched video after video trying to choose the way that we thought was best. It still may be, but seeing in person different ways and then being able to ask questions and have an open and honest discussion with other screen printers is vital to improving our skills.

For instance, we may all clean our screens differently. Maybe the easiest way for you to clean your screen is to slide on the heavy duty gloves and scrub it down. It may take a few hours, but it’s the way you’ve always done it, right? However, there are other options. More and more companies are coming out with ways to lower cleaning and reclaiming time. There are products like Easiway Chemicals’ Dip Tanks that use 2-in-1 chemicals to not only cut down on time but also on the effort you spend bent over your screens.

Tips like that and more are discussed during these classes and you’re encouraged to ask questions to understand fully instead of being forced into more trial and error. The point is, when it comes to classes, no one is working against you. We want you to be as successful as possible because in the end, it helps out everyone involved. It’s a win-win situation at its finest.

Not to mention, who doesn’t get frustrated when cure times are off? Wouldn’t you want to know why it’s happening to your exact machine in your exact situation instead of having to try all the different ways to fix it with no promises of the best outcome? That’s why actually talking with experts is so important. It’s not just how to screen print, it’s how to master screen printing. Be a master of your art in its most basic form, then mastery of its counterparts are sure to follow.

Screen Printing: The Fundamentals of Business

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster

Like I mentioned in a blog last month, “Screen Printing: A Package to Start,” beginning a screen printing company can be very stressful. The blog discusses which screen printing equipment startup package is best for your business. We here at Texsource want to make the transition as easy as possible, so here are some key factors to consider for your startup. While some may seem more important than others, please keep in mind that each is needed to create an efficient business.

Space. 

One of the most important things for a screen printing company, or any company for that matter, is to have the space to produce. Whether you decide to rent a space for your workshop or to begin out of your home, it is a decision that should be made before further purchases. Note: even if you work from home and have very limited space, Tabletop presses are available.

Startup Fund. Arguably, this could be your main concern depending on if you need to budget for a workspace. You need to make sure you have enough financially to stock up on all the supplies necessary. Whether you do this through saving the money, obtaining a business loan, or equipment financing, you should go into the business with a plan.

Research. Speaking of plans, it takes more than just wanting to create and sell and then doing so. You will want to understand your client base and the market you are entering. What customers do you want to attract? What areas do you plan to sell to and during what times? Are there annual (or more so) special events that occur in which your design/products would sell great?

Ryan Bolin, Manager at Texsource Screen Printing Supply, hard at work (or playing Warcraft).

Site Management. SEO tools are extremely useful to you when it comes to researching and improving your business as you move forward. At least basic knowledge of SEO tools such as Google Analytics or those offered via social media will really come in handy to you the more you understand your business.  These tools allow you to keep track of what is being viewed, bought, or passed over in your online store.

These four elements will help you build your screen printing business once you are knowledgeable in how to screen print and will greatly influence your growth. Also, they will help eliminate stress as you move forward and help you to focus on what you started the business for: screen printing.

Screen Printing: A Package to Start

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster

Purchasing a startup package can be very intimidating, but we want to make it easier on you. You may have inherited screen printing equipment (or an excess of ink) or have always had the desire to start your own business and finally have the means to do so. Fortunately, the packages are designed to give you a sense of what screen printing requires before you upgrade your equipment to better suit your needs.

When it comes to machinery, Texsource offers two brands of startup packages: Genesis Equipment and Vastex Equipment. In regards to your first package, it helps understanding on where you are both skill-level and knowledge-level as to which would be best.  

If you are completely new to screen printing, the Genesis beginning startup packages are the way to go. They give you a sample of everything you may need. Take for instance Package 01 which includes: (1) Genesis 1 Color / 1 Station Manual Screen Printing Press, (1) Heat Gun, (1) 500 Watt Halogen Exposure Unit, (1) Wood Frame 20 x 24 110 mesh, (1) TexMist can adhesive, (1) pint of Easiway Easi-strip, (1) pint of Easiway 701 screen wash, (1) pint of 842 press wipe, (1) pint of Tex-Blue emulsion, (1) pint of White Dream ink, (1) pint of Black Dream ink, (1) pint of red #10 ink, (1) roll of 2" blockout tape, (1) scoop 15", (1) ink spreader, (1) quart of Chem 901 blockout liquid, (1) scrub pad handle, white scrub pad, and red scrub pad, (5) stir sticks, (5) white pellons 14 x 16, and (5) black pellons 14 x 16.

Genesis Package 01

Before you get intimidated by all the products available, please note that it’s a good thing. The package is designed to give you a little taste of everything so you can decide what products you like and see where you may want to improve. Anxious about how to use some (or all) of the supplies? Texsource offers free admission to one of our Screen Printing 101 Classes (NC, GA, IN) with purchase of a Genesis package to eliminate some of the stress associated with starting a new business.

Understanding these products becomes useful for future purchases as well because you are going to need to upgrade your equipment sooner with the less expensive the package is. This is mainly aimed at you, Heat Gun. Ask any of Texsource crew which piece should be upgraded first and they agree that you will need a more secure dryer. You may be able to get away with using a flash unit to dry, but if you’ve purchased the first Genesis package you will not have that option. A dryer allows you to work on more shirts without having to stop your creative process to hand-cure (possibly unevenly) each shirt.

The higher Genesis packages come with a decent flash unit, so when it comes to upgrading further you will want to choose between a new press and exposure unit based on what works best for you (both will arguably be needed at some point). You will learn how to decide this in any classes you take along with any and all trial-and-error.

Now, if you have inherited equipment and are pretty familiar with it, Vastex with its sturdier equipment may be the perfect fit for you. These packages do not come with any of the extras that a Genesis package does, but their focus is to grant you the best equipment possible to immediately produce out of your shop. They offer entry shop choices along with Tabletop if you have the skill but not the room for your business.

If you choose to go with a Vastex but would like more options in regards to inks or chemicals, please note that Texsource offers different packaging for screen cleaning chemicals and different brands/styles of inks.

Why Pantone's Color of the Year is Important

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster on 12/14/2016

Why is the Pantone Color of the Year important? For almost two decades, Pantone has come out with a specific color each year that is, for all intents and purposes, brand new. By brand new, it is meant to be a color that has normally received little to no attention that will now branch out and be largely popular. So, as designers turned screen printers, why should this matter to you if you can already make the color? Maybe some would even go as far as to quote Shakespeare, “What’s in a name? that which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet.” True that, Juliet. Similarly, 2016 artists may have pondered if a Rose Quartz (and Serenity) would have made it to Apple had it not been color of the year.

But that’s exactly it! Yes, you can create a unique color and leave it at that, maybe even name it yourself and hope it gets out there, but the yearly meeting at Pantone can end up turning your color into a million-dollar idea, especially in regards to the teams who have been selected to promote said color. These colors are selected based on anything from what is going on within social media to what is going on globally. This became especially true for 2017’s choice of Greenery, a color which is dedicated to climate change and nature itself.

Pantone's Color of the Year 2017: Greenery.

Pertaining to art and creation, creating new ink colors is already something that many designers are interested in doing (especially by mixing together different shades). When doing so, by simply adding the extra step of preparing ways to present them later proves to be extremely useful.

Essentially, understanding the logic behind Pantone’s color choice can have a major influence on your work. For instance, there may be one specific overall color chosen for the year, but Pantone releases a list of colors that they believe will be most popular based on region. What this means for designers is that you may use one color for your design sold in North America, but if you have stores or shipments overseas, say in Italy, you may end up choosing a different ink for that area knowing that the design will sell better with a slight change.

The colors nominated are aimed at your audience, which should not be misconstrued to be directed towards your own personal artwork. You aren’t changing colors of your work to please mass corporations, you are doing it based on research that individualized people and/or the majority have a strong opinion on the reason behind the color was chosen. Basing colors on strong opinionated issues results in consumers purchasing items based on the feelings that the colors have been found to ensue.

We all understand that color is a large part of the design process. It may seem risky to change such a significant portion of the piece based on research done by a third party, but that is also why it is important for you as the designer to be involved in how and why it is chosen. Understanding your audience should already be on your radar as a business owner, so keying in on certain colors is a small task that will earn big results.

Fortunately, when it comes to getting the correct ink, Texsource offers PMS matching, as do many of the brands carried. Please note that there are many ways to mix different shades of the main color to produce varying shades. For instance, as mentioned above, 2017’s choice is Greenery, yet Thrive, a more yellow version of the green color, is projected to do better in North America. The theme stays the same, meaning the emotions attached will as well, but in a way that targets exact areas making it seem more personalized. You as the artist will always have the choice to make decisions like this depending on where you sell and what sells best. The Pantone Color of the Year is there to be used as a marketing tool, and a well-researched one at that.

Working With CMYK Black for Screen Printing

Posted by Chelsea Chafin - webmaster on 11/30/2016

Black can be created by laying out multiple colors on top of each other, so instead of pure black being used, your screen and printer will register 100% black as an overlay first of CMY (cyan, magenta, and yellow) and finally, it will process K (black) over top the blend. This creates a lighter black resulting in transparency that is more like a dark gray when against bright colors.

If you choose to stick with CMYK coloring when doing a multi-color project including black, your best option from there is to create a rich black. This is created by altering the CMY colors to create a darker mix. The most common combination for a rich black that does not represent any other color would be a 60-40-40-100 CMYK. 

 

                 100% Black v. Rich Black

In order to see how your colors are blending, especially in regards to any questions you have about a certain tone that appears, it is important to preview your separations. By previewing the separations before you print, you are able to view not only the blends that create your colors, but also where there may be any overprint within your design. 

Once it comes to printing out your separations, it is highly recommended that you use RIP software. This will allow high-quality halftones creating a smoother and more vibrant blend. When choosing the ink to best represent your CMYK project, Union Tru-Tone Process Black will give you a consistent and accurate color reproduction.