#printing methods

Marvel Masterworks Fantastic Four vs The Fantastic Four Annual #2

Side by Side, Part 1

Side by Side, Part 2

Side by Side, Part 3 - Conclusion

Continuing where I last left off, as I compared the original to the restoration, there are times where the recoloring doesn't match the original (aside from the acid-bright primary colors). In the above example is some recoloring where a color was omitted in Doom’s armor, perhaps it was the intent to increase contrast? Now that I’ve noticed it, I can’t unsee it!

Here, there are some definite registration issues going on, but notice there's more detail in this typical Kirby chromed device 👀 that Doom is tinkering with.

Another example: notice the slight differences in the facial expressions.

An iconic panel of Doctor Doom.

Here, Sue Storm is pulling a fast one on Doctor Doom by turning him invisible. I find that the original media lends itself better to how Sue’s invisibility is illustrated.

Conclusion

I'm sure my opinion is obvious, but I prefer the original colors and not the digitally "restored" colors. Something is lost in translation when you take away the halftones, Ben Day dots, and the fine nuances in the black that come with the printing method. One of the things that made Kirby so great is he really knew how to work with the limitations of the medium. The bold, expressive lines. The limited color palette used for maximum impact and expression. And some of that expressiveness is lost, dropped out, in the archival books.

I consider myself fortunate to be able to own some of these early comics. These days, some only have access to the digital versions of these comics, and may have formed opinions based on that. Which is a shame.

Needle-box prints from 'The Queen's Floral Needle Box Set' (British, 1850).

Baxter process (which was ‘a mixed variety of printmaking, patented by George Baxter in 1835, using multiple wood-engraved blocks printed in colour over an intaglio key-plate’).

Images and text information courtesy British Museum.

© The Trustees of the British Museum.

Fantastic Four #10: Up Close and Personal

Part 1

(click to enlarge!)

Into the Microverse: Fantastic Four #16

Part 1: The Cover

If I zoom in close enough will I ascend into a higher plane of existence

Starting a t-shirt business can be a rewarding and profitable venture if approached correctly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started and succeed in the competitive t-shirt market.

1. Research and Plan Your Business

Identify Your Niche:

Before diving into the t-shirt business, it’s crucial to identify a niche market. Consider your interests, market gaps, and current trends. Whether it’s funny slogans, custom artwork, or sports team apparel, choosing a niche will help you stand out.

Market Research:

Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and demand. Use tools like Google Trends, social media, and industry reports to gather insights.

Business Plan:

Create a solid business plan outlining your business model, goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections. This will serve as a roadmap for your business and help attract investors if needed.

2. Set Up Your Business

Legal Structure:

Choose a legal structure for your business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, etc.). Register your business name and obtain any necessary licenses and permits.

Branding:

Develop a strong brand identity, including a memorable business name, logo, and slogan. Your branding should reflect your niche and resonate with your target audience.

3. Design Your T-Shirts

Design Creation:

Invest in professional design software or hire a graphic designer to create unique and appealing designs. Keep your target audience in mind while designing.

Mockups:

Create mockups of your t-shirts to visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments before production.

4. Choose a Printing Method

Screen Printing:

Ideal for bulk orders, screen printing is cost-effective and produces high-quality prints. However, it has higher setup costs.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:

Perfect for small orders and intricate designs, DTG printing is versatile but may be more expensive per unit.

Heat Transfer:

Suitable for custom and on-demand printing, heat transfer is flexible but may not be as durable as other methods.

5. Source Quality Materials

T-Shirt Blanks:

Choose high-quality t-shirt blanks that are comfortable, durable, and suitable for your printing method. Consider factors like fabric type, weight, and fit.

Suppliers:

• Bella+Canvas: Known for high-quality, soft fabric t-shirts.

• Gildan: Offers affordable and durable options suitable for bulk purchases.

• American Apparel: Provides premium quality with a focus on fashion-forward styles.

6. Set Up Your Online Store

E-Commerce Platform:

Choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce to set up your online store. Ensure it supports your business needs, including inventory management, payment processing, and shipping.

Website Design:

Design a user-friendly website that showcases your t-shirts effectively. Use high-quality images, detailed product descriptions, and an easy-to-navigate layout.

7. Marketing and Promotion

Social Media:

Leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote your t-shirts. Share engaging content, collaborate with influencers, and run targeted ads.

SEO:

Optimize your website for search engines to drive organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, create valuable content, and build backlinks.

Email Marketing:

Build an email list and send regular newsletters to keep your audience engaged and informed about new releases, promotions, and events.

Offline Marketing:

Participate in local events, trade shows, and pop-up shops to increase brand awareness and reach new customers.

8. Manage Your Operations

Inventory Management:

Keep track of your inventory levels to avoid stockouts or overstocking. Use inventory management software like TradeGecko or InventoryLab to streamline the process.

Customer Service:

Provide excellent customer service to build loyalty and encourage repeat business. Respond to inquiries promptly, handle returns efficiently, and gather feedback for improvement.

Financial Management:

Monitor your finances closely, including costs, revenue, and profit margins. Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to keep your books in order and plan for taxes.

9. Scale Your Business

Expand Your Product Line:

Once your t-shirt business is established, consider expanding your product line to include other apparel or accessories.

Wholesale and B2B:

Explore opportunities to sell your t-shirts wholesale to retailers or partner with businesses for bulk orders.

International Market:

Consider expanding your reach to international markets by offering worldwide shipping and localizing your website for different languages and currencies.

Helpful Resources:

• Printful: A popular print-on-demand service that integrates with major e-commerce platforms.

• TeeSpring: Allows you to create and sell custom apparel online without upfront costs.

• Printify: Offers a wide range of customizable products and integrates with e-commerce platforms.

• CustomCat: Provides on-demand printing with fast turnaround times and no minimum orders.

Printingtips.ca is a blog that discusses all the printing techniques and tips to produce high quality printing materials in order to satisfy your clients and have recurring orders in the future.

Printing methods can vary from offsite to digital to wide format, silkscreen and many more techniques you can use to print on materials. We discuss the advantage and disadvantage of each method, where you can use use each technique, what type of files to use and how to finalize your artwork in order to get the best results.

Printing becomes an art and in order to grow your business, you need to make sure you are following the guidelines in order to get a high quality product and not obliged to reprint your jobs over and over.

Part 1

Featuring:

Weather Wizard making it rain

Barry Allen forgetting to take off his Flash outfit (Barry noo)

Barry in the lab with Wally, Kid Flash