Design Guide
Getting Started with a New Design
In design and pretty much everything in life, it is always imperative to have a good foundation. So let us begin with the basics.
Color Mode
RGB, 8-bit
Resolution
150 DPI
Sizing
- Standard 18" x 24"
- Oversized 30" x 40"
- All-over 42" x 56" (recommended)
Now that you have your canvas setup, it's on to the easy part... create your design! We'll leave that up to you.
Continue reading for some helpful pointers and tips and even more knowledge awesomeness before you embark on your design!
Don't forget that resolution depends on which platform you are using. If you are designing in vector (Illustrator), then resolution does not apply. Just make sure to expand your strokes and text!
Submitting Artwork
Now that your magnum opus is finito, it is time to grace the masses with its presence! Ahhhh let all those fortunate enough to come to DBH bask in our glory!
First things first, you need to make two images:
1) Placement
- 650 x 450 pixels
- Should show design mocked up on product
- Displayed on design detail
2) Art Preview
- 650 x 450 pixels
- Should showcase entire design
- Displayed on design detail & vote browse
Remember, in the submission process, DBH is not yet asking for your high resolution artwork. We will ask for that file (along with a few other things) if your design is chosen as a winner. How do you know if your design is a winner? Well, we send out an email notifying you if your design has been chosen.
Now go forth and honor the world with what they have been missing all their lives! Also, keep reading for some basic guidelines to keep in mind before submitting as well as while you're designing.
Your submission files should be saved as jpg's!
Originality
Taking an image off the Internet that does not belong to you, running Illustrator's Live Trace, and/or a Photoshop filter or the like is a big no-no!
If your design calls for a clock, don't just Google "clock" and take the first image that comes up. More often than not, chances are those images are copyrighted, and taking and using them as your own is not ok. PLAGIARISM IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Your artwork will be rejected if the curator believes the artwork is not original and does not belong to the artist.
Using an image as "inspiration" is fine so long as we can see it as an inspiration and not a straight rip, which will be decided at the curator's discretion.
We encourage our artists to be imaginative and to take their time when constructing their artwork. Don't be in such a hurry and slap just any old filter or throw on a two-second Live Trace on some image from a search engine. Designs that are rushed show, and is quite easy to spot. Take your time, if the design isn't working out, leave it for a few hours/days/weeks and come back to it later with a fresh mind. Keep in thought that even the best artists get design block!
Pulling images off the web in general is not a good idea, unless you have paid for the rights, it is a free stock image, or it is a public domain image (those that are more than 100 years old and have not had their licenses repurchased). It is very difficult to decipher whether or not it is safe to use an image, so when in doubt, just scrap it! It may take longer, but it is definitely a lot cheaper than a lawsuit!
Seams on All-Over Designs
When it comes to designing artwork for an all over product, it's important to note that the fabrics are cut and then sewn. The term "cut and sew" means that the design is printed on raw fabric, then each section is cut to size and sewn together to complete the finished garment. This process produces the highest handcrafted quality with 100% coverage.
Patterns and abstract designs work great for all overs; however, when artwork is created to align across seams, problems can occur. Because of this, it's generally expected that designs won't line up perfectly across any stitched area.
Creativity
Designs that are comprised of random brushes, splatters and textures with no obvious thought to concept and design, won't quite cut it either. Remember we are DesignByHumans, which is why we strive to print artwork that is refreshing and thoughtful in respect to the principles of design.
Designs that are just randomly copied and pasted will not be accepted. We need composition and forethought! You can use similar elements, or even the same as long as it is done in an interesting and captivating style (like blooboy's "Ghostez"). Pattern designs are awesome too, check out alexmdc's incredibly detailed "The Hidden People".
Your artwork should also incorporate the product as part of the artwork. A great design is one that utilizes the product canvas with the art together in perfect harmony. Just gaze upon shantyshawn's "Red Riding Hood" and rejagalu's "When the Sun sets in the City of Sunrise; Another View" as a perfect examples.
Back prints
Are they ok? Of course! If the design calls for this conceptually, we will accept your art (as long as it follows our other design acceptance standards). A great example of a design that has a front and back print is yonil's "We did this to ourselves."
RGB Only
Your thumbnail, artwork and placement images should all be submitted in the RGB color mode. Otherwise your colors will come out a bit wonky.
Do you have your design already made in CMYK and need to change it to RGB without starting over? Well, right this way...
Anything that is web related should be composed in the RGB color mode. When designing pieces for print/press, use CMYK.
Although this is an easy fix, get into the habit of setting up your documents in the right color mode. That way it leaves no room for error (in case your forget to switch it over)!