New to Printing? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

Let’s get this out of the way right now: you do not need to know anything about screen printing to order custom shirts. Seriously. That’s our job, and we’re pretty good at it.

Whether you’re ordering tees for your company, your band, a family reunion, or a nonprofit fundraiser, we’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before placing your first order with Ink Brigade.

What to Think About Before Ordering

Before you reach out for a quote, it helps to have a few things in mind. Don’t worry if you haven’t nailed down every detail yet. We can help you figure it out. But here’s a good starting point:

• Garment type – T-shirts? Hoodies? Tank tops? We carry a wide range of brands and styles to match your vibe and budget and are happy to make suggestions. Don’t see what you want on our website? Go ahead and ask us, chances are we have access to it or can recommend something similar.
• Quantity – How many pieces do you need? Our minimum order is generally 12 pieces (some exceptions apply), and pricing gets better as your quantity goes up.
• Timeline – When do you need them? Standard turnaround can vary from 15-20 business days after proof approval depending on our schedule, but rush options may be available if you’re in a pinch.

How the Ordering Process Works

We’ve made our process as simple as possible. Here’s how it goes from start to finish:

1. Get a quote. Fill out our quote request form or give us a call. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll send you a detailed estimate.
2. Approve your proof. Once we’ve dialed in your design, we’ll send you a digital proof showing exactly how your shirts will look along with an itemized invoice for your review. No surprises.
3. We print. After you give us the thumbs up/pay for your order, our team gets to work. We use professional grade industry standard inks and equipment for a great looking, long lasting print.
4. We ship (or you pick up). We offer free shipping anywhere in the contiguous 48 states, or you’re welcome to pick up locally here in Portland, Oregon.

What Kind of Artwork Do You Need?

Great prints start with great artwork. Ideally, we love to receive vector files (like .AI, .EPS, or .PDF). High-resolution PNG or PSD files with transparent backgrounds also work well.

But here’s the thing – if your artwork isn’t print-ready, that’s totally fine. We work with a network of talented designers and can connect you with someone to help clean up, recreate, or build your design from scratch. For a deeper dive on preparing your files, check out our Artwork Guidelines page.

Common Questions First-Timers Ask

We hear these questions all the time, and we’re always happy to answer them:

• What if I don’t have artwork? No problem at all. We can connect you with one of the talented designers we work with to bring your idea to life. We’ll make sure it’s exactly right before we print.
• How long does it take? Most orders are completed within 15-20 business days (typically varies based on time of year) after proof approval and payment is received. Need them sooner? Let us know, and we’ll see what we can do.
• Can I see a proof first? Absolutely. Every single order gets a digital proof before we print. You’ll always know exactly what you’re getting.
• Do you ship nationwide? Absolutely. We offer free shipping to the contiguous 48 states on most orders. We’re based in Portland, Oregon, but our customers are all over the country.
• How does pricing work? Pricing depends on the number of ink colors in your design, the quantity of garments, and the type of garment you choose. More colors and fewer pieces cost more per shirt. The sweet spot? Larger orders with 1-3 colors give you the best value.

We’re Here to Help

Ordering custom screen-printed apparel for the first time can feel like a lot, but it really doesn’t have to be. Our team at Ink Brigade walks every customer through the process step by step. No question is too basic, no order is too simple, and we genuinely love helping people bring their ideas to life.

Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re still figuring it out, we’re ready when you are.