10/05/2026
LENGHTY, I apologize. But understanding is important! I am not the only printer who is feeling the stress (locals as well as my outside world of apparel decorators) of the new graphics era. So I feel it is time to help ease some of that stress, and to help everyone understand :) . Because our small businesses matter to us.
I love my job, and all the great things my customers and I create! Each day is different, and that doesn't always come easy when it comes to artwork. But we succeed!
Let's take a minute to talk about...ChapGPT or AI created images and how awesome they are (visually) and how awesome they are not (vectored artwork). Some do not understand the difference.
First question I ask when someone tells me they have their own artwork of what they want (to avoid paying artwork fees)..."Is the artwork created professionally in a vectored format such as: .eps, .ai, .pdf, or .svg?" I more often than not get the answer "yes, I used ChatGPT.", or "What file format do you need and I will tell ChatGPT to create it." While the world of AI seems great, there are still things it does not understand. I would only use these images visually for advertisements, social media graphics, web usage, etc. The programs have no idea how to convert/create your artwork into usable files for a screen printer. So while you think you are saving time and money on having your artwork created, in reality you are not. Two main problems occur...
1. We take those images and still have to rebuild, 99% of the time from the ground up. Countless hours piecing together images, tracing, smoothing details, and knocking out a million colors/shades/gradients/etc, plus more. Sometimes all to be left with terrible artwork, if trying to use what AI created. Free hours of time? I used to not charge artwork fees, as long as the order is placed through me. This is now going to change.
2. Reality vs. expectation. Here is a big issue. My response is always "I cannot duplicate this exactly, but I can try and get you something close. This is simply an IDEA." Once you have seen this visually awesome graphics created, the expectation is to get what you see. This is not always the case. I often hear "That doesn't look the same." "Will it print like that?" "That does not look clean and clear." "Where did all the colors and shading go?". While it can be easier for different print methods (such as full color printing using a .png file), I also run into customers who do not like the look or feel of a full color print. Thickness, heavy plastic feeling, or longevity. For traditional screen printing, full color detail graphics are not the way to go. So that leaves us with disappointment rather than success. And again, countless hours trying to perfect what cannot always be perfected. For free. **Remember there are many different methods for printing, and each has their own way of file usage.**
I, myself, have prompted ChatGPT with the specs and details we need for successful vectored artwork to see how it responds, using the most simple one color design image displayed on a sweatshirt that it created for me. The outcome was just as expected. Unsuccessful. I also asked ChatGPT to tell me if it can properly perform the task of a vectored print ready file for screen printing. I have attached it's response to this post! I truely hope this bring some clarity to the struggles we currently face, without harsh judgment. We are determined to provide you with the best work possible, but always know there has to be some wiggle room. My goal is, and ALWAYS will be:
- Easy to work with, making things as clear and simple as I can.
- Successful transition from start to finish.
- Quality products you are proud to wear!
- Clean, crisp, and visually appealing merch to support schools/businesses.
- Cost effective methods, as we are all on a budget.
- HAPPY CUSTOMERS IN THE END :)
