When I design for teelaunch’s product line, I’ve learned that creativity alone isn’t enough. You need strategy. Every product has its own design sweet spot, and understanding those nuances is what makes merch stand out. Here’s my approach:
1. Know Your Print Area
Every item has a unique printable space. If you ignore that, your design can look awkward or get cropped.
- T-Shirts & Hoodies: Keep the main design centered on the chest. Avoid pushing elements too close to seams.
- Tumblers: Vertical layouts shine here—think symmetry and how people hold the tumbler.
- Wall Art: High-resolution is non-negotiable. Always include bleed margins so nothing gets cut off.
Pro tip: I never start without checking teelaunch’s templates for exact dimensions and safe zones.
2. Resolution Is Everything
Blurry prints are a deal-breaker. I stick to:
Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) for logos and line art—they scale perfectly. Although teelaunch currently accepts JPG and PNG files, it is also good practice to work with source material that is flexible such as vectors.
300 DPI for most products. Since we are actually printing on the majority of products, it is best practice to build print files to 300dpi. Anything 72dpi is generally reserved for web applications – avoid 72dpi or lower whenever possible.
3. Make Colors Pop
Contrast is key. If your text blends into the background, it’s lost.
Always preview how colors print versus how they look on screen – RGB vs CMYK
High contrast between text and background is a must.
Avoid light-on-white or dark-on-black unless you add outlines or shadows.
4. Mockups Sell the Vision
People buy what they can picture in their lives.
- Lifestyle mockups create emotional appeal.
- Multiple angles matter for products like tumblers or phone cases.
teelaunch’s mockup generator makes this easy—I use it every time.
5. Design by Category
Here’s my cheat sheet:
Tech Accessories: Sleek, modern designs—avoid clutter.
Apparel: Bold graphics, slogans—keep them centered and away from seams.
Home Goods: Trendy patterns, seasonal themes.
6. Use Templates & Resources
teelaunch provides templates with safe zones, bleed areas, and resolution guidelines. They’re lifesavers—download them before you start.
