Skip to main content

Logo Design Processes

Ever wonder how we create your custom logo apparel, clothing, accessories, and gifts? We accomplish this by offering and doing a wide variety of creative production processes, such as:

  • Screen-Printing
  • Embroidery
  • Applique
  • Laser Engraving
  • Sublimation
  • CAD / Vinyl
  • Direct-to-Garment
  • Digital Print
  • Pad Print

Learn more about each one below! If you have any questions, concerns, and/or requests, please do not hesitate to contact our art department for assistance! Our friendly graphic artists can help you decide which one is the best to use in order to create your personalized logo attire, uniforms, workwear, gear, merchandise, and swag!

Screen-Print (SP)

A printing style in which ink is forced through a mesh screen and directly onto any apparel and clothing or other type of substrate. The result is the transfer of the screen's image to the print surface. This creates a vibrant and long-lasting imprint that can be used on a wide variety of products.

When to Pick Screen-Print

Screen-printing is the cheapest when ordering in large quantities. It works well with complex designs with many different colors. Apparel such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops are great for this design process as well. On the other hand, jackets would not work well with screen-printing and we would recommend looking into getting your logo embroidered.

Benefits of Screen-Print

Pros

  • Durability
  • Great for complex and simple designs
  • Cost-effective for large quantity orders
  • Screen-printed designs are iron-safe and are machine washable

Cons

  • Longer set-up time
  • Limited colors
  • Additional colors increase cost

Examples of Screen-Print

Embroidery (EMB)

Your custom logo is digitized and sent to our computerized sewing machines that then embroider the design into various the garment such as: hats, jackets, polo shirts, and more.

We use three different types of stitches for custom logo embroidery:

  1. Fill Stitch for large, solid areas
  2. Satin Stitch for small details, like lettering
  3. Walking Stitch for very small, fine details

When to Pick Embroidery

Embroidery typically look best when placed on the chest of polos, button-downs and jackets; it even works well with hats, bags, and beanies! It allows for pin point color choices and works well with large designs.

Benefits of Embroidery

Pros

  • Durable, high-quality finish
  • Works on heavier material, such as jackets and fleeces
  • No additional cost for changing thread colors

Cons

  • Small designs don't work too well - letters may be too small to see
  • Price is based on number of stitches - cost increases depending on how complex the design is

Examples of Embroidery

Applique (TWILL)

Pieces of tackle twill, or fabric, are cut then heat-pressed onto the garments and finally sewn-own for a classic look. Jerseys, varsity and letterman jackets are the common apparel type for this customization.

When to Pick Applique

Works best with patches and logos, and with bright color stitch's. This customization option gives a vintage look that is great for sports jerseys and personalizing the sleeves on hoodies or jackets.

Benefits of Applique

Pros

  • Allows for different textures and effects on large areas
  • Avoids adding bulk to thick garments
  • Can use patterns, images, or colors

Cons

  • Production time is longer than other methods
  • Additional twill is priced on each piece cut -- each letter gets charged per name
  • Can make garment feel thick

Examples of Applique

Laser Engraving (LZR)

Your logo is etched into the surface of an object with one of our CO2 universal laser machines. This method creates sharp, clear logos that are unable to be removed. Engraving is available on items such as: wood, metal, and leather.

When to Pick Laser Engraving

This decoration method creates sharp logos that are unable to be removed. Great for promotional pens, custom drinkware, and personalized accessories.

Benefits of Laser Engraving

Pros

  • Permanent Marks
  • Logos/Text are Given Depth and Texture
  • No Dyes or Ink needed

Cons

  • No Color on the Logo
  • Takes Long to Create

Examples of Laser Engraving

Sublimation (SUB)

If you have ever used an iron to press a decal onto a shirt then you know the basis of heat transfer, but our method is exceptionally more advanced. The digital heat seal decoration method utilizes regulated heat and pressure to thermally bond graphics onto a material’s surface. You can read our complete step by step guide to custom heat transfer printing here!

When to Pick Sublimation

Sublimation works best when looking to add designs on light color shirts to make them stand out. This durable method will allow you to create custom Polyester shirts.

Benefits of Sublimation

Pros

  • Long Lasting Colors
  • Large Option of Colors
  • Ability to Print Intricate Designs

Cons

  • Only Works on Polyester
  • Requires Specialty Inks and Printers
  • Must be on a Light Color Shirt

Examples of Sublimation

CAD / Vinyl (CAD)

Like other processes, this one uses heat to activate and attach a sort of vinyl sticker onto a fabric. The final product not only looks great, but is also durable and works well with sportswear.

When to Pick CAD / Vinyl

CAD/Vinyl printing is used for simple designs to create basic shapes or text. Used mostly for jerseys for name and numbers. Not recommended when trying to show a great deal of detail on a shirt.

Benefits of CAD / Vinyl

Pros

  • Low Chance of an Error
  • Short Run Times
  • Inexpensive ink

Cons

  • Can not be Dry Cleaned, Needs to be Washed in Warm Water
  • Colors are limited

Examples of CAD / Vinyl

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

One of the newest and most fun. This process uses a jumbo-sized printer (almost like the one you have at home) to print directly onto the garment of your choice. It is great for printing small-run, full-color prints.

When to Pick Direct-to-Garment

This printing method has a very quick turnaround time and produces a high resolution image on garments. DTG is one of the most commonly used printing methods for its quality, durability, and price.

Benefits of Direct-to-Garment

Pros

  • Quick Turnaround Time
  • Great for Multiple Color Designs
  • Good Option for Low Cost Items

Cons

  • Prints on Dark Color Garments Can Appear Grainy
  • Cannot be Used on Sports Shirts

Digital Print (DIG)

Your custom design or logo is printed onto different types of materials depending on the final product. This process works for creating: promotional stickers, vinyl banners, full-color T-shirt designs, and more.

When to Pick Digital Print

This method works will when your logo/design is very high in detail. This allows for the finer details of your design to be shown. Most commonly done with small orders for quicker turnaround time.

Benefits of Digital Print

Pros

  • Quick Turnaround Time
  • Wide Range of Application
  • Can Use Unlimited Colors
  • Great for Showing the Fine Details

Cons

  • More Expensive Process
  • Large Orders Have a Long Run Time

Examples of Digital Print

Pad Print (PDP)

Pad printing is best described as a stamp since this design process utilizes a silicon pad that transfers the ink from a pad printing plate, which is etched with the image, and stamps the ink onto the product.

When to Pick Pad Print

It is mostly used for objects that are small or oddly shaped, such as writing instruments, tumblers & drink ware, desk accessories & I.T. items, and mostly any 3D object like jewelry, journals, and sports balls.

Benefits of Pad Print

Pros

  • Works on objects ranging from different surfaces, shapes, and materials
  • Cost-effective per piece
  • Able to print fine details

Cons

  • Small print area - although pad print can be used on large objects, the area of the design would be relatively smaller — usually 3” or less in diameter
  • Larger quantities are required as it is not cost-efficient to print smaller quantities

Examples of Pad Print