Where to put artwork on screens

[C & R Graphics]

I am so new to this that it hurts. LOL
Say can u please explain to me where to put the artwork on the screens, like a left chest logo and a full and or half back design?
I am using CorelDraw program.
Thanks,
Christie

[Shamax]

Welcome to the forum, Christie! As far as art placement goes, the main things to consider are: the size of the screen that you're using, the size of your art, and the location you'd like to print it.

Jonathan recently did a great video on using the "sweet spot" on your screen, talking about how you'll want to try and make sure that your art doesn't get *too* close to the edges of the printable area of your screen, since mesh tension is higher at the edges. Having your art run too close to the edge means you'll have to press harder to get a good ink shear in those spots, and your print can look uneven. Ideal,y take a a tape measure and measure the inner dimensions of the screen (the ink well area) and make sure your art comes no closer than 3/4" to 1" on each side if you can. So for example, if you're using a 16x20" screen and the inner dimensions are more like 14x18", full-sized artwork that was 12"x16" should still print fairly easily without problems.



That's for full size prints. For smaller artwork, just make sure you still try to avoid placing it too close to the edges of the screen. But if you're wanting to do something like a left pocket design, here's what I'd do:

Place the art anywhere on the film in your design program. Put some small registration marks above and below your design to help you line it up. Once you print your positive, cut out your design, leaving a lot of spare film around the edges. Go to your press, put a screen into the print head and place a sample shirt on the platen. Place your film positive down on the shirt in the location you'd like to print it (left pocket, upper back, etc) with some scotch tape at the edges of film, sticky-side facing upward. Lower your screen and press it down on the film, rubbing at the edges where the tape is so it'll stick. Raise your screen carefully, and the positive should be in position! Just remember to do this in a light-safe environment if you're using an emulsion-coated screen that you plan on exposing right afterward.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask!

[Catspit Productions]

Thanks Andy! You have this well covered. I’ll just post a few videos that show different print places. The first video shows how I lay out a crest and full back print on one screen. I mean it has the screen you can see. I don't talk about placement in this video but you can see what needs to be doen by examining the screen.













Those should help out as well. I may have to make a video to address placement of crest logos and full back prints perhaps. Subscibe to the YouTube channel so you don't miss any new videos