Overview
This comprehensive guide provides a systematic approach to gathering critical information from customers for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing projects. By following this playbook, our sales team ensures that the art department receives all necessary details to create high-quality, production-ready artwork.
Purpose: This checklist bridges the gap between customer vision and technical production requirements, minimizing revisions and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Phase 1: Garment & Order Foundation
Understanding the garment and order basics is critical before any artwork discussion begins.
1.1 Garment Identification
Product Style Number: Capture the exact style number (e.g., PC54, G500, DT5000)
Garment Type: T-shirt, hoodie, polo, tank top, long sleeve, etc.
Brand & Manufacturer: Port & Company, Gildan, Next Level, etc.
1.2 Fabric Composition
Critical: Fabric content affects ink absorption, print quality, and pretreatment requirements.
100% Cotton: Best for DTG, requires standard pretreatment
Cotton/Poly Blends: Note exact percentage (e.g., 50/50, 60/40)
100% Polyester: Requires special DTG inks or alternative decoration method
Tri-Blend: Typically 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon
1.3 Garment Color Selection
Light Garments: White, natural, light gray - use CMYK inks only
Dark Garments: Black, navy, forest - require white underbase
Color Accuracy: Note exact color name from catalog (e.g., "Cardinal" not "dark red")
Phase 2: Creative Brief & Design Specifications
2.1 Customer-Supplied Artwork
Logo/Artwork Files: Request original vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) or high-res raster (PNG, TIFF at 300+ DPI)
File Format Check: Verify files are not compressed JPEGs or low-resolution screenshots
Multiple Versions: If customer has variations, collect all versions needed
2.2 Design Requirements (If We're Creating Artwork)
Text Elements: Exact wording, fonts (if known), text hierarchy
Graphic Elements: Photos, illustrations, icons - provide references
Color Preferences: Specific colors or flexible color scheme
Style References: Examples of designs they like or want to emulate
2.3 Color Mode Specifications
| Garment Color |
Ink Type |
Color Mode |
Special Notes |
| White/Light |
CMYK only |
CMYK |
No white underbase needed |
| Dark |
CMYK + White |
CMYK + White layer |
White underbase required |
| Neon/Bright |
CMYK + White |
CMYK + White layer |
May need color adjustment |
Phase 3: Print Placement & Sizing
3.1 Print Location
Left Chest: Standard 3-4" wide logo placement
Full Front: Up to 12" x 16" print area
Full Back: Up to 12" x 16" print area
Sleeves: Limited to smaller designs, note left vs. right
Multiple Locations: Document each location separately
3.2 Print Size Guidelines
| Location |
Maximum Size |
Recommended Size |
Notes |
| Left Chest |
4" x 4" |
3.5" x 3.5" |
Keep proportional |
| Full Front |
12" x 16" |
10" x 14" |
Account for seams |
| Full Back |
12" x 16" |
11" x 15" |
Larger area available |
| Sleeve |
3" x 10" |
2.5" x 8" |
Vertical orientation |
Important: Designs exceeding maximum print area require resizing or alternative decoration method.
Phase 4: Technical Artwork Audit
4.1 File Format Requirements
Preferred Formats:
- Vector Files: AI, EPS, PDF (with fonts outlined)
- Raster Files: PNG, TIFF at 300 DPI minimum
Avoid:
- Low-resolution JPEGs (especially from websites or screenshots)
- Word documents or PowerPoint files with embedded images
- Compressed or heavily artifacted files
4.2 Resolution Check
Minimum: 300 DPI at final print size
Preferred: Vector artwork (scalable without quality loss)
Large Prints: For 12" x 16" prints, need 3600 x 4800 pixels minimum
4.3 Color Mode Verification
Light Garments: Artwork in CMYK or RGB (will convert to CMYK)
Dark Garments: Create separate white underbase layer
Pantone Colors: Note that DTG uses CMYK - Pantone colors will be converted
Phase 5: Sales Communication Toolkit
5.1 Questions to Ask Every Customer
Essential Questions Checklist:
- What is the exact garment style number and color?
- What is the fabric composition? (Critical for DTG compatibility)
- Where do you want the design printed? (Front, back, sleeve, etc.)
- What size should the print be?
- Do you have existing artwork, or do we need to create it?
- If creating artwork: What text, colors, and graphics do you want?
- Do you have a deadline or in-hands date?
- What is the quantity? (Affects pricing and minimum order fees)
5.2 Common Customer Scenarios
Scenario 1: Customer has logo file
Request the original file, verify it's high resolution or vector, and confirm print locations and sizes.
Scenario 2: Customer needs design created
Gather detailed creative brief, collect any reference images, and set expectations for design revisions.
Scenario 3: Customer unsure about garment
Recommend 100% cotton for best DTG results, provide fabric samples if needed, explain poly limitations.
Scenario 4: Rush order request
Verify artwork is production-ready, confirm quick turnaround availability, communicate rush fees.
5.3 Setting Customer Expectations
Key Points to Communicate:
- Artwork Approval: Customer must approve digital proof before production
- Color Matching: DTG colors may vary slightly from screen colors
- Garment Color Impact: Dark garments may show white underbase edges
- Fabric Content: Best results on 100% cotton; poly blends may have different hand feel
- Turnaround Time: Standard is 5-7 business days after artwork approval
Summary & Best Practices
The Art Department Success Formula:
- Gather Complete Information: Use this checklist for every DTG order
- Verify Technical Requirements: Check file formats, resolution, and color modes
- Document Everything: Save all customer communications and artwork versions
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate turnaround times and approval processes
- Follow Up: Confirm receipt of files and clarify any questions before production
Need Help?
Contact the Art Department for questions about:
- File format compatibility
- Design feasibility for DTG
- Color matching concerns
- Print size recommendations
- Rush artwork requests