Post: Material in Mind: Designing Graphic Art for Silk Screens

Material in Mind: Designing Graphic Art for Silk Screens

In silk screen printing, the connection between graphic art and material is paramount. Designing for silk screens demands thoughtful consideration of the material it will be printed on. If you plan to print on metal, fabric, glass, or some other material, that will affect your plan and design of your graphic art. At Northeast Silk Screen, our team of designers will help you create art and labels that look great on whatever material you plan to print them on.

 

Let’s take a closer look at how the material changes and affects how we design graphic art for screen printing.

 

Texture

Understanding the texture of the material is paramount in image design. Each surface has a unique feel, influencing how the ink interacts and settles. For instance, designing an intricate pattern for a smooth polyester surface requires a different approach than creating bold, expressive strokes for a textured cotton canvas. Graphic artists balance the details of their design with the tactile qualities of the chosen material. Paying attention to these details ensures the finished product meets expectations.

 

Color Dynamics

Color dynamics also play a pivotal role in material-centric design. The same color palette may look different on cotton, polyester, metal, or glass. Designers must know how each material absorbs or reflects light, affecting how well you can see the design or read the label. A design that works on a soft, absorbent material might need adjustments for a solid material to achieve the same vibrancy and clarity.

 

Scalability

Moreover, scalability is a critical factor. In many cases, you intended to print the design on multiple products and in different sizes. So, it is necessary to adapt the design without compromising its integrity. Designers must foresee how their designs translate across dimensions and tweak details accordingly.

 

Graphic Art and Design | Northeast Silk Screen

We can’t design graphic art for silk screens in a vacuum. Even though our work as a silk screen producer ends before printing happens, we still have to keep that step in the process in mind. Our experienced graphic designers understand how various materials affect the silk screening, so we can design art and labels to look great in every circumstance.

 

 Contact us at (603) 883-6933 for information about all our services.