Finally! After all this waiting my samurai shirt is finally done. BUY IT!

For those who don’t remember this is the result for a design a ways back

I finally came to a realization after purchasing all of the necessary materials for screen printing myself. I was using my tub for my “washout booth” and also bathing in it as well. Aside from that I would exposed to the fumes of the ink. In the long run this could not be good for my health. Yes, I know that I’m crazy for spending the greens to buy this stuff, but everyone make mistakes. Even something that some may consider rather extreme. I took it to a local screen printer and the owner was very helpful. The turnaround was ridiculous being only a 4 day turn around for 47 shirts. He also had the proper materials and experience versus my lack off that could push back the shirt production even more. I know I made the right decision and am satisfied with the final result.

More pics

Shower facet/hose hook up

I had to figure out how to attach a hose to spray my screens. Since I’m in an apartment, my only water source is the shower and sinks. I “jerry-ridged” this contraption with various hose adapters and a 2-way hose attachment with shut off valves. This allows me to either take a shower or use the hose when needed. Also both can be shut off to prevent any possible water leaks.

more pictures

exposure box view 1

You seen early pictures here of the exposure box. This is the the finished product with 1/4″ thick custom cut plate glass from a local glass supplier

exposure box view 2

Yes, I know it’s been a while since my last update with the actual screen printing. Since I have the actual screen press back my possession, it’s still been a continuous wave of frustration. I understand that it will take trials to figure out what the heck I’m doing (exposure time, scoop coating, etc.) I’ve never done this before, so what do you expect. Once I hit the sweet spot, then the rest will be history. I will get the next set of shirts done as soon as I can. I Promise! In the mean time you can see more of what needed to fulfill this process.

More pictures

supplies view 1

supplies view 2

Here is the latest update with what’s going on. This is a Joust tribute image from the Atari 2600. The market is saturated with Mario tribute images, so I wanted to mix it up a little. It was difficult to figure how to add some dimension, due to the fact that most of my images are relatively flat. I added some line textures. I don’t know if I’ll use this method in the future, but I wanted to try something different.

Johnny Cupcakes in the flesh

I’m a bit back logged, so I am adding 2 post today. Well, for those who didn’t know Johnny Cupcakes is one my inspirations to my up and coming t-shirt company Fast Fuud. Come to find out he is doing a suitcase tour. This tour involves visiting a variety of cities to meet all of his customers. Also to sell some exclusive shirts only sold on this tour. It was great to meet him.

T-shirt design

On another note, I’ve never actually owned any of his shirts before. Since he did go all this way to meet me and other customers, I felt it was my duty to buy a shirt. So I did. The best part is that once this suitcase tour is over, this particular shirt will never be sold again. More pictures here

T-shirt carrying case

back of t-shirt design

Close up of design

plastic package shirt was in

Cupcakes custom stitch

Exposure box with bulbs in place

Here is the next part in the process of building my own exposure box. I ordered 6 20w unfiltered black light fluorescent white bulbs. Not to be confused with the purple bulbs. I also bought light fixtures from my local hardware store. Now my task was to be able to turn all of the lights on and off at the same time. In order to do this, I had to wire everything to a switch. Since I never wired anything in my life this was quite a challenge, but I pushed through. Soon, I will have a full functioning exposure box and be one step closer to printing my own shirts. Check out the pictures below.

I have light!

lights out

Wired fixture view 1

Wired fixture view 2

On another note, I was looking for a roommate for my last residence. I would show the prospects my current headphone girl shirt. Well, none of them worked out. Weeks later, I get a call from one of my prospects. He wanted to follow-up with me about my shirts. Apparently he lost my number and went through his phone bill to find it. He wants to buy my shirts, but also invited me to sell my shirts on the college campus when he play shows there. Him being in a local band. I almost fell over. I couldn’t believe some one would go to this much trouble to find me. Once I get the next set of shirts printed, I’m so down.

For those unfamiliar with screen printing, you need an exposure box in order to make my screens. If you need more information about what an exposure box is, this is a good video to watch. A buddy of mine is helping me build one. Here is an almost finished build of my own.

exposure box unfinished

You’ll see what the final product looks like soon, so this early image will make more sense.

I know there will be a lot of mistakes by doing the screen printing myself, but I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. Look forward for some new t-shirts.

Just another image that I did as a request for a female. The power of women, huh. Probably not going to be a shirt, but I may make a print. We’ll see what happens. The final image is below.

Cupcake

Yup still no new tee-shirts yet. Grrrrrr!!!! This is just due to the fact that my associate who is helping me with the project has a lot on her plate as well. Patience my children, as I am frustrated also with the delay of the next set of shirts.

On a positive note, I received a packet of business card samples from a company called Taste of Ink Studios. I was very impressed with the package design and the quality of cards and styles. Also the website design is very tasteful as well. There’s really not much to add other than the fact I will be ordering Fastfuud business cards in the near future. Check out more pictures here.

Outside of sample pack

First page you see once opened

View 1

View 2

View 3

View 4