FAQ 

What art requirements do I need to follow?

We can design something from scratch, convert your low resolution design to final high resolution quality, or take your napkin sketch design and make a master piece. Just let us know what you need and we will provide a quote. However if you are providing final artwork please follow the specifications below. Your artwork must conform to these guidelines in order to achieve desired output. Any art files submitted that vary from the below requirements may incur delays and additional charges. Bitmap / Raster Files

  • Accepted formats – .psd, .tif, .pdf or .jpg
  • RGB color mode
  • Minimum 300 dpi
  • Transparent background
  • Art file must be provided at 100% (actual size of output). If other print size is required, please include that information in your P.O.
Vector Files – PREFERRED FORMAT FOR SCREEN PRINTING
  • Accepted formats – .ai, .eps or .pdf
  • CMYK color mode
  • ALL fonts converted to outlines/curves
  • Art file must be provided at 100% (actual size of output). If other print size is required, please include that information in your P.O.
Maximum print areas:
  • Standard Left/Right Chest = 4″x4″;
  • Standard Full Front/Back=12″x12″
ALL Bitmap images connected with the particular design MUST BE included with the file and conform to our bitmap requirements.



What makes a good design?

Designing something really cool and lasting can be daunting. We are here for you every step of the way but here are some tips to get you started.

  1. Know your design. Take the time to explore variations on your design before committing. Also, don’t forget that it will be on a shirt. It helps to create a design actual size in order to get a better idea of how the finished product will look.
  2. Be detailed. Attention to detail will serve you well in everything, including tee shirt design. Keeping the little things in mind will ensure that your design comes out looking crisp, clean and perfect.
  3. Keep it simple. Simplicity can be very effective when it comes to designing shirts. Think back on some of the most iconic logos, etc. What do a lot of them have in common? They are striking in their simplicity. Your design can make a big impact without being intricate.
  4. Get your message across. This ties in with simplicity. In order for your shirt to have the greatest impact, you need to be sure your message can be understood immediately upon looking at the design.
  5. Don’t overload. Using too many colors, shapes, etc. can detract from the essence of your design. Complementary colors and minimal text will help create an amazing tee shirt.
  6. Keep copyrights in mind. While it can be fun and effective to use recognizable images and variations of them, make sure you have the legal right to use them.



Do you offer embroidery?

We do not offer this in-house but we work with only the best suppliers that offer digitizing and provide immense attention to detail. So yes you can get OCD Graphics embroidered. Embroidery is most commonly done on products such as hats, bags, jackets or hoodies, rather than tee shirts. Digitizing involves reformatting the artwork so the sewing machine knows precisely where to lay the stitches on the garment. Unlike some places, our supplier never take shortcuts with their digitizing. They will even hand-select some stitching, instead of leaving it all up to the machines, in order to enhance the finished product. OCD graphics helps take your design and vision into account and make expert recommendations so you end up with the best product possible. You can leave the technical stuff to us! The Embroidery Process

  • Reviewing the art We look for anything in the artwork that may not translate well to the finished product. If we find something, we make expert recommendations to ensure the best outcome.
  • Digitizing Digitizing is how we translate digital art files into actual stitches. Using special softwear, we make a full-size design to lay over the garment.
  • Sew out If you would like to see a sample before we do the full run, we will provide you with a sew out, which allows you to see the stitching on the garment and make any adjustments you may want.
  • Hooping and clamping Hoops and clamps are used to keep the garment in place and stabilized with the embroidery is being sewn.
  • Trimming We remove the extra backing from the design after the embroidery is finished to ensure the garment lays correctly and lasts.
  • Steaming We will happily steam your garments so they are clean and wrinkle-free after going through the stitching process.
  • Folding and bagging We will also fold and pack your garments neatly according to size so that they arrive to you in a professional-looking and organized manner. Individual bagging is available on request for an additional fee.



To screen or not to screen?

Screen printing is the most economical form of printing we have. The Screen Printing Process

  • Review the art We review the art to make sure it is well suited to screen printing. If not, we will make expert recommendations on how to change or enhance the artwork for printing.
  • Color separation and film output A piece of film is made for each color in the design. Once the colors are separated, a screen is created for each.
  • Screen prep We stabilize the screen and secure the edges to prevent any errors with the ink during printing.
  • Ink mixing We mix up the colors and station them for printing.
  • Set up We take everything into account and set up the machines, ink and garment for the printing process.



What is DTG?

DTG is Direct To Garment Printing and the new frontier in digital printing. It is is a form of digital printing for apparel and tee shirts where a digital image is printed directly onto a textile, creating a vibrant image that is built to last. This process of printing is extremely similar to a paper printer, so there are reduced limitations with what can be done, as well as limited mess. DTG printing is extremely cost and time effective for four color process and multiiple color jobs at a low quantity. We fully utilize direct to garment printing to create affordable, attractive, and durable products for our consumers in a timely manner with our state-of-the-art technology. The Direct to Garment Process

  • Review the art We look for anything in the artwork that may not translate well to the finished product. If we find something, we make expert recommendations to ensure the best outcome.
  • Optimization This process is all about making sure the final print comes out as close to the original as possible. We will enhance the image as much as possible so that everything you love about the original art comes through in the print.
  • Pretreat Garment is coated over the print area with a solution that allows the ink to be printed on dark garments. The solution is then cured by heat prior to printing.
  • Print The printing process in DTG works much like your printer at home. Using an additional first step of a white base coat, the printer then recreates the color image.
  • Cure The garment is dried using high heat to seal the ink of the printed image.
  • Package Once the printing is completed, we pack the order and ship it to you.
Things to consider about DTG printing:
  • Direct to Garment pieces should be washed before first wear and always washed inside out in cold water, to keep the design from fading over time.
  • 100% cotton is the best material to use for DTG printing.



What is your return policy?

If the custom products you receive differ from your approved order acknowledgement and, or art approval from OCD Graphics, if the goods are otherwise flawed, then you may return the custom goods for a full refund, within 72 hours of receiving your custom order. All we ask is that you review our complete return policy below and notify OCD Graphics before returning any goods to ensure that your return is handled quickly and accurately.

  • Please inspect your merchandise immediately when you receive it. We cannot accept returns on washed garments under any circumstances.
  • All claims for shortages, damages, defects etc. must be made within 72 hours of receipt of merchandise.
  • Returns must be authorized by OCD Graphics in advance, by phone or web, and within 14 days of receipt of merchandise.
  • No merchandise will be accepted for return after 30 days from the date of receipt of the merchandise.
  • Claims for returns for defective merchandise must be made in accordance with the warranties in OCD Graphics General Terms & Conditions of Sale.
  • Shipping on returns will be paid by us unless once approved by us at our sole discretion, unless we instruct you to keep the merchandise rather than return it to us. Shipping on all nonapproved returns made by the customer must be prepaid by the customer.
  • No returns will be accepted without a Return Authorization form or number from OCD Graphics. Please contact OCD Graphics Customer Service for a return authorization and shipping address.
  • Returns without original corresponding invoice number(s) will be credited at the lowest published price.
  • Defective merchandise must have tape placed over the flaw before returning.
Please contact customer service if you have any questions at (410) 828-7990



​Thank you for shopping with us!