Tips & Tricks
Everything you need to design your own custom print, and make it actually feel like you.

Keep It Simple

Start here.
Upload your photo, pick a style, and see what the design does on its own before layering more. The best custom prints are often the simplest: clean, confident, and effortless. Build from there.

Start with a Clear Photo

Better input, stronger result.
Use a photo with good lighting, sharp focus, and a clear subject. Close-ups work best, as less background clutter means more detail and depth in your final print. Whether you're creating a personalized t-shirt, custom hoodie, or canvas wall art, your photo is the foundation everything else builds on.

Try Different Styles

Each one brings out something different.
Our design engine can take the same photo in completely different directions: minimal, bold, artistic, and more. Test a few before committing. You'll find the one that feels most "you" faster than you'd expect.

Remove the Background

Let the subject take center stage.
For styles like Sassy Scribble, Cartoon, or Minimal, background removal creates a cleaner, more elevated result. Keep it transparent or place it on a color that works with your design. This single step can take a custom photo print from good to great.

Pick Your Print Location

Front, chest, or back. The choice changes everything.
For t-shirts and hoodies, you can choose exactly where your design sits on the garment. Go front and center for a bold statement, left chest for something refined and understated, or move it to the back for a look that makes its mark from a different angle. Try each placement before you decide. The right location is the one that feels right for the design.

Use Masks

Soften the edge between artwork and garment.
Masks are layers placed over your design that create a smooth, natural transition between the print and the fabric underneath. Instead of a sharp printed edge, the design fades gracefully into the garment so it feels like it belongs there rather than sitting on top. Explore the mask options in the design studio to find the finish that suits your style.

Refine Your Placement

Small adjustments make a big difference.
Move and scale your design within the print area to find the right balance. A print that's slightly too large or off-center can change the entire feel of the piece. Take a moment here. It's worth it.

Choose the Right Color

Your base color is part of the design.
Preview your creation across different apparel colors before you lock in. Being able to see your design before you order is one of the best parts of the process. The right base enhances contrast, makes details pop, and can completely change the energy of the final piece, whether it's a personalized tee, hoodie, mug, or tote bag.

Add Text

Make it unmistakably yours.
A name, a date, a line that means something. Text turns a custom print into a truly unique personalized gift. Choose your font, adjust the size, and position it so every element feels intentional.

Trust Your Instinct

If it feels right, it is.
The designs that resonate most are always the ones that feel true to the person behind them. When something clicks, go with it.