Atlanta is a hub for streetwear, especially for riffs on classic T-shirt tropes. Over the weekend, I was asked to do a rush order for Ace at Humble but Rich. Initially, he was going to get them DTG'd (direct to garment) because he was told "It's a high-quality photo." The misconception about screen printing a photographic element also allows me to geek out over a print.
Screen printers know this is the best possible type of artwork for the press. It's one color, it's big, and when white water-based ink is used, you can take a Gildan t-shirt and turn it into a custom must-have. The biggest hurdle in reproducing the artwork was the size. This print is 17" wide, pushing up against the seams on smaller garments. A current trend on social media is the all-over print (AOP). While this print of Martin Luther King Jr. is not quite all over, the artwork is transferable using a standard-sized screen charge with a print covering most of the shirt. Had these been DTG'd, the mix print area would likely be 12"x12".
Because of the water-based ink, the print is softer than DTG before its first wash. The subtle movement of the t-shirt becomes another layer of discharge, simulating a glow.
politics and history aside, I have been less than grateful at times for the latitude my job gives me. Without taking for granted making art for a living, something that struck me with this HBR drop is I've never printed a photo of MLK Jr. before. The hairline is a little funky, but I'm happy with the end result as a vintage screen print.
Words, photos, and print by IG Short
MLK Jr Humble But Rich Tshirt
Tips for the order:
-- 100% Cotton
-- 1clr Print
Size shown - XL