Our open submission policy invites artists, agitators, and grassroot organizations to share their designs with us, offering an opportunity for your work to be showcased and appreciated by a broader audience.
Visit our current open calls to learn more about the themes we are actively seeking contributions for.
Market Submission Form
FAQs
What are the artwork guidelines?
To ensure the best possible outcome for your custom T-shirt designs and to streamline the production process, we've outlined a set of fundamental guidelines below.
- Our printing services allow for front and back placements with a maximum print area of 12 inches in width and 16 inches in height.
- We avoid printing across edges or seams to ensure quality.
- Please upload your artwork with a transparent background. Utilizing white, black, or any color will be interpreted as an integral part of your design.
- Ensure your artwork is in high resolution (300dpi) and submitted as PNG files, with a maximum size of 10mb.
Does my artwork need to be exclusive to PPW?
No, we do not require an exclusive license to merchandise your creations. You are free to use your artwork and designs in other contexts. Our only condition is that you must be the original creator of all submitted designs and possess the necessary permissions for their use.
Should a design be identified as counterfeit or a replication of a design that is already owned, your submission will be declined. Additionally, designs featuring well-known public figures must include explicit permission from the relevant estate and must not violate any existing copyright laws.
Can I get a sample of my printed apparel design?
Yes, we offer sample printing.
Upon acceptance, our team will contact you to provide an option for ordering a sample.
Given the cost associated with setting up the screen printing process for single prints, all samples are produced using Direct to Garment (DTG) printing. The cost of each sample is based on the production expenses for a one-off print, which varies depending on factors like the number of artwork placements and the colors incorporated in your design. Typically, it takes 5-7 working days to print a sample, with additional time required for delivery. Therefore, it's advisable to order your sample well ahead of time.
Ordering a sample can be incredibly useful for generating promotional content for your campaign. Many creators have successfully used their samples for photo shoots and to create engaging content that boosts their campaign visibility ahead of launch.
What printing methods do you offer?
Printing is done using one of two methods – the method that’s used depends on your design and on how many items you sell.
DTG PRINTING
We use Direct to Garment (DTG) to print really short runs, giving everyone the opportunity to get their designs out there. DTG Printing is our number one option for full colour designs and intricately-detailed images. It works similarly to a desktop printer but with the fabric being used in place of paper, producing vibrant and full bodied colour.
SCREEN PRINTING
We use screen printing for larger runs, as the setup costs (the cost of making the screen) mean you need to sell more to cover this cost. However, screen printing has a distinct and well-recognised aesthetic, creating great quality and long-lasting designs. It’s better value for higher volume print runs and suited to artwork with limited colours (1-3), and placements.
How does shipping work?
With every order, we collect your customers' shipping information. Your products are then printed, packaged at our facility, and dispatched directly to the customer. The entire process, including folding, bagging, and packing, is managed by us, along with coordinating with shipping companies.
We provide global shipping services, exclusively using tracked delivery methods. Additionally, we take care of all customer service tasks, including managing returns for you.
How much do I get paid?
Your profit from selling apparel is calculated by subtracting the production cost (the cost of making the apparel) from the retail price (the price at which you sell the apparel).
For example, if a T-Shirt is sold at a retail price of $30, the production costs could be around $20. This means your profit per shirt would be about $10. After your design is approved, we will provide you with the exact production costs. The same applies for other product categories.
Here are a few factors that influence the production cost of a garment:
Type of Garment: We offer a variety of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $18. Once your design is approved, we'll share our catalog with you. If you have a specific garment in mind, let us know, and we'll do our best to source it from our vendors.
Number of Artwork Placements: The more artwork placements your design requires, the higher the production cost.
Printing Method: Initially, everyone uses Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. It's ideal for designs with multiple colors and gradients, as it keeps costs consistent, requires no minimum order quantity, and is perfect for market testing without a large inventory risk. However, if your design is simpler, uses fewer colors, and you're selling over 24 pieces a month, screen printing might be a better option. It's more cost-effective in larger quantities, and we'll advise you if it's suitable for your design.
Volume of Sales: Generally, screen printing becomes more economical as the quantity increases.
How does payment work?
We process payments at the beginning of each month. First, we cover the production costs from your total sales, and then the remaining balance is all yours as profit. If you decide to share a portion of your proceeds with a cause close to your heart, we'll take care of that deduction too and ensure those donations are sent out quarterly. Before your products go live, expect an email from our payment provider asking for your payment details.
If you encounter any issues or have questions about payments, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at info@philadelphiaprintworks.com.
Can I set my own retail price?
Yes, sort of. Maintaining affordable retail prices is a fundamental aspect of our core principles. While there is a bit of flexibility regarding the final retail price, we require that it not surpass double the production costs.
What type of marketing support should I expect?
We try our best to highlight various designs through PPW's promotional activities, social media, and other marketing channels. However, it's important to note that not all designs will be chosen for feature.
Our selection process doesn't follow a rigid set of criteria or preferences. Instead, we aim to curate a diverse collection of designs and creators that represent the broad spectrum of the PPW community.