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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Garment Decoration

Is AI a tool or a threat to a creative business? It depends on how you chose to look at it. In this Shop Talk we had Michelle Moxley, Innovation Director at  @MRPrintingEquipment  , and Dave Gardner from  @GildanCorp  discussing the pros and cons of using AI in your art workflow. This talk was based on Michelle’s…

Dov Charney On 2023 Garment Trends and Why Made in USA is Important

Don’t worry if you missed some of the Shop Talks at the recent Impressions Expo in Long Beach. We’ll have every talk up on our YouTube channel in the coming weeks. First up is Rick’s talk with Dov Charney.  Unfiltered as always, Dov talked to us about garment trends, imprintable t-shirt history, how to get…

Ai Whispering and Reality Screaming

I saw many industry friends at Long Beach, and we had a great discussion about Ai in the Ink Kitchen. I want to thank you so much for your participation. It was great to interact with everyone again finally. I appreciate all the input, feedback, and ideas. How often can we experience something terrifying, interesting,…

Why Color Matching is Nearly Impossible on T-Shirts

The customer says, ” I sent you the color, why doesn’t it match?” and then it starts… Here are probably not all, but many of the reasons color matching for screen printed t-shirts is so difficult. Customer’s Dream and Aspirations for the Color 1. We have customers that send us computer images and expect t-shirts…

Matching Garment to Decoration Technique: Screen? Embroidery? Transfer?

Back in the day there were cotton and 50/50 t-shirts and everything was either screen printed or embroidered. Those days are long gone. Now you need to educate yourself and your customers in order to give them what they want. You need to understand your substrates, your inks and the wide variety of decoration techniques…

Impressions Long Beach: Poster Printing for a Good Cause

Ink Kitchen is sponsoring hand-done poster printing at the Impressions show in Long Beach. The posters produced will be sold (suggested donation $10) to benefit a non-profit called Care Closet serving unhoused folks in Long Beach.  You can watch them being printed and purchase one at the walkway between the main hall and the back…

Impressions Long Beach: A Great Garment Show

The Impressions expos, particularly Long Beach, have become the main shows to attend. Originally more in the direction of garments, now they are where you go to see new equipment and supplies. However, that doesn’t mean garments are diminished. On the contrary, it is definitely a big show to see what is out there, talk…

Chromaline/Ikonics

It seems like a very opportune time to highlight the brand Chromaline as we are going into the Long Beach Impressions show. The Chromaline booth is #2324 if you are attending the Long Beach show.   I’ll get to what it means in a moment but the focus in Long Beach for them is an…

Adding Promotional Products to Your Decorating Business

Just because you can’t print a specialty item in your shop, that doesn’t mean you can’t sell it to your customers. Membership in promotional product organizations like ASI and PPAI is inexpensive and gives you access to suppliers, education, discounts, networking, marketing resources and more. This Shop Talk from the 2022 Impressions Expo Fort Worth…

Long Beach Impressions Expo: Equipment to Check Out

One reason to attend the  Impressions Expo in Long Beach is to see equipment in person. This show has plenty to see. Here are some things worth checking out and some folks that I think it is advantageous to meet in person. In general, most folks will benefit from checking out all the transfer options both…

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