Instant Imprints Van West

Digitizing for embroidery is the process of creating a digital file that guides an embroidery machine to stitch out a specific design. This process involves converting artwork or a design into a format that the embroidery machine can read and follow. This allows for your design to be embroidered as it was intended to look.

There are certainly some things we can do pretty darn fast, like mugs, banners, and some types of t-shirt decoration. Most items require artwork or inventory to be brought in. Since our centers actually make stuff, we keep a production schedule to maintain our sanity and make sure we get our client's work done right and on time. Here at Instant Imprints, we offer the fastest total turnaround in the industry and by a good margin over our competitors.

Plus, a name like REALLY REALLY FAST IMPRINTS doesn’t roll off the tongue very well.

Screen Print has existed for centuries, but the process is fundamentally the same. Ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto a shirt. The way it is done is that each color needs to be printed individually on the product. Then it is cured in a dryer, and you have a ready to go garment. Screen printing is the most cost-effective method for larger production jobs.

Direct to Garment (DTG) is a newer digital technology. A water-based ink is printed directly on the garment. Think of it as an inkjet printer that prints t-shirts. Instead of paper, shirts are fed into a digital printer, which prints a full-color, high-resolution print with tremendous detail in a few minutes. This is a digital technology that works best on 100% cotton and up to 50/50 cotton/poly blend. DTG uses 85% less water and energy to print and is ideally suited for complex full-color art and smaller quantity production.

Direct to Film (DTF) is the newest digital heat transfer technology. It is a bit of a hybrid from DTG, and Screen Print, and uses inkjet technology. It is printed on a clear film. It can print full-color high-resolution art like DTG, but there is no special pre-treatment needed for the garment, and there is no weeding of the material needed, making it infinitely simpler and more efficient to use. DTF transfers are extremely versatile. They can be applied to all types of garments, including polyesters, non-woven recyclable products, and at low temperatures. DTF is growing rapidly; it holds up well in the laundry, it’s comfortable, it’s a very high-quality imprint, and it is cost-efficient in small and medium-run production.

You may, but understand you are doing so at your own risk. There are machines at work, and sometimes mistakes can happen, or equipment can ruin garments. Our stores are not responsible for customer-supplied garments. It is also highly advised to allow for a 3-5% spoilage allowance so that if something does happen, you are reasonably covered. Our centers sell garments, and when you purchase your apparel from us, if our machines wreck something or we make a mistake, we simply replace it, and you don’t see the difference. Often, it’s not any more expensive buying them directly from us, and it is certainly less headache for you.

Bringing in your own garments can also involve an additional charge.

We do! We are a locally owned business too, and our business comes from the local community. Come into one of our centers and speak with the franchisee and learn about our double the value sponsorship program.

A vector file is a type of digital image that uses mathematical formulas to create shapes, lines, and colors. Unlike raster images, which are made up of pixels, vector images are composed of paths defined by points, lines, and curves. Because these paths are based on mathematical equations, vector images can be scaled to any size without losing quality or becoming pixelated. The most common vector file formats are .AI, .EPS, .SVG., and PDF.

Vector files are ideal for logos, illustrations, and designs that need to be resized frequently or used in various formats, and is our preference for signage, embroidery, engraving and product artwork.

Raster images, also known as bitmap images, are digital images created from a grid of tiny pixels. Each pixel contains color information, and together, these pixels form the complete image. Raster images are best suited for photographs and complex color details, as they can capture subtle gradients and intricate details. Common raster image formats include JPEG (.JPG), PNG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF (.TIF). These formats vary in their compression methods and quality, making them suitable for different uses. For example, JPEG is often used for web photos due to its balance between quality and file size, while PNG is favored for images requiring transparency.

For our applications and production, vector graphics are the best file format to ensure the best outcome for the client.

That depends. We have about 300 different polos to pick from. Then it depends on how it is to be decorated, how many locations, and when you need it. It also depends on how complex the artwork is. So, while it may seem simple, there are plenty of technical factors that go into the pricing, and because each order is unique and bespoke, everything is always a bit different.

We love that stuff. We can do everything from simple removable magnets to basic letters and graphics to full and partial wraps. Come on in and speak with an image expert because there are lots of options to discuss there to do it right.

We would recommend that EVERY company have graphics on their vehicles. They are simply the most efficient marketing dollars you can spend. You get the most impressions, brand awareness, and lead generation from vehicle graphics, hands down.

This is a big favorite of ours, but not enough businesses utilize it. On average, people make a decision about coming into your business in under 5 seconds. The better your windows communicate your value to the market, the more effective they will be. When done well, window graphics are super impactful and effective.

This is right in our wheelhouse. We are good at this stuff. We can outfit your team with everything you need. Display systems and tradeshow booths, yes. Flags, banners, and tents, yes. Branded apparel and T-shirts, yes. Sales collateral & promotional items, yes; custom flooring and tablecloths, yes!

That’s because it is cool, and it looks magnificent. Those are fun projects but have lots of details to them. Speak with an Image Expert at our centers, who can help you with everything. Rest assured; we can make your branding easier.

What is that sound? It sounds like angels singing. Education is our #1 market. So, speak with an Image Expert at one of our centers. We understand what you are going through there, and we can help you with a custom-branded online store. An online store removes the need for the school or teacher to handle money and risk losing things. We can help make it easier for the school to buy or raise money, and it is easy for the parents/kids to simply go to the store, order, and have everything tracked so nothing is lost, and the teachers and school do not have to handle all the cash. We can make that process and branding easier for everyone!