By Jess, Friday 5th September 2008

T-Shirt Screen Printing is a beautiful, intricate and occasionally messy decoration technique which crosses the border between art and fashion. 

But what is so incredible about it?

At first, I was scared of screen printing. It seems to be a very permanent application of something onto something that actual people are going to wear. Unlike internet graphics, which can be changed in a matter of seconds if there are any mistakes, screen printing uses real ink on a real t-shirt and as a result leaves the printer with a real responsibility.

Not just the printer, in fact everyone who is involved with the printing process. That starts with the customer, continues with the sales assistant, passes onto the art department who hands the baton to the printers who oversee the final product. 

With all of those hands involved, it would seem mistakes are inevitable. Not really. So long as good communication is present, screen printing can actually become an enjoyable job - still, it is a great responsiblity to produce a well printed garment but also a great opportunity to improve on an ancient technique. And I am no longer scared of it. 

I love that screen printing takes a variety of skills to accomplish. 
I love that screen printing is something where the process is as important as the outcome (if not more; if you skip a step, there is no final product!)
I love that screen printing provides an opportunity for people to display their creativity to the public in a sometimes subtle but not ineffective way.
And finally, I love that something so complex, something so time consuming can result in one single perfect print.

I have recently also fallen in love with embroidery. If you haven't caught my fever yet, check out the latest newsletter here

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By Jess, Thursday 21st August, 2008

Screen printing has long been a popular choice for the end-of-year t-shirt or rugby. 

Traditionally, the students design a front image (usually as part of the Creative Arts Curriculum or an in-school competition) and we transfer this image onto the screen for printing.

On the back of the t-shirt is a list of names, whether arranged neatly or randomly placed, signifying the students who completed the year. The teachers usually get a look in - whether comically or serious - with the year and the class name. 

Different schools choose to emphasis different aspects of the year group but the most popular has easily been the "We're out of here" theme. That is, "Let's kiss this school goodbye and move forward to the future" - more or less!

I don't think the creativity of the design is what matters, nor what order the names are in - it is simply that you can get a t-shirt to signify the completion of one part of your life - something to say, "That's right, I've made it... and I got this t-shirt!"

R U 2Kool4Skool? 

Check out our online prices and catalogues @ 2Kool4Skool - double sided screen printed t-shirt prices starting at $12!

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Wednesday, 20th August, 2008


Are you 2 kool 4 skool?

Yes, I know how to spell - I am referring to our latest promotion for school leavers. Or rather for the tireless teachers who need to do the leg work for the school leavers.

More often then not, teachers have to chase up the end-of-year jerseys or jumpers because sometimes things get out of hand. Here at Zulu, we want to make things as easy as possible. 

We have online catalogues and online prices. Why not save your time hunting someone down and then waiting for a response by using our online services for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Or just let your students look for themselves by giving them our link. It is virtual simplicity!

We also stick to a lead time of two weeks from artwork confirmation - which can be vital for meeting school deadlines. 

Want more information? Check out our home page for 2Kool4Skool or call Jess on (02) 49 550 550.

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Sunday, 10th August 2008


K-Mart has them.
Target has them.
Jay Jays has them.
Best and Less has them.

I don't know about you, but I'm all shopped out looking for a t-shirt that isn't celebrity designed!

Why pay $23.95 for a shirt that a famous person designed? For the same price, you can get a front and back print on a t-shirt that is 100% designed by you!

Ask us for a good deal today and become a celebrity in your own right.

 

By Jess, 23/06/08

Zulu Graphics has been nominated for a local business award under the category "Specialised Business" in the Hunter Region!!!

Why not vote for us now and go in the draw to win a 10MP camera - and it is all online these days.

Go to www.thebusinessawards.com

Choose Awards Area - Metropolitan - Hunter

Fill in your details (so you can grab a camera) and then choose a category.
NB: Zulu is under Specialised Business

Choose the business by clicking the radio button next to it
NB: Zulu was last on the list when I checked

Click submit.

And don't forget to verify your vote by clicking on the link in the email.

Your support is much appreciated and our thanks goes to all those who have voted already.

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By Jess, 21/06/08

In my quest to discover more environmentally friendly suppliers, I have come across Moral Fibre.

They supply 100% organic, ethically grown & sewn garments including t-shirts, aprons and carry bags.

What is beautiful about this company is that practice what they preach. Billie Paris (business partner of Moral Fibre) is down-to-earth and honestly cares about making a difference in the world.

I love that they contribute 10% of profits to female leaders who are striving for gender equality.

I love that have real cred; they have the legal proof that all of their garments are made in agreement with the Fair Trade Standards.

And finally, I love them because they are BEAUTIFUL – inside and out; in their actions, in their personalities, in their character and most importantly, in life!

I am proud to say that Zulu Graphics will partner with Moral Fibre as one of our suppliers. We are able to print and embroider all of their products.

These products are more expensive than those from Johhny Bobbin or Ramo, but surely it is worth it.

Why not let your business be defined by the decisions it makes, as well as the product and the service?

Why not let your band make a statement about what you believe in?

Please, browse through their shop but, if you are looking to get decorated products, please email me for a price; if you buy through us, we can offer a discounted product and decoration rate.

Why not start an ethical movement with your next screen printed shirt?

Next Blog - Cleaner Screen Printing

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By Jess, 21/06/08

I would like to commend October, a UK garment print and embroidery one stop shop, not unlike ourselves. They frequently update their blog – http://octoberonline.wordpress.com/
– with a variety of interesting and relevant topics for the decoration consumer. Understandable, their target market is Brits, but their information has world-wide appeal.

Some articles of particular interest for any Greenie (which, these days, is becoming a fashion statement as well as a way of life)

How Green Is My Ink

A-Z of Ethical Terms

Next, I’d like to examine a few articles which demonstrate an extent of truth about the nature of screen printing

Chopper Eco Couture … and Screen Printing
In this lengthy article, Michael explores screen printing as a process and how it has been made “more eco-friendly” by Chopper Couture.
Printing Process Descriptions
In this straightforward, technical and slightly boring website, the exact process of screen printing is described with little embellishments. NB: May be a little hard to understand if you are unfamiliar with the terminology.

It appears there isn’t much on environmental screen printing in Australia, although I am going to continue looking around. If need be, perhaps sites will be created to fill this need.

Next Blog – How Green is your Garment?

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