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January 2020

January 2020 at Whee! Studios: Immerse yourself in this month's blend of art, innovation, and community stories. Revisit our past creative adventures and be inspired by the diverse tapestry of our projects.


Behind the Scenes / dye sublimation

Making a Whee! Design CMYK Beanie Hat

A Peek Behind the Curtain: Design and Process

Hey there, fellow color enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how I created a vibrant new addition to the Whee! Studios merch collection: the CMYK beanie hat!

The Design: A Nod to Print Perfection

As a graphic designer with a passion for print, I wanted to create a design that celebrates the foundation of four-color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). The design features a series of offset exclamation points, each outlined in one of these vibrant hues, set against a stark black background. It's a playful nod to my brand's name and a visual representation of the building blocks of color printing.

The Process: Dye Sublimation for Vibrant Results

At Whee! Studios, I believe in using cutting-edge techniques to achieve the highest quality results. For this project, I opted for dye sublimation printing, a process that infuses the ink directly into the fabric for long-lasting, vibrant color.

Here's a quick rundown of the process:

  1. Design: I created the design digitally, ensuring the colors were perfectly calibrated for dye sublimation printing.
  2. Printing: The design was printed onto special sublimation paper using high-quality dye sublimation inks.
  3. Pressing: I used a heat press to transfer the design onto a blank white beanie hat. The high temperature and pressure cause the ink to turn into a gas and bond with the fabric's fibers.
  4. The Reveal: Once cooled, the beanie is ready to wear, showcasing a vibrant and permanent design!

The Result: A Bold and Playful Statement Piece

The final product is a beanie hat that's as bold and playful as my design style. The colors are incredibly vibrant, the design is crisp and detailed, and the overall effect is a fun and eye-catching accessory that's sure to turn heads.

Want to Create Your Own Custom Merch?

If you're looking to add some personality to your brand with custom-designed merchandise, I'd love to help! Contact me today to discuss your project and let's create something amazing together.


whee /(h)wē/

interj.

an exclamation of joy, thrill, etc.

design /dɪzaɪn/

verb

to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc.

pride /praɪd/

noun

a sense of the respect that other people have for you, and that you have for yourself.

geek /gēk/

noun Slang.

a knowledgeable and obsessive enthusiast.