Screen Printing

Wearable illustrations

TIMELINE & TOOLS

Multi media: Screen printing, Procreate, Fabric and more, 2 weeks, 2022.

Final for ‘Research Methods for Graphic Design’ class at OCAD University.

ABOUT

What started as a chance to finally try screen printing turned into an exciting dive into hands-on craft. Together with my friend Alex, we set up a DIY print studio in his friend's apartment and learned the art of silk screening from scratch. Taking my illustrations from digital to physical, we experimented with turning artwork into wearable pieces. This project was the perfect blend of learning new techniques, getting my hands dirty, and seeing my designs come to life in a completely new way.

Approach

Materials & Steps → Process → Outcome

Materials

  • Screens with different mesh counts (for thin and thick lines)

  • Procreate for digital designs (300 DPI)

  • Acetate film for transferring designs

  • Emulsion scooper and photo emulsion

  • UV light for exposing screens

  • Squeegee for applying ink

  • Sweatshirts and card stock paper for printing

Steps to Screen Print

  • Print designs on acetate film.

  • Using an emulsion scooper, evenly apply emulsion to screens.

  • Allow the screens to dry in a dark room for 7-8 hours.

  • Expose the screens to UV light with the acetate designs for about 10 minutes.

  • Wash out the leftover emulsion to reveal the design on the screen.

  • Position the screens on the canvas.

  • Pour ink onto the screens above the design.

  • Use a squeegee to forcefully spread the ink downwards, transferring the design onto the canvas.

Process

Designs & Inspiration

We began by conducting thorough research on the silk screen printing process. We experimented with two different mesh count screens, creating two separate designs to see how line thickness would affect the outcome. I started by drawing my designs on Procreate, ensuring they were at 300 DPI for optimal printing quality.

The inspiration behind my designs is deeply personal. The first design was a tribute to my uncle, who was like a second father to me. The background, inspired by the Old City of Akka, holds spiritual significance, as he always wanted to visit this Holy place. The second design, a playful depiction of lizards, was inspired by the vibrant street art I encountered in Haifa, a city that holds many fond memories for me.

The first design featured thin lines and was inspired by a photo of my uncle, who passed away in November 2022. He played a significant role in my life, and the design reflects his love for chai, which he enjoyed in Dubai, and his unfulfilled wish to visit the Old City of Akka, the Holy City for Baha'is.

The second design featured thicker lines and depicted two lizards holding hands and kissing, inspired by a structure I often passed by on a street in Haifa during my time living there.

Test Prints

For the canvas, I chose sweatshirts, so I could wear my designs, and used card stock paper for test prints. The test prints were essential for determining the correct amount of ink, force, and composition needed to successfully transfer the designs onto the fabric.

During our test prints on card stock paper, we encountered some issues with both designs. Certain areas, especially on the higher mesh count screen, were too light and didn't fully transfer onto the paper. For instance, the left side of my uncle's portrait was barely visible, and parts of the lizard design also had faint or blotchy spots. We initially considered doubling the acetate film for better clarity, but one of our films got damaged by emulsion. To salvage the prints, we covered the problematic areas with packing tape, which helped maintain the overall aesthetic despite the imperfections. Through this process, we learned the importance of screen exposure and the challenges of dealing with lighter designs.

Final Outcome

Personal Endeavor

Less than a month after completing this project, I experienced the unexpected loss of my father. The process of learning screen printing inspired me to create more wearable illustrations, this time, incorporating my dad’s image into the designs too. I gifted these custom family-themed garments to my relatives as a heartfelt tribute.