Lesson 1:

Introduction to Print Design for Fashion

  • - Learning how to prepare allover prints

    - Learning how to prepare placed prints

    - Get a taste and ability in using graphic elements and color

    - Understand the link between creativity and feasibility

    - Mastering the technical knowledge of printing for own creative needs

    NB: for each class is mandatory to bring laptop and any physical material needed, listed or asked by the lecturer the class before.

  • 1) Introduction: Overview of course structure and objectives. List of materials and documents required for the final exam project.

    2) Activity: Create a color palette in Illustrator and Photoshop and using gradients from images.

    3) Review: Brief discussion on students’ collection themes and initial ideas.

    4) Homework Assignment

  • 1. Develop a personal color palette using the skills learned in class.


    2. Upload the file in PSD format to     Google Drive before the next session.

    Field Research Assignment:

    1. Visit vintage shops or museums to gather inspiration.


    2. Collect physical or digital images of textiles, fabrics, or prints that could inspire their final projects.

    3. Bring to next class.

Course Introduction

  • This course is designed to equip students with specialized skills in print design for fashion. The goal is to foster creativity, personal interpretation, and innovation, while ensuring coherence with each student’s thesis project. Students will develop prints from initial drafts and graphic concepts through to final files, ready for production.

  • • Fundamental techniques of textile printing.

    • Development of allover and engineered prints.

    • Design of soft accessories and CMT placement for ready-to-wear.

    • Graphic identity and chromatic cohesion with the thesis collection.

    • Practical projects aimed at combining creativity with professional print design skills.

  • The course will mainly involve the use of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator software.

    Extra techniques and materials will be assigned based on each person’s project needs; the use of classic drawing material or digital drawing material may be necessary and must be kept available for the duration of the course.

Learning activities

  • Covering essential technical knowledge of textile printing, including inkjet/sublimation printing, screen printing, transfer techniques, CMT placement, compositional schemes, color management, and quality control.

  • Hands-on projects to practice image manipulation, software usage, and the integration of mixed media to produce compelling graphic results. The focus will be on mastering the tools most useful in print design.

  • Each student will work on their own thesis project, developing graphic motifs and prints based on prior research and new material. Students will explore how to create a unique graphic and color identity, ensuring professional-quality prints.

Definition of Print Design

Print design in fashion involves the creation of decorative patterns, motifs, or images that are applied to fabrics or garments. These prints can range from simple geometric shapes to intricate illustrations.

Prints play a crucial role in fashion by adding uniqueness, storytelling, and aesthetic appeal to clothing.

A variety of different types of prints exist in fashion industry. Each type serves a distinct purpose and requires specific design considerations.

ALLOVER PRINT / SEAMLESS PATTERN

About Print Design

SOFT ACCESSORIES

PLACED PRINT / ENGINEERED PRINT

MIXED TECHNIQUE

Various printing techniques are employed in the fashion industry to transfer designs onto fabrics.

SCREEN PRINT

  • Digital printing is the equivalent of inkjet printing on paper. It works on mostly any material and allow to an hypothetically infinite use of colors. NB: colors react differently on each material, texture and machine. Allow some trials to get closer to your color palette.

    Sublimation is a digital print technique which works only on synthetics fabrics, the result is very vibrant, the colors pop and allow to a very detailed result. Since it works only on synthetics materials it is not the most sustainable technique.

    Sublimazione:
    la sublimazione è una stampa digitale che funziona solo su tessuti sintetici, il risultato è molto vibrante, i colori risaltano e permettono un risultato molto dettagliato. Poiché funziona solo su materiali sintetici non è la tecnica più sostenibile.

  • •High Detail

    • No Setup Costs

    • Quick Turnaround

  • • Fabric Compatibility

    • Durability

    • Cost for Large Runs

  • Great for placed prints of any kind, from t-shirt to foulards. The final print quality and craftsmanship is higher but the color count must be considered since each color use a screen and each screen production and usage generate a rise in final price. Usually we use 4 to 6 colors on t-shirts and up to 20-24 for luxury items.

  • • Cost-Effective for Large Quantities

    • Versatility

    • Vibrant Colors

  • • Complexity

    • Setup Costs

    • Color Limitations

DIGITAL PRINT

Printing Techniques

  • Allow multicolors and special finishing (glitter, metallic…), even tho lately transfer got softer and higher quality usually the final touch is hard and plastic.

  • • Full-Color Printing

    • Photographic Reproduction

    • Versatility

  • • Durability

    • Feel of Print

    • Not Ideal for Dark Fabrics

  • Block printing is a traditional fabric printing technique using carved blocks dipped in dye and pressed onto cloth. Each color in the design requires a separate block, creating a layered, handmade look with unique, artisanal imperfections.

  • • Artisanal Aesthetic

    • Suitable for Small Runs

    • Low Initial Costs

  • • Time-Consuming

    • Limited Color Options

    • Skill-Dependent

BLOCK PRINT

HEAT TRANSFER

Role of Print Design:

1. Visual Identity and Recognition

2. Storytelling and Brand Narrative

Market Trends and Branding

3. Differentiation in a Crowded Market

4. Consumer Connection and Loyalty

Understanding the principles of color theory can help fashion designers create visually appealing and harmonious color combinations.

Color Wheel:

The color wheel is a circular diagram that represents the relationships between colors. It is divided into primary colors (red, blue, yellow), secondary colors (green, orange, purple), and tertiary colors (created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color).

Color Palettes

Color Value:

Color value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Creating contrast in value helps define shapes and adds visual interest.

Emotional Impact of Colors:

• Warm Colors: Colors like red, orange, and yellow evoke warmth, energy, and passion.

• Cool Colors: Colors like blue, green, and purple convey calmness, serenity, and tranquility.

• Neutral Colors: Colors like white, black, gray, and brown are often used as background or accent colors and provide balance.

. Personal Color Analysis

. Cultural and Symbolic associations

. Seasonal Color Trends (es. Pantone)

Color Palette Creation Tools:

• Fabrics, Paper, Materials

• Color Palette Generators

Examples include Adobe Color Wheel, Coolors, and Paletton.

• Graphic Design Software

Applications like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator allow you to manually create and organize color palettes.

Exercise 1:

A color palette from any image with MOSAIC.

Photoshop and Illustartor

Original Image

Final Result

Exercise 2:

Turn in palette tones any image using GRADIENTS.

Photoshop

Original Image

Final Result