mycopunk-swag/docs/design-guidelines.md

# Design Guidelines

This document covers technical requirements and best practices for creating print-ready designs for mycopunk merchandise.

## General Requirements

### File Formats

| Format | Use Case | Notes |
|--------|----------|-------|
| **SVG** | Source files | Preferred for all designs; scales infinitely |
| **PNG** | Print exports | Transparent background, 300 DPI |
| **JPEG** | Photo-based art | Only when transparency not needed |

### Resolution

**All exports must be 300 DPI minimum.**

| Product | Physical Size | Pixels @ 300 DPI |
|---------|---------------|------------------|
| T-shirt (front) | 12" × 16" | 3600 × 4800 px |
| T-shirt (chest pocket) | 4" × 4" | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Hoodie (front) | 14" × 16" | 4200 × 4800 px |
| Sticker (small) | 3" × 3" | 900 × 900 px |
| Sticker (medium) | 4" × 4" | 1200 × 1200 px |
| Sticker (large) | 6" × 6" | 1800 × 1800 px |
| Art print (8×10) | 8" × 10" | 2400 × 3000 px |
| Art print (11×14) | 11" × 14" | 3300 × 4200 px |

### Color Profile

- **sRGB** for all designs
- Avoid CMYK (POD services convert automatically)
- Be aware colors may shift slightly in print

### Transparency

- Use transparent backgrounds for most designs
- POD services can apply designs to any color product
- Exception: full-coverage prints (all-over print shirts)

---

## Sticker-Specific Guidelines

### Types

| Type | Description | Best For |
|------|-------------|----------|
| **Die-cut** | Cut to shape of design | Logos, characters |
| **Kiss-cut** | Cut on backing, easy peel | Complex shapes |
| **Rectangle** | Standard rectangle cut | Text-heavy designs |

### Design Tips

1. **Bleed area**: Add 1/16" (0.0625") bleed around edges
2. **Safe zone**: Keep important elements 1/8" from edge
3. **Minimum line width**: 0.02" for visibility
4. **White border**: Add 1/16" white border if design touches edges

### Prodigi Sticker Specs

```yaml
# Standard kiss-cut vinyl sticker
format: PNG
resolution: 300 DPI
color_mode: sRGB
background: transparent
max_file_size: 25 MB
```

---

## Apparel-Specific Guidelines

### Print Areas

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│           T-SHIRT FRONT             │
│                                     │
│    ┌───────────────────────┐        │
│    │                       │        │
│    │   MAX PRINT AREA      │        │
│    │   12" × 16"           │        │
│    │   3600 × 4800 px      │        │
│    │                       │        │
│    │                       │        │
│    │                       │        │
│    └───────────────────────┘        │
│                                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│         CHEST/POCKET AREA           │
│                                     │
│    ┌─────────┐                      │
│    │ 4" × 4" │  Left chest          │
│    │         │  1200 × 1200 px      │
│    └─────────┘                      │
│                                     │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
```

### Design Tips

1. **Avoid edges**: Design won't print to garment edges
2. **Consider fabric color**: Light designs on dark shirts, vice versa
3. **Simplify gradients**: DTG printing can struggle with subtle gradients
4. **Minimum details**: Small text/lines may not print clearly
5. **Test at actual size**: Print a test at 100% scale before ordering

### Printful Apparel Specs

```yaml
# Front print area
format: PNG
resolution: 300 DPI
dimensions: 3600 × 4800 px (12" × 16")
color_mode: sRGB
background: transparent
max_file_size: 200 MB
```

---

## Art Print Guidelines

### Paper Types (Prodigi)

| Type | Finish | Best For |
|------|--------|----------|
| Matte | No glare | Photos, illustrations |
| Glossy | Reflective | Vibrant colors, pop art |
| Fine Art | Textured | Museum-quality pieces |

### Sizing

Standard sizes match common frames:
- 5" × 7"
- 8" × 10"
- 11" × 14"
- 16" × 20"
- 18" × 24"

### Bleed & Safe Zone

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ │  ← Bleed (0.125")
│ ▒ ┌───────────────────────────┐ ▒ │
│ ▒ │                           │ ▒ │
│ ▒ │     SAFE ZONE             │ ▒ │  ← Safe zone (0.25" from trim)
│ ▒ │     Keep text/important   │ ▒ │
│ ▒ │     elements here         │ ▒ │
│ ▒ │                           │ ▒ │
│ ▒ └───────────────────────────┘ ▒ │
│ ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
         ↑ Trim line
```

---

## Inkscape Workflow

### New Design Setup

1. Create new document: `File > New`
2. Set document properties (`Ctrl+Shift+D`):
   - Units: pixels
   - Width/Height: Per product specs
   - Scale: 1 px = 1 px
3. Save as `.svg` in design directory

### Export Settings

```bash
# CLI export command
inkscape design.svg \
    --export-type=png \
    --export-dpi=300 \
    --export-background-opacity=0 \
    --export-filename=design-300dpi.png
```

### Batch Export Script

```bash
#!/bin/bash
# scripts/batch-export.sh

for svg in designs/**/*.svg; do
    dir=$(dirname "$svg")
    base=$(basename "$svg" .svg)
    mkdir -p "$dir/exports/300dpi"

    inkscape "$svg" \
        --export-type=png \
        --export-dpi=300 \
        --export-background-opacity=0 \
        --export-filename="$dir/exports/300dpi/${base}.png"
done
```

---

## GIMP Workflow

### For Raster Designs

1. Create new image at target pixel dimensions
2. Set resolution: `Image > Print Size > 300 pixels/inch`
3. Work in RGB mode
4. Export as PNG with transparency

### Converting GIMP to Print-Ready

```bash
# Export from GIMP command line
gimp -i -b '(python-fu-export-png RUN-NONINTERACTIVE "input.xcf" "output.png")' -b '(gimp-quit 0)'
```

---

## Quality Checklist

Before exporting, verify:

- [ ] Resolution is 300 DPI or higher
- [ ] Dimensions match product requirements
- [ ] Color profile is sRGB
- [ ] Background is transparent (unless intentional)
- [ ] No text too small (minimum 8pt at print size)
- [ ] No lines thinner than 0.5pt
- [ ] Bleed area included where required
- [ ] Important elements within safe zone

## Validation

Run the CLI validator before pushing:

```bash
mycopunk design validate stickers/my-design

# Output example:
# ✓ Resolution: 300 DPI
# ✓ Dimensions: 900 × 900 px (3" × 3")
# ✓ Color profile: sRGB
# ✓ Transparency: Yes
# ✗ Warning: Design extends into bleed area
```

---

## Resources

- [Printful File Guidelines](https://www.printful.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-to-prepare-the-perfect-printfile)
- [Prodigi Print Specs](https://www.prodigi.com/print-api/docs/reference/#images)
- [Inkscape Documentation](https://inkscape.org/doc/)
- [GIMP Documentation](https://www.gimp.org/docs/)