Impressions - October/November 2022 - 33

for any differences.
Once your template file is set up, start adding your background,
whether it's a color, a texture or whatever you want it to be. For this
example, the background image shown in Figure 10 was copied from
its original file and pasted into the sock template file. It was then
duplicated multiple times, moved and rotated to create an all-over
pattern. Using a random pattern like this will help camouflage the
side seams when printed. When the desired look was achieved, the
multiple layers comprising the background texture were merged together.
This is so the color can be adjusted later on, after all the other
elements are added.
Now you can copy the ghost, spiders and bats from the tumbler
layout and paste them into the sock layout. Duplicate, move and resize
as needed to create the desired effect. As you do so, make sure
the images don't extend past the side edges of the socks, so they won't
be cut off when printed. For this sock layout, we put the ghost at the
bottom of one sock template. This will be the top of the sock, and the
ghost will cover the top of the foot area. The other side is the back
and bottom of the sock (see Figure 11).
Once all the elements were in place, and since the background is a
busy texture making it hard to discern the other elements, the " Colorize "
option in the Hue/Saturation window was checked making
the background monochromatic (see Figures 12 and 13). When the
colorize option is selected the image will automatically default to red
unless another color is selected for the foreground swatch color. In
Figure 10
Figure 12
Figure 11
Figure 13
this case it was blue. Using the sliders, the image was darkened and
saturated, and the hue was shifted slightly, so that the overall background
was darker pushing it back so the elements now pop. Drop
shadows were also added to the bats and spiders using layer styles to
help them pop off the background a bit more as well.
As with the tumbler, once your layout is done, be sure to save your
layered file, not only in case you need to make changes later on, but
in case you need it again to create more socks in the future.
The lesson here is, don't be trapped by a single idea or design. Once
you have an initial layout, mix it up to create new layouts using the
same elements. Dye sublimation is perfect for this because of all the
product options out there. Displaying a line of goods with cohesive
imagery but different layouts is more interesting than seeing the exact
same layout resized. Think of Halloween parties with coasters,
koozies, drinkware and more, all using the same elements but done
in different layouts. The ideas are endless and a perfect way to drum
up those holiday sales! 
Dane Clement is president of Great Dane Graphics, as well as vice president
of creative for GroupeSTAHL. He has been speaking and writing for the decorated-apparel
industry since 1987. He has authored several artwork-training
books for various garment-decoration methods. For more information or
to comment on this article, email Dane at dane@greatdanegraphics.com.
OCT./NOV. 2022
P.33
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