At Back & Forth Prints, we strive to make the journey from idea to reality as smooth as possible, with customer satisfaction as our top priority. However, to achieve this, there are a few things that you, as the consumer, can do to assist.
If you have a project in mind, whether it's a custom skateboard deck or screen-printed garment or other item, we've written this blog to help you understand the steps we typically take to bring your designs to life, and where you can help make the process as seamless as it can be.
Enquiring
You can get in touch with us via multiple methods, such as Instagram, phone call, email, WhatsApp, or our Contact Us page. When inquiring about a custom skateboard or screen printing project, to get an accurate quote, we need an idea of the design and artwork you would like to print. Screen printing involves using different screens for each colour, meaning that to provide an accurate quote based on labour, inks, and screens used, we need to understand how many colours are in your design, the dimensions of the design, and, finally, how many products you would like printed. If you do not have an idea of your design, we will not be able to provide a quote.
Templating
To progress a skateboard deck design process as fast as possible, we have created our very own printing template, which you can download below.
Not sure how to use it? Check out our separate blog here - How to Use Our Custom Skateboard Design Template. Once you have completed the template, please send us your artwork in AI (Adobe Illustrator) or PSD (Adobe Photoshop) file format.
Artwork Feedback
Once we have received your artwork, we will reach back out to you with any questions we have about your design. At this point, for skateboard deck printing, we will typically offer you the option of screen printing or applying via a heat transfer. We will provide two separate quotes for each method, as well as a recommended quantity for both depending on your budget. If you are unsure which method is right for you, check out this blog - Screen Printed vs Heat Transferred Skateboard Decks.
Artwork Approval and Preparation
Once you are satisfied with the artwork, colours, and printing method, we will then proceed with the project from our side. If this is a screen printing project, it involves making the positives by separating all the colours and adding registration marks to ensure they align when printing multiple layers.
Printing
Then comes the fun part - printing. Once everything is completed from an artwork perspective, we print out each layer onto film, expose all the screens needed, and begin printing your desired designs onto your skateboard decks, garments, or any other product you want printing on.
If you want to see how it’s all coming along, you can visit our studio by appointment. Bear in mind that, due to us being involved in the printing process, we typically cannot take any photos or videos of us printing the products for your brand’s social media. However, if you want to send a videographer or photographer to take some photos or footage, we are happy to accommodate them provided you book an appointment.
Fulfillment
We aim to complete all orders within 10 working days. We will notify you once your project is complete and can send you some photos of the finished product. We can send out your products via APC next-day delivery, or you can come and collect them from the studio.
Ready to start?
As you can see, we’ve got our process down to a science at this point. But, as you can tell, you play a crucial role in bringing your designs to life. Not to worry though, our team is here to guide you at every stage, so feel free to contact us for any further assistance.