Design & Artwork Guide

Create Print-Ready Artwork with ChatGPT

We don't offer in-house graphic design services — but you don't need a designer. Use ChatGPT & DALL-E to generate high-resolution, print-ready graphics for your Screenlab custom apparel orders.

The 4-Step ChatGPT Workflow

From Idea to Print-Ready File

Follow these four simple steps to generate, export, and clean up your artwork for Screenlab's DTF printing.

Prompt ChatGPT

Copy one of our formula prompts below into ChatGPT. Specify bold shapes, high contrast, and NO t-shirt mockups or background scenes.

Save High-Res Image

Download the highest resolution image generated by ChatGPT (usually 1024x1024 or 1792x1024 PNG).

Request Transparent BG

ChatGPT can output designs directly on a transparent background — just ask for it in your prompt. No extra tools needed.

Upload & Order

Upload your transparent PNG directly into our Quote Builder. Our DTF printers will press it with crisp, vibrant detail.

Tested ChatGPT Prompt Templates

Click "Copy Prompt", paste into ChatGPT, and replace the brackets with your details.

General T-Shirt Graphic

Best All-Rounder

Creates a clean, bold graphic without background scenes or shirt mockups.

Create a high-resolution custom T-shirt graphic design for DTF printing. Theme: [INSERT YOUR THEME/IDEA, e.g., 'A vintage surfing kangaroo with palm trees']. Style: Clean vector illustration with bold outlines, high contrast, vibrant colors. IMPORTANT: Output the artwork on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill at all). Do NOT include a t-shirt mockup, model, wall background, hanger, border, or drop shadow. Only output the standalone graphic artwork with a transparent background.

Business & Trade Logo

For Companies & Trades

Ideal for chest logos or back prints for trades, cafes, gyms, and local businesses.

Design a clean, professional apparel logo for a [INSERT BUSINESS TYPE, e.g., 'Plumbing & Electrical Company called Coastal Trade Co.']. Style: Bold typography, emblem design, strong lines, modern industrial look. Colors: [e.g., 'Navy blue and gold']. Output the design on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill). No t-shirt mockups, no realistic photo background, no 3D render. Clean vector graphic style suitable for DTF printing.

Gym & Fitness Merch

High Energy

Bold, aggressive or minimalist graphics perfect for gym tees, hoodies, and tanks.

Create an energetic gym/fitness t-shirt design graphic featuring [e.g., 'a fierce gorilla lifting a barbell with text reading NO EXCUSES']. Style: Aggressive athletic vector graphic, bold distressing optional, high contrast, clean solid colors. Output on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill). No t-shirt mockup, no gym background, no drop shadows. Standalone graphic artwork only.

Event & Tour Tee

For Events & Runs

Great for annual charity walks, bucks parties, fishing trips, or festival tees.

Create a fun, memorable t-shirt graphic for [e.g., 'Annual Family Fishing Trip 2026, Moreton Bay']. Include a centered illustration of [e.g., 'a marlin leaping out of water'] with bold arc text above and below. Style: Vintage badge illustration, bold outlines, vibrant colors. Output on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill). No shirt preview, no hanger, no realistic scenery outside the badge.

Retro / Vintage Mascot

Trendy & Popular

70s/80s style cartoon mascots that look amazing on AS Colour Staple Tees.

Create a 1970s retro rubber-hose cartoon mascot t-shirt design of [e.g., 'a smiling coffee cup wearing sunglasses and sneakers holding a skateboard']. Include curved retro typography reading '[YOUR TEXT HERE]'. Colors: Warm muted vintage palette (cream, burnt orange, mustard yellow, dark teal). Output on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill). No shirt mockup.

Typography & Slogan

Text-Based

Ensures ChatGPT renders clean, legible wording without distortion.

Create a high-impact text-based t-shirt design reading exactly: '[INSERT EXACT TEXT HERE]'. Font style: [e.g., 'Bold vintage block letters with a subtle arch']. Include small accent graphic elements [e.g., 'stars or lightning bolts']. High contrast colors. Output on a fully transparent background (PNG with alpha channel, no background fill). No shirt preview, no background texture.

Golden Rules for ChatGPT Artwork

Follow these tips to prevent common AI artwork pitfalls before ordering.

DO: Ask for "Transparent Background"

ChatGPT can output designs directly on a transparent background (PNG with alpha channel). Just include "transparent background, no background fill" in your prompt — no extra tools needed.

DON'T: Accept T-Shirt Mockups

If ChatGPT generates a photo of a person wearing a shirt, type: "Extract ONLY the graphic artwork onto a transparent background with no shirt visible."

DO: Check Spelling Carefully

AI image models occasionally misspell words or distort letters. Always zoom in to 100% to double-check every word before submitting.

DO: Use "Remove Background" Checkbox

In Screenlab's Quote Builder, check the "Remove Background" box on your artwork upload so our production team knows to clear any solid background.

Recommended Tools for Finishing AI Art

Use these free online tools to vectorize, upscale, or transparent-out your ChatGPT images.

Background Removal (Optional)

remove.bg or Adobe Express (if needed)

ChatGPT can output transparent backgrounds directly. If your image still has a background, use these free tools to remove it in 1-click and produce a true transparent PNG.

Vectorize to SVG

Vectorizer.ai or Photopea (Free)

Converts raster PNG pixels into crisp vector paths (SVG/PDF) that can scale infinitely without blurriness.

AI Image Upscaling

Upscayl (Free) or VanceAI

Increases resolution from 1024px up to 4096px (300 DPI) for ultra-sharp full-chest front prints.

Ready to Print Your AI Design?

Open our Quote Builder, select your AS Colour garments, upload your file, and we'll handle the rest.

Need DTF Transfers Only?