Mixing Medias is taking over the apparel imprinting industry. Do you have pre-teens or teenagers that just started back to school? If you do then you will know what we are talking about. The days of the flat t shirt image or the embroidery embellishment are long gone. They have moved over for the dimensional, textures effects. Combining various imprinting techniques to create an entirely new effect.
Mixing Media combinations can be as simple as adding embroidery or applique to a printed image or text.
Other mix media designs will combine sequins and rhinestones with embroidery or printing to give apparel that “bling”. Some of the simplest combinations can result in eye popping effects and textures. Here are a few examples from a recent Mixing Medias webinar presented by Josh Ellsworth.
CAD-CUT Flock on Reflective
Combining CAD-CUT® FLOCK with any of the other cad-cut or print medias will give you a dimensional effect. The flock portion of the design will pop up off the garment and the velvety texture gives designs a retro look. The 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective background on this design will create even more talk when it is viewed reflecting light. Here is another example of a reflective addition to a graphic.
Bulls 3M Reflective on a Digital Transfers
Mixing medias does not have to be limited to combining heat tranfer vinyls with different finishes. The above design uses a CAD-PRINTZ™ digital transfer with 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective. The digital transfer give the image the photo quality with shading and color variations and the reflective is used as an accent color. Again when hit with light the reflective portions of the design with reflective and it will appear to “jump” off of the black shirt.
You can also use embroidery applique with heat tranfer vinyl for another mix media idea.
CAD-CUT on applique
The best feature of mixing this type of media is the flexibilty. Take a stock applique/embroidery design and embroider onto a hoodie or sweatshirt. You can change the applique and thread colors to achieve the desired effect. Now, you can add text on top in a heat transfer vinyl that can be cut with a vinyl cutter. The text can be changed based on the customer. RESPECT, LOVE, PEAVE, RECYCLE – you get the idea.
Mixing medias can be easy and fun go experiment with combination with a variety of design elements. Need help determining how to heat apply material combinations? Take a look at this CAD-CUT Product combination chart. If your combination is not listed on this chart please leave us a comment, or send us an email and we will get an answer for you. Happy Mixing!
PDF 
