Screen Stretching Articles In The Works

I am currently working on two articles about stretching screens and options related to this task. The first article will be about frames and stretching options. The second will address mesh tension. There is also a new video in the works about screen stretching. That video will show how to use an oversized roller frame to stretch and glue two smaller manual frames.

The first of the two screen stretching articles will be added later today. I am hoping to finish and post the second by the end of next week. I am not sure yet when the video about screen stretching will be uploaded. I will keep you all posted on that.

Remember the comment section of the YouTube channel page has been opened up. Feel free to leave suggestions.

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New Video Uploaded & New Video On Deck!

That’s right, not only has there been a new video uploaded this morning but there is a very special video on deck. Today a website promotional video was uploaded. It highlights and points out features on the website. The video also provides information on new features and services offered by Catspit Productions.

On top of that, a new video is on deck. This is a very special video to me because it shows a 1 color print run from start to finish. It includes close ups of printing and shows the finished product. This video was made with 2 cameras simultaneously. This is part of my new efforts to increase the production value of my videos. Making this video also inspired me to do a video on flood and stroke with close up shots so stay tuned for that too!

Sometimes I make videos on a whim so I am trying to avoid that and be more prepared for the video when I make it so that I will have all of the visual aides that I should have to make the video. As I progress forward I hope to increase the production value of the videos while also increasing the educational content as well.

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Commenting Opened Up On YouTube Channel Page

The commenting section of the YouTube channel page has been opened up for commenting. I am hoping this will add some more interactivity with viewers and be a great way for people to show their support.

I never had the channel page comment function open before due to the sometimes harsh YouTube community. Overall support has been very positive and the viewers are leaving some great comments on the videos themselves. So with the introduction of the new channel page design, I decided that it was time to open up the channel page for commenting.

All comments will appear by approval only. This is a precautionary measure that will weed out negative comments and rubbish. So… head on over to the CatspitProductions YouTube channel and learn how to screen print.

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New Video Uploaded & New Videos In The Works!

A new video about screen printing mesh preparation has been uploaded to YouTube. This video is an all new expanded look at mesh prep with mesh degreasers, abraders and a pressure washer. This video will cover technical issues with using common household cleansers and dish detergents for your mesh prep.

A new video about flooding and stroking the ink is in the works. This video will look at the common standard of flooding and stroking as opposed to the more ergonomic technique that I personally use. I will explain some of the reasons I use this method.

I am also finally working on a video about screen stretching. This video will demonstrate how you can use a roller frame to stretch and glue two 20×24 manual screens. This will be one of the most complex videos yet. Stay tuned.

Next week a new video showing a short tee shirt print run will be uploaded. This video will simply demonstrate a small one color print run.

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Garage Boys Galore!

Screen printing tee shirts is one of those businesses that everyone seems to think they can make money at. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say: “I have a great idea for a tee shirt!” I would not be writing this article right now.

I don’t mean to be insensitive or sound like some pretentious know it all. It is just the fact of the matter. And we all know very well that many successful screen printing shops have started in someone’s garage but many screen printing businesses also have failed in someone’s garage. I suppose it really comes down to people’s preconceived ideas and beliefs in regard to screen printing. To many, it seems like an excellent business to start if you have very little or no money at all. Now we all know that isn’t the case. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, because it has. It means that sometimes it takes more than good business and sales skills to be successful. Many screen print shops fail due to inferior quality work or the inability to produce product by set deadlines.

Another very important reason people are interested in printing tee shirts for profit is all around us. Tee shirts are everywhere. The next time you are out at the local mall or supermarket take a look around you. Chances are that a majority of the people you will see are wearing some type of printed garment. So there is a false impression that it is easy to produce and market a brand of logo wear. Just like it is sometimes faulty print work that can sabotage a screen printing business, so too can jumping into a branding project without doing your marketing research and making sure you have the capital to push the product line. Many brands of logo wear are successful and very profitable only because of the marketing behind the product.

It is important to understand that it takes a balance of printing skills, business skills and marketing that will ultimately determine the level of your success. It may be obvious at this point that having money to invest into the business at the time of startup will be of the greatest help. It is true that it takes money to make money when it comes to manufacturing a product for consumer use. If you have the right tools to do the job and the right tools to promote your business then most anyone can build a profitable screen printing shop.

It is the nature of the printed garment industry that there always seems to be room for one more printer. That may be another factor in the popularity of starting a screen printing business. Try to Google screen printers in your local area. I would bet there is a pretty good amount that will show up in the search results. And let’s not even mention all the Google ads you will see for online screen printing services. Today’s printed garment market is more competitive than ever with the introduction of online printing services.

The custom printed garment industry is basically a cut throat business. There will always be someone who is willing to print for less than you. In any economic state the screen printing business is such that there will always be a lot of talk. A lot of inquiries and price quotes with few that actually go anywhere. You will give price quotes on jobs only to be told later that, “although your pricing is very competitive, we have found the product for less with another printer”. This is normal.

So be forewarned moms and dads, brothers, sisters and strangers alike. Screen printing for profit is much more than a hobby or a home project. It is an endeavor that requires dedication and determination.

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Happy Halloween!

Needless to say Halloween is my favorite holiday. Not because of the evil and darkness associated with it but because of the movies, haunted houses, candy and skeletons.

I love skulls and bones, as it may be obvious. To me it is a reminder and an affirmation of life. As living beings we die. We are born and then we die at some later point. So I am not obsessed with death, rather I want to try to remember to live each day individually because they are limited or “numbered” for all of us.

I have a small collection of skulls and such that I place around my home…all year round. Some people who visit me are bothered or disturbed by this and in turn think I am disturbed. Not at all, well maybe a little. Aren’t we all?

Listen, the bottom line is I can get up one day and go about my business as usual only to be struck by a car later that day and die, never to return home. So for me it is important to keep that in mind and try to live for the moment and enjoy what I have now. Much like the day I left Swan Song at home, the cat who inspired the name and logo for Catspit Productions, only to return to a burned down building and a dead feline. I didn’t say goodbye to her that morning and I regret it. That could have easily been a human family member as well.

This is why I seem to surround myself with images of death. It helps me remember to live and enjoy being alive. Halloween is a holiday for me that enforces this. So before you go out today, let everyone in your family know you love them. Tell them how much happiness they bring to your life. Enjoy the day for what it is and share your love of life with someone who needs the it.

Happy Halloween everyone and please be safe. Don’t make hasty decisions when your life is involved or even your physical well being. Unfortunately, many people will get hurt or even die this evening due to unfortunate Halloween accidents. Let’s try to avoid some of that by remembering how much fun it is to be healthy and alive.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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New Wild West Slide Show Video On Deck

A new entertainment video will be uploaded Wednesday the 28th. This will be a slide show of southwestern photographs taken by yours truly. I am just beginning to play around with photography again but using all digital equipment now.

I was trained traditionally as a versatile studio photographer spanning many types of product shots, room sets, miniatures, and location work to full bridal fashion shows. I’ve even done some food set work with the real stuff! Filet mignon and lobster tail anyone? That was then, this is now. I still have most all of my “analogue” equipment, meaning traditional silver nitrate film type cameras and the respective lighting accoutrements. I still have my 4×5 view camera. It produces 4 inch by 5 inch pieces of film.

Now I am starting to play with the digital stuff and it most definitely reacts very differently to light than real film. So here is the first of many slides shows to come featuring my digital photography efforts. But be kind, it is a new format for me. This video will also be embedded on the About Arizona page on the Catspit website.

I have some of my old traditional black and white film work on Flickr but I lost many of my prints and negatives in an apartment fire about a year ago.

The next video will be uploaded in November. Stay tuned!

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The Catspit Blog & A New Video On Deck

Now that I have spent two months straight jumpstarting The Catspit Blog, I will no longer be making daily entries. I will be making blog entries steadily and continuously but just not every day.

I have to admit that I began to find it exhausting trying to keep up with YouTube and website questions while developing videos, writing articles for the website and at the same time making blog entries every day. Oh, yes, let’s not forget the print shop too. I have to keep printing shirts to pay the bills! Anyway, I want to start to concentrate on writing more screen printing articles and other content for the website while still making videos. That means I can’t be worried about doing a blog every day as well.

The next video will be uploaded will be about taping off screens and screen tapes. This video will be uploaded on Monday the 26th. And a new expanded version of the mesh prep video will be coming soon.

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Hand Printed Designer Shirts

Check out the latest shirts from Catspit Productions! These shirts are unique! Discontinued brands and custom screen prints make these shirts a rare find. Wicked button up shirts with stitched pleats and embroidered accents screen printed with killer art from my personal collection. There are denim shirts too! You’ll never get caught wearing the same shirt as someone else!

Make sure to visit the Shirts On EBay page of the Catspit Productions website for more information. Remember, these shirts are available only through EBay and the Catspit website directly. Contact us for more information.

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Link Exchange

Screen printing and fine art link exchanges wanted! Catspit Productions is actively seeking link exchanges with other websites of similar content. If you are a webmaster looking for quality link backs, please contact Jonathan using the Contact Us form on the website.

Similar website content would include but not be limited to: screen printing of any kind including screen printing equipment and supply, offset printing, sticker printing, fine art painting and photography, handmade clothing or wares, graphic art tutorials or blogs, clothing and apparel, etc…

If you believe your website and the Catspit Productions website are a good match for a link exchange,  please do not hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to network with reciprocating webmasters.

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