Screen Printer, Artist, World Changer

Screen Printer, Artist, World Changer. Which one are you? Maybe all three…

As a screen printer, there is a reasonably good chance that you may be an artist as well. Many people are attracted to the craft of screen printing because of its creative aspects. But did you ever stop and think that as a screen printer or graphic artist working in the screen printing business that you might also be a "world changer"? Yes–world changer.

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Everyday on the news you see photos and video of people throughout the world expressing their opinions at political rallies, protest demonstrations, music festivals and sporting events. More often than not, the participants wear "message" shirts. Someone printed these shirts. Maybe it was you or your printing company.

Did you ever stop to realize the impact of this? Sometimes, the message printed on an otherwise ordinary T-Shirt is so powerful that it can take on a life of its own. Remember the "Occupy Wall Street" movement from a few years ago? Whether you loved them or hated them, the "Occupiers" certainly got plenty of media attention. Many of them wore message shirts with very provocative statements printed on them–words that make the world "take notice." Words that make people think–world changing messages.

More often than not, you will not be the originator of the messages that are printed on the shirts that you print. But on some occasions, your client may give you a certain amount of latitude in helping them with the creation of the artwork. This is where you can show off your talent as a creative designer and and where you can sometimes make a powerful impact.

Being a graphic artist working in screen printing can be very fulfilling as a career. It is always satisfying to see hundreds or even thousands of people wearing one of your custom designs.

The next time you see a news clip or internet news story showing people wearing a catchy design or slogan on their shirts, remember some screen printer put that design on those shirts. Maybe it was you–world changer.

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