April 7, 2009

Finding Prints

Print and pattern in any collection can tie together a color story and help create a "mood" to support your pieces. Photo is Diane Von Furstenberg... a master with prints. If you need to find a print there are many ways to go about this.

1. See a Print studio. 
 there are lots of print studios that create original art.  You can set up individual appointments to see these studios or see the print shows that are held each season. The prints shows are a great way to get an overall feeling for print trends and see various studios. If you can, stop by and see the show next week : www.printsourcenewyork.com/show.cfm

2. Research Vintage
 Going to vintage stores, shows or archives are a great place to find unique prints. See link for NYC show (starts in 2 weeks!)

3. Shop fabric stores
 The only danger here is that you do not know where the print came from and therefore if it is copyright protected or not... If choosing a print from a store, it's best to alter the design before going into production so as to not infringe on any existing rights to it.

Once you select a print, you will then need to select the base fabric, be sure the print is in "repeat" and "pitched" for colors. Once this is complete your print is sent off to the printers for a "strike off". A strike off is a printer's 1st attempt at the print (usually a small amount)  in order to gain approval prior to proceeding to the full amount of yardage needed.