From Side Hustle to Studio: What Growing Decorators Need Next

As orders increase, older or entry-level equipment can slow you down and increase the risk of quality issues. Investing in professional heat presses and transfer materials ensures consistency and allows you to take on bigger jobs with confidence.

Key tips:

• Upgrade to presses with accurate temperature and pressure control
• Consider threadable platens for faster, safer workflow
• Use high-quality transfers that withstand repeated washing

Professional equipment reduces mistakes and saves time, letting you focus on scaling.

Small spaces work for a few t-shirts, but larger orders need efficient layout and workflow. A dedicated studio space with organised stations for prep, pressing, and finishing speeds up production and reduces stress.

Pro tip:

• Keep tools, blanks, and transfers within easy reach
• Label or separate garments for batch orders
• Preload orders on threadable platens or staging tables

An organized workspace allows you to produce more without burning out.

Technology like digital presses, Fusion IQ, or ProPlace IQ makes scaling predictable:

• Save heat press recipes for consistent results
• Project designs for exact placement
• Track orders digitally for faster turnaround

This reduces errors and ensures clients get consistent quality, every time.

Moving beyond t-shirts unlocks new revenue streams. Consider:

• Hoodies, polos, jackets
• Caps, bags, and accessories
• Specialty finishes like puff, foil, or glitter

Offering more products positions you as a one-stop-shop for clients, from schools to small businesses.

Scaling isn’t just about prints, it’s about running a business. Growing decorators benefit from:

• Pricing strategies that reflect time and materials
• Marketing and social media to attract larger clients
• Clear client communication and repeat-order management

The more professional and organised your operations, the easier it is to attract high-value clients.