I want to start my own T-Shirt company?

Question

What are the basics I need to know in order to operate? Is this a good start up bussiness for someone learning to be self-employed? What are some things that are not obvious about this?

The other thing is I want to employ local artists from my local high schools to design the patterns on my t-shirts. What legal issues do I need to know about if I plan to do this?

At first, yes I will have to come up with ideas on my own. However later on for ideas, I will be hiring artists from the local high schools for the design. I will be depending on them for originality. The portion of the profits will go to fund the art departments of these schools. If however I can start off this way right off the bat, it would be great.

There are two reasons why I do not want to use a professional designer. One, this way be a way to help out my local community while helping out myself. The second reason is these students will work for less then a professional graphich designer.

Answer 1

The fashion industry, as you can well imagine, is a very competitive one. To succeed takes knowledge, patience, talent and a bit of luck. As far as the knowledge bit goes, I found some sources that will assist you further.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have about the clothing industry as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

There's nothing quite like research – the more you know about the clothing industry, the better. There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Also, here are some book titles that may interest you:

* The Official Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Clothing Line by Jay Arrington,
* The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing by Leslie Davis Burns
* Fashion for Profit (Revised Edition with Retail Chapter) by Frances Harder
* The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business by Mary Gehlhar

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Go to http://www.score.org/ to find the nearest SCORE chapter. In the upper left hand corner is a box to enter your zip code. Your nearest SCORE chapter will be on the next screen. Contact them to arrange for a free one on one meeting with a SCORE counselor.

SCORE is a nonprofit organization and is part of the Small Business Administration. They provide a public service by offering small business advice and training.

SCORE's 10,500 volunteers have more than 600 business skills. Volunteers share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. The volunteers are working/retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders.

Answer 3

First thing you need to do is get a job with an existing company to learn the business. Then, in 3-5 years you may be ready to start your own company. If you just jump in without understanding the business, I can almost guarantee you won't last six months.

Answer 4

Thats a good approach. You can do that and start making money but you have to find a very good idea or something different so you will sell. Alot of competition and you need to have at least some money to invest.
Message me at victormartineze at my yahoo messenger. You dont need alot of money to start it but need to know the techniques. I will show you how for free

I make money at mypri vatedorm.com to pay my bills too

Answer 5

dont use pupils frm school. use some1 like me, a graphic designer. so i can make money too. ooh please lol :D and copyright laws i think u need to read on and erm...do. i dunno how. i need to knw myself actually.