From Josie Mae Creative LabPress Start
How to Start a T Shirt Business With Ready to Press Transfers
Start a small T shirt business without buying a DTF printer, sublimation printer, vinyl cutter, screen press, or any expensive equipment. Create or license artwork, order professionally printed transfers, press them, and sell.
“Done is better than perfect.”
The lean model
Six steps from idea to sold shirt
The core business model you will follow throughout the course.
- 1
Choose
Choose a customer and product idea.
- 2
Create
Create, purchase, or legally license the artwork.
- 3
Order
Order ready to press transfers from a professional supplier.
- 4
Buy
Purchase the appropriate blank garments.
- 5
Press
Apply the transfers with a dependable heat press.
- 6
Sell
Inspect, package, market, and sell the finished products.
By the end you will have
A real, finishable start
Every student finishes with a tangible business foundation — not just theory.
- A focused business niche
- A clear first product offer
- A completed sample shirt
- A transfer and blank apparel vendor shortlist
- A profitable selling price
- Basic customer policies
- A simple marketing plan
- A 30 day launch plan
Transfer types covered
DTF first, then the rest
DTF transfers are the primary beginner method. You will also learn when screen printed, sublimation, HTV, patches, and specialty transfers fit better.
DTF Transfers
Primary beginner method — cotton, poly, blends, light & dark.
Screen Printed Transfers
Durable, high-volume, simpler designs.
Hybrid / Digital Screen
Screen durability with digital detail.
Sublimation Transfers
Light polyester only, photographic, no feel.
HTV
Solid-color vinyl for simple text and graphics.
Patches & Emblems
Textured, premium, dimensional look.
Your instructor
Kimberly James
Josie Mae Creative Lab
A warm, practical, beginner-friendly course. No jargon, no exaggerated income promises, and no pressure to buy expensive equipment. Just a clear path to your first sold shirt.
Start learning
Ready to press start?
Explore all 12 modules, 30+ fillable worksheets, knowledge checks, the final class project, and both reference guides — plus instructional videos on Sublimation and Cricut.
"Done is better than perfect."