A logo artwork can come from any number of inspirational sources. And any number of logo artworks can be made into promotional giveaways. But what about the streets? And no, I don't mean the "streets" in the way hip hop artists and rappers use it, but the actual streets that you walk on. The Berlin based art collective Raubdruckerin - which means Pirate Printer but sadly has nothing to do with eyepatches or hook hands - have taken urban design quite literally. A bit of paint, a manhole cover, some t shirts and calico bags, and bam! You've got a gritty urban artwork design that's very striking and very stylish.

• Raubdruckerin (Pirate Printers) creates eye-catching designs using unorthodox sources like manhole covers and storm drain grates.
• Screen printing is an effective and popular method for transferring these urban-inspired designs onto apparel and promotional products.
• Benefits of screen printing include durability, versatility, vibrant colors, cost-effectiveness, consistency, and customization.

Custom Printed Bags and Shirts

The Pirate Printers work on site, applying paint to whatever pattern they see and then using it to brand clothes and bags. It's an extremely clever way of going about branding products, but aside from that, it's led to some impressive and eye catching designs from a completely unorthodox source. Would anyone else have considered manhole covers or the grates covering storm drains as a source of art and inspiration?

Of course, it helps that Berlin apparently has some of the most decorative and artful entrances to their sewers in the world. Why that is, I have no idea, but kudos to them. Still, you never know if you'll find the inspiration for art underfoot. Quite literally.

Why Screen Printing?

Screen printing, also known as silk-screening or serigraphy, is a popular printing technique used to transfer graphics or designs onto various surfaces, such as textiles, paper, glass, metal, and more. The process involves creating a stencil (or screen) with the desired design and applying ink through the stencil onto the surface. A squeegee is then used to push the ink evenly across the screen, transferring the design onto the material.

Benefits of screen printing include:

1. Durability: Screen printing produces long-lasting, high-quality prints that can withstand multiple washes and resist fading over time. The ink bonds well with the material, ensuring the design remains vibrant and sharp.

2. Versatility: Screen printing can be performed on various materials, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from custom t-shirts and apparel to promotional products, posters, and more.

3. Vibrant colors: The screen printing process allows for bold, vivid colors that stand out, even on dark materials. It can also accommodate specialty inks, such as metallic, fluorescent, and glow-in-the-dark, for unique and eye-catching effects.

4. Cost-effective for large orders: While the initial setup costs for screen printing can be relatively high, the cost per unit decreases as the order size increases, making it an economical choice for large volume orders.

5. Consistency: Screen printing ensures consistency in color and quality across all items in a batch, delivering professional and uniform results.

6. Customization: The screen printing process allows for complete customization of designs, enabling businesses and individuals to create unique, personalized items that reflect their brand or message.

Takeaway

In summary, screen printing offers numerous benefits, including durability, versatility, vibrant colors, cost-effectiveness for large orders, consistency, and customization. These advantages make it a popular choice for various applications, from custom apparel to promotional products and beyond. The Berlin-based art collective Raubdruckerin (Pirate Printers) uses urban elements like manhole covers as inspiration for unique and striking custom printed bags and shirts. Screen printing is the ideal technique for transferring these designs onto various surfaces, offering numerous benefits such as durability, versatility, vibrant colors, cost-effectiveness, consistency, and customization.

Originally seen on: http://www.boredpanda.com/pirate-printers-manhole-covers-raubdruckerin/