Quick reality check for anyone running a clothing print business solo… I’ve just come off the back of flu / a chest infection and ended up on antibiotics. I was in bed for nearly a week, and only managed bits of work here and there. It’s one of those things we never really think about when we’re setting up on our own – until it happens. When you’re a sole trader, getting ill doesn’t just mean “time off”… it can mean: - Orders backing up - Slower replies to customers - Missed opportunities (messages, leads, upsells) - Stress trying to keep things moving when you should be resting THE BIG LESSON You need a simple plan for what happens if you can’t work for a few days (or a week). Not to be negative – just to protect yourself and your customers. Practical ways to deal with it (without overcomplicating it) 1. Build a small cash buffer 2. Have a ‘sick day’ operating mode 3. Manage expectations early 4. Create a backup option (even if you don’t want staff) 5. Protect your energy If you’re building your own print business right now, take this as your nudge: put a simple “what if I’m out for a week?” plan in place. If you want, comment below with what you sell (DTF, vinyl, embroidery, POD etc.) and I’ll suggest the easiest ‘sick mode’ setup for your exact workflow. Steve

Happy Birthday Ste, what image are you designing to celebrate ?

Hey everyone — just a quick message from me. First off, sorry for the lack of communication this last week or so. I’ve been hit with a nasty flu and chest infection and I’m now on antibiotics, so I’ve been properly wiped out. I should be back on my feet in a few days when the pills kick in and I’ll be back posting, replying, and helping as normal. Secondly, a big welcome to all the new members who’ve just joined – it’s great to have you here. Jump in, introduce yourself, tell us what you’re working on (or stuck on), and don’t be shy about asking questions. This group works best when everyone gets involved and supports each other. Thanks for your patience – speak soon. Steve

Most clothing brands mess up fabric before they mess up design. One of the biggest blind spots I see: GSM. If you don’t understand GSM, you’ll: Order tees that feel cheap Get hoodies that don’t hold shape Overpay for fabric you don’t actually need So I put together a simple GSM cheat sheet that covers: Ideal GSM ranges for tees, hoodies, sweats, jackets What GSM actually feels like in real life When higher GSM is worth it — and when it’s just marketing Common GSM mistakes new brands make with manufacturers It’s meant for brand owners, not factories. No fluff, just practical ranges you can use before placing an order. If you’re starting out or planning your next drop, this will save you time and expensive sampling mistakes. Here’s the cheat sheet: 👉 https://rastify.gumroad.com/l/apeaq Hope it helps someone avoid a bad production run 👍

Thanks Tony and Steve for taking the time to jump on the live call today and hope all that we discussed was helpful. If you need any links for what we discussed, especially on products, let me know and I'll drop them in here. Great to speak to you again! 🙌💥