Design Process
Design Services: Start with the Design Realization Document (DRD)
Your team’s design begins with our Design Realization Document (DRD). This is where you share your team colors, logo placement, and any creative ideas you have. The more detail you provide, the closer our first proofs will match your vision.
Tips for a smooth start:
- Nominate one or two captains to collect and share design feedback—this keeps communication clear.
- Include reference images or sketches, even hand-drawn ones, to help our team visualize your concept.
- Be specific with feedback: instead of “make it bigger,” say “increase the back number height to 7 inches.”
- If you’re aiming for color precision, provide Pantone references or request a color chart to guide the design.
For additional guidance, check out How to Get the Most Out of the Design Process.
Design Templates
If you or your team designer is experienced with Adobe Illustrator, you can use our BE Ultimate Design Templates to create your artwork directly. Each template includes clear placement guides for names, numbers, and logos, ensuring everything aligns with our production standards.
However, if you’re not familiar with using templates, we recommend submitting your ideas through the Design Realization Document (DRD) instead. Our design team will take your sketches or notes and build your concept for you—no technical tools required.
Helpful details:
- Templates are provided as .ai files with print-safe zones and alignment guides.
- Use Pantone colors or our color charts for accurate, consistent results.
- Learn more about customization options: Full Sub vs. Basic Sub Designs.
Helpful Guide: Tips for a Smooth Design Journey
Designing your team’s gear should be enjoyable, not stressful. Here are a few ways to make the process seamless:
- Review proofs carefully. Check logo placement, spelling, and colors before approval. Learn more about the Printed Panel Process—your final review step before production begins.
- Understand color differences. Digital screens can vary; see Why Colors Look Different on Printed Panels to set accurate expectations.
- Use proper file formats. We print from vector artwork (AI files). Review our Design File Format Guidelines.
- Confirm promptly. Timely proof approval helps maintain your production schedule.
- Need full design support? Our creative team can design apparel from scratch—learn more here.
Next Steps for Team Managers
Once your design is ready, continue your journey:
