The colors are perfect shades of orange, blue, and purple. The text font looks so fresh and fits the vibe just right.
You think, “This is it! I’m gonna download this lion design exactly how it is and sell t-shirts with it.“
So that’s what you do.
You download it and don’t change a single thing about the design.
A few days later, you started getting messages from other sellers.
They are saying things like “Hey, you can’t just use that design without changing it!” and “That’s not your original design, you need to modify it first.“
Now, you are so confused!
Do you think since Kittl had that template available, I can use it exactly as-is on products?
But all these sellers are telling you that’s not how templates work.
After a few more messages rolling in, you finally did some research on how you’re actually supposed to use templates from sites like Kittl.
And that’s when the lightbulb goes off!
Templates Are Just a Starting Point
You see, templates are kind of like a basic framework or starter kit for making your own original design.
The idea is you take that template and modify it by changing the text, graphics, colors, or a combo of those things.
By making those changes, you transform that starter template into a fresh, unique design that is 100% yours.
But if you use that template exactly as-is without modifying it at all, it’s basically like copying someone else’s work.
It’s kind of like plagiarism or violating copyright rules.
Not a good look when you’re trying to sell legit products online!
Thankfully, sites like Kittl make it stupidly easy to modify templates.
You can update text, swap graphics, change colors, and more with just a few clicks. And that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do with templates – customize them to make your design original.
Just by making some simple tweaks – new text, a different graphic, an adjusted color scheme – suddenly that template becomes a totally fresh, unique design that you can rightfully sell without issues.
The Right Way to Use Templates
So here’s what I learned about using templates the proper way:
Templates from sites like Kittl are truly time-savers compared to designing everything from a blank canvas. You absolutely should use them!
But there’s an important rule…
You can never just take a template and use it exactly as-is on products without changing it up first.
That’s considered copying someone else’s work. It’s even against the terms of using templates on most sites.
Instead, you need to make that template your own by modifying it into a fresh design that is uniquely yours.
Change that text, swap that graphic, pick new colors – anything to transform it from the original.
Once you put your own spin on it by customizing it, that design is now 100% yours to use on products without worries about getting called out for copying.
Trust me, I learned this lesson by making this mistake. Thankfully no lawyers were involved, but I did have to take down those copied products in embarrassment.
These days, I always modify any template I use, even if it’s just a few simple changes.
That way, my design is legit and original. I can sell print-on-demand products with confidence, knowing I did it the right way.
My Favorite Kittl Template Hack
Do you want to know my favorite way to quickly customize Kittl templates?
I’ll let you in on my little secret:
I always start by changing the graphic first. Kittl has a huge library of icons, illustrations, and images you can swap into any template. Just one new graphic can totally change the vibe.
From there, I’ll tweak the text, colors, and layout until it feels distinctly my style.
Maybe add a quirky saying or twist to the text. Adjust colors to match my brand’s palette. Simple stuff like that.
With just a few easy modifications, I can take any template and make it my own unique design to use on products.
No copying, no stress – just legit original work that I can sell with pride!
Hopefully, this advice helps you make the most of awesome template resources like Kittl without making the same rookie mistakes I did.
Trust me, a little customization goes a long way in this print-on-demand game.
So next time you see a Kittl template you love, don’t just slap it on a product as-is.
Put your own spin on it first!
Change some stuff up, get creative, and make it yours. Then you can sell confidently with your fresh original designs.
Here Are Some of My Favorite Tools For Print-on-demand
As a graphic designer and POD seller, I’ve had the opportunity to discover different helpful products and tools that can be time-saving and make the process of creating your designs a bit smoother.
DESIGNS:Kittl (best for t-shirt designs), Vexels (for professional designs), Placeit (for unique product mockups)
Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, NechEmpire may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.
I'm Miroslav, a passionate graphic designer, Etsy seller and AI enthusiast. At NechEmpire, I'm here to share my knowledge and skills. I want to turn your design passion into a successful online business.
