Custom Apparel Curriculum
Lesson Plan: Introduction to Dye Sublimation & Graduation Jacket Design
Lesson Overview
Grade Level: High School Intro
Duration: 3–5 Days (Adjustable)
Subject Areas: Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, Science
📌 Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Explain the science behind dye sublimation.
Demonstrate the dye sublimation printing and pressing process.
Compare color modes and image types (CMYK vs RGB, Vector vs Bitmap).
Use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for creating sublimation-ready designs.
Identify and export correct file types for production.
Understand how sublimation is used in marketing and product development.
Design a personalized graduation jacket for sublimation printing.
🧪 Day 1: The Science of Dye Sublimation
Topics Covered:
What is sublimation? (solid → gas without becoming liquid)
Dye sublimation process:
Creating the design
Printing with sublimation ink
Heat pressing onto polyester/poly-coated surfaces
Activities:
Watch a short video of the sublimation process in action
In-class demo or virtual simulation of a press (if available)
Group discussion:
What makes sublimation different from screen printing or DTG?
Materials:
Projector/video
Sublimation samples
Diagram handouts
🎨 Day 2: Design Principles for Sublimation
Topics Covered:
● CMYK vs RGB: Understanding color modes for print vs screen
● Vector vs Bitmap:
○ Pros and cons of each in sublimation
○ Scalability and resolution
Activities:
● Side-by-side comparison activity using example images
● Students open and examine CMYK and RGB files in Photoshop
● Class Q&A on how poor file choices can ruin prints
Materials:
● Sample files (RGB/CMYK, Vector/Bitmap)
● Access to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
🖥️ Day 3: Software Skills – Photoshop & Illustrator
Topics Covered:
Basic tools and workflows in both programs
Creating print-ready artwork:
Bleeds and safe zones
Layers and effects
Exporting the right file types: PNG, PDF, AI, EPS
Activities:
Students practice creating a basic design template
Exporting their first sublimation-ready file
Mini-challenge:
Create a logo or crest for a school club
📈 Day 4: Marketing & Real-World Applications
Topics Covered:
● Uses of sublimation in fashion, merchandise, promotional goods
● Targeting niche markets with custom apparel
● Cost analysis and print-on-demand business models
Activities:
● Group brainstorming: Products that could be sublimated
● Case study: A small business using sublimation
● Marketing pitch activity: Students present a product idea using sublimation
🎓 Day 5: Final Project – Graduation Jacket Design
Project Brief:
Students will design a custom graduation jacket using the principles they’ve learned.
Requirements:
● Must include at least one image and one vector element
● Proper file setup: CMYK mode, correct resolution (300 DPI), printable dimensions
● Saved in proper format (.AI or .PDF with fonts outlined)
Deliverables:
● Digital mockup of the jacket
● Explanation of design choices and intended audience
● (Optional: Print one design if equipment is available)