We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Medellin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

We had an idea of providing a premium screen printing service for folks who wanted to stand out from the standard “simple T-shirt” crowd. We wanted to take the customers experience to the next level. Artist’ out there work hard on projects and put a lot of work into their designs and we wanted that to be known. We developed ways to make prints outlast washes and normal wear n tear.

Upon acquiring a local screen printing service in 2022, Co-Owner Nikki and I began our journey to provide the service we envisioned. We conducted a complete revision of the prior business’ practices. We kept what worked and replaced what could be better. We brought in professionals in the industry from all over South Texas. to oversee and produce in all areas of screen printing. We produce every project from scratch and having a professional at every step of the way helps a lot.

Obviously many trade secrets go into providing something different but we executed on the idea of providing a premium screen printing service. It all came together with a lot of analysis, trial and error and a great staff all around. It has proven to be a unique service that many don’t understand yet, however those that do understand the process and long term advantages to our service are ecstatic about the service.

It has been an adjustment period for the business in the last few months trying to educate people on what goes into screen printing at this level of quality. We really convey the phrase “you get what you pay for”.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I got into the screen printing industry when I started my apparel line in 2015. I went to various screen printers in the San Antonio area and was disappointed more often than I liked. I would get quite a bit of shirts done for cheap but the quality was cheap as well. Many customers would complain that the image would wash out after 3 or so washes. I switched screen printers and again was left disappointed. Poor communication, production mistakes and lackluster staff really hindered the apparel line.

Taking all of the past experiences we have created a process to avoid these situations.

With our screen printing service we ask for as many details as possible from the customer, if the customer does not know, we provide guidance and knowledge for them to make the best choice for their art. Upon completion of the pre order process we confirm order, take payment and begin the project. Our team is briefed on the project and assigned to our project manager. the image file is digitized and quality checked for any pixilation or irregularities. Films are printed and inspected by our Master Printer for any irregularities. Once the Film has passed inspection we expose a mesh screen or screens depending on the amount of colors of the design. Each color of design is assigned its own screen. Once the screens are exposed they are inspected once again for any defects. We manually mount, balance and test print each screen assigned to the design. We will test print and again quality checked to ensure the image is as requested. Once the test prints are approved by the Project Manager and Master Printer the actual product production is started. During the production phase our team regularly check the prints and products. At the end of production Project Manager, Master Printer and Owners each inspect the final product.

As you see we put a lot into our customers orders and its quality. As much as we are focused on the product our staff is fun and friendly. Once again “you get what you pay for”. The excitement, “WOW” and the “Our customers loved it” feedback we get from clients is what makes us most proud.

I want those reading to know that we truly do put everything into your product because we care and take pride in making you and your brand look its best to the world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

We do have a goal of showing potential clients the benefit of having a premium screen printing service over a hobbyist service. We want the potential clients to see the advantages of our services, such as longevity, crisp designs, quality and customer satisfaction.

Our service is craftmanship at its best when it comes to printing. True skill and knowledge go into every product we put out. We often ask clients “Would you go with a tattoo artist who operates out of a garage or one that works in a studio” or if they want their customers to be happy with their product once or their product to be their favorite,

Conveying the message is hard sometimes because to some quality does not matter. Its an art and those who we do reach and become clients, they comeback with rave reviews and follow with more orders because they sell out. What we do is true craftsmanship and for those who take pride in their products.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice would be to take responsibility for everything that your business is. I own everything that happens in the business. If there is a mistake that happens I question myself on how I as the leader could have prevented it. It lets my staff know that I am right there with them, we still hold them accountable but it all starts at the top.

We have what’s called the “grunt work”. Sometimes messy, it has to be done. If everyone is busy, myself or Nikki will clean up the work area so the staff can focus on the job at hand.

Appreciation goes a long way as well. We will have food sometimes or just a quick team meeting to let them know what an amazing job they are doing. Not all meetings have to be boring or bad. I try and make working at Cr8 Original Screen Printing as fun as possible as long as the work is done. Music always helps so we like to have the team choose music to work to.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Cr8Original.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cr8original_screenprinting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cr8OriginalSP

Image Credits
Shaun Alvarado IG (cr8_original_Photography) (idealaero)