Kudos

At the end of each workshop, we ask attendees to write a short essay on their thoughts about the workshop. We explain that their thoughts will help us to continually improve the workshop. We listen and incorporate their positive thoughts into the future workshops. Thus, the workshop are constantly evolving and improving. These kudos are a small part of the written statements made over the years. If you are a past attendee of the School of Screenprinting and would like to contribute to our Kudos Page, please click on the Contact link at the top of this page and let us know how the training affected your life and livelihood.

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Note: First, let’s get the negative statements out of the way. Yes, we finally got two negative statements after all these years. And, they were both from the same company. The fact is that people attend the School of Screenprinting with expectations that are not always communicated and cannot be addressed.

Crystal Nash wrote…

“I felt like things were not answered in a “strait-forward” kind of way. Time was wasted by lots of pointless story telling. It would have been nice to just get answers to our questions rather than round-about story telling. I thought the class was going to be hands on. Obviously, very little was hands on. Therefor, I didn’t learn much from the class. We needed to be showed things: such as whether or not we were doing things correctly or not. That would have been much more beneficial. All-in-all, I felt like I was mis-led in what we would get from the class. I don’t feel like there was much I could take home and put to use.”

Crystal Nash

Kristen Nichols wrote…

“The class was not what I expected. I thought there would be much more hands on training. Therefore I was very disappointed. The website led me to believe it was very active and hands on. It was not. The stories were too much I would prefer more actual training. I don’t know much more now than I did 2 days ago. Change the website to a classroom setting that your giving not hands on training. I don’t feel any more confident about printing will have to find more training.”

Kristen Nichols

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And, now for the rest of the story. The following four testimonials were from the same workshop as the comments above…

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Rolando wrote…

I understand a lot of the theory that is behind screenprinting. The workbook and all the illustrations were great! I feel confident that all I learned comes from a well experienced person.

Rolando

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Benjamin wrote…

The workshop was geared towards business owners and start-ups, which does not especially address me. But, I did learn a lot more on Day 2. I liked the small class size. I can’t imagine a class much bigger than 8 people. I liked the dispelling of myths. There is a lot of conflicting and false information out there. The line between an educator and supplier was almost invisible. You did just about as good a job as possible. I learned a lot and the workshop was well worth the money. I look forward to maintaining our relationship. I can see myself sitting in on another class soon. I would like to learn more about the art creation side.

Benjamin Stabler

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Jesse wrote…

Bill, I feel like I learned a lot of valuable information in your workshop. I definitely feel it was worth the money! Especially knowing that I can come back again. There were some things I was looking forward to due to questions that you would have answered if you were given the chance. Overall it was a great workshop and I look forward to working with you in the near future.

Note: the statement below was recieved a few weeks after Jesse attended the School of Screenprinting. Like many, he came to the class to learn how to achieve a brilliant white on dark shirts with a single stroke, i.e. One Hit White!

I got the One Hit White down! It’s so much faster and the quality of the print is a lot better.
Thanks again!

Jesse Burkhart

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Billy wrote…

The first day, I would have liked more classroom theory about the process, but overall it was a great workshop. Very clear explanation of everything! Great workshop!

Billy Samour

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Now back to the Kudos…

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Note: Sean came down from Addison, Texas where he is the head printer in an automatic textile shop.

Sean wrote…

First impression was great! Bill and Alan are just oozing with information. The class was small and personal. The “HOW” and “WHY” approach was by far the best way to learn. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge that makes my 2 years of “experience” look like a failed attempt at potty training!

Sean Sherrow

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Noel wrote…

I really enjoyed the workshop! Great information! Keep the class to no more than 5 people. You have presented a tremendous amount of information in just 2 days. Alan was very helpful. Thanks for everything.

Noel Marones

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Rich wrote…

Enjoyed the workshop! Very informational.

Richard Sprecker

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Lexia wrote…

Just wanted to let you know that my brother and I really enjoyed the classes this weekend and feel like we gained a lot of knowledge about the screen printing industry. I look forward to getting your input and advice when we do decide to make the big step into screen printing. Once again, thank you for a very informative and intimate class setting where I could ask any question and not feel stupid.

Lexia Lemley

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Sarah wrote…

Note: Sarah came down from the Northwest Territories of Canada to attend the workshop. She spent four days, attending both the Novice and Advanced Workshops. We were able to save her thousands of dollars on her equipment purchases with another distributor.

I came to the School of Screenprinting wanting to learn everything there is to know about screenprinting. I am in the process of opening a shop and I saved money and time before I even pushed my first squeegee! There wasn’t any info that I thought was a waste of time. I could have stayed for a month and still learned. The School of Screenprinting got me to look more at the bigger picture and it has / will mean all the difference. Thanks for everything and more! I will be in touch.

Sarah Erasmus

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Shelly wrote…

WOW!! Finally, I have the answers! I bought a business a few months ago – screenprinting, vinyl signs, custom T-shirts. I had some knowledge of the business, but not enough. It did not take me long to realize how easy it was to be mediocre in this business – I do not want to be mediocre!!!

This workshop has given me a solid foundation to build a great business. I am so excited to go home and get to work!!! See you at the next workshop!

Shelly Christian

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Jonathan wrote…

The workshop was very informative, easy to follow and very comprehensive. The questions I came to the workshop with were answered during the lessons.

Jonathan Brawner

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Evan Webster wrote…

It’s Tuesday afternoon and I’m headed back to Boston after a great couple days in Austin, TX. While seeing friends, eating great Tex-Mex and kayaking were great, the highlight of the weekend was a screen printing workshop.

There were three other participants which allowed for a really in-depth and personal presentation of the advanced techniques and science that were covered. And there was an amazing amount of math and science which I took note of and plan to implement at our shop in Brookline.

Besides a flabbergastingly large amount of technical learning, there was also a lot of creative thinking. For anyone in the apparel printing industry I’d recommend the workshop, run by Bill Hood and called the “School of Screenprinting”. I’m very excited to get back to printing great quality apparel in Brookline!

Many people are quite reluctant to pay money for professional development. I’m no exception, I’m probably the most reluctant of anyone I know. But attending this workshop really showed me that doing such types of education is an investment in one’s self and in their business. Just make sure it is a good investment by doing your due diligence to find someone who is a true master in your field. This applies to any industry or business; there’s no need to re-invent the wheel when there are people out there to teach you how to do it. Go out there and learn something new, your business will thank you. – Posted on Evan Webster Ink Blog

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Tance Hughes wrote…

Note: Tance was an experienced and capable manual screenprinter who came to the workshop in February 2010 to learn how to improve his quality and productivity. By the first of June, Tance had taken delivery of his new M&R Diamondback Automatic press. His family owns a screenprinting business and retail gift shop in Vidalia, Louisiana, a town of approximately 4,000 fine folks! Strangely enough there are 7 other screenprinters in the area.

I learned a lot of valuable screen prep information. Very in depth information that will help me greatly increase profits and quality of work. Tons of great images and demonstrations that help the visual learner pick up quicker. Bill went into great detail describing the why and the HOW of the process. This class was worth the money and time to attend and included great material. GREAT workshop. Really loved everything about it and would HIGHLY recommend the School of Screenprinting to anyone! – Tance Hughes, Vidalia, LA

A few days after the workshop, Tance wrote:

Bill, I have achieved wet-on-wet printing on a two color job and I am thrilled with how fast this is making production go [without having to flash]. I am already putting some of the things I learned to work at our shop. Can’t wait to try out the Newman Roller Frames, maybe then I can really achieve better prints. Thanks so much for your help. – Tance Hughes, Vidalia, LA

Tance wrote this on a forum in November 2010, 10 months after attending:

It was very good training. We learned the ins and outs of WHY things work as they do and how that would save us money and increase quality and production. One of the most important things I took from that workshop was that I needed to start assembling my own screens (Newman Rollers) and it has tremendously helped our business. I attended in February of this year, and even though I learned a lot, I still have a lot to learn. We are constantly referring back to the book we received at the workshop for questions that pop up every day. The workshop is really worth it – AS LONG AS YOU ACTUALLY APPLY WHAT YOU LEARN! Bill is a great teacher, and I highly recommend the workshop. – Tance Hughes, Vidalia, LA

Knowledge is the Key

Geoff McCue wrote…

Like steel sharpening steel, Bill is a great resource for information and improvement! One of the most learned men in our industry, he is always up for suggestions, questions or a rowdy debate! I strongly recommend Bill!” – Geoff McCue, Digital Products Manager, Kiwo, Inc.

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Rich Hoffman wrote…

Bill is one of those rare individuals that gives his all in an industry he loves. Bill’s knowledge and compassion are matched by few if any. – Rich Hoffman, CEO, M&R Sales and Service

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Danny Sweem wrote…

Bill Hood is an established professional with extensive experience in the print industry. His knowledge base and connectivity makes him a good fit for any potential employer looking for quality talent. – Danny Sweem, VP Screenprint Sales, Rutland Plastic Technologies, Inc.

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Ryon Moor wrote…

Bill’s been in the industry a long time and really knows his stuff, he’s a great person to learn from! – Ryan Moor, President, Ryonet

Ryan is president of one the fastest growing screenprint distributors in the world! SilkScreenSupplies.com

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Andy Anderson wrote…

Bill’s knowledge and technical expertise of screenprinting is invaluable to printers like us. I would recommend him for any future work or projects that could use his expertise. Andy Anderson, President, Anderson Studios

Andy is one of best printers in the world. Award winning and detailed oriented to a fault!

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Ron Vinyard wrote…

Bill trained our staff on-site with excellent results. We learned the basics we needed from Bill in an entertaining and engrossing hands-on presentation. He is knowledgeable, patient and creative. His competence and communication skills make Bill a delight to work with. – Ron Vinyard, President, Black Body Corporation, Inc.

Ron is the owner of Black Body Corporation, which most know as BBC Flash Company, although they make many other fine products than just flashes. I traveled to Pacific, MO to train Ron’s entire staff. Even though they do not produce screenprinting, Ron thought it was important that all of his staff have knowledge of the process.

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Deborah Nelson wrote…

I have known Bill Hood over the course of 35 years, and I am quite sure there isn’t enough room to here to say all the good things about him. He is diligent and cheerful in a job that is often a selfless labor of love. Lately, we have come together to work on a major creative project, and he is, once again, a joy, and a delight to work with. Bill is multi-talented and intelligent; as well as efficient in whatever he endeavors to do. It is an honor to connect with and work with Bill! – Deborah Nelson, President, AdStuff Marketing

I had the pleasure of working with Deborah over 35 years ago and we have recently renewed our friendship! If you need marketing or ad specialties, she is the go to woman!

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Mark Coudray wrote…

I’ve known and worked with Bill for more than twenty years. His expert knowledge and understanding of the screenprinting process, combined with his excellent educational skill sets him apart from others in his field. He is a creative and skillful problem solver capable of solving just about any production related issue in our industry. I would recommend Bill without reservation – Mark Coudray, Coudray Graphic Technologies

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Mark Granberry wrote…

Bill is very knowledgeable about the screenprinting industry from the actual printing to selling a printed piece. He is well aware of what it takes to successfully print and pays special attention to improving productivity. – Mark Granberry, President, Graphic Solutions Group, Inc.

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John Schexnayder wrote…

I entered the screenprinting business over 20 years ago and have known Bill almost that long. He has an amazing amount of experience and knowledge of the screenprinting business and its operations. I highly recommend Bill, not only for his experience, but also for his professional approach to problem solving. A great guy to work with. – John Schexnayder, President, Action Screen Graphics

John is one of the best printers in Austin, Texas. He is also a friend.

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Michael Robertson wrote…

Bill is an active leader in the screenprinting community and a strong supporter of SGIA. He is well known for his teaching and eagerness to share ideas with others. His consulting services are highly valued. We’re fortunate to have Bill working with us. – Michael Robertson, CEO, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association

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Phillip Thomas wrote…

In a jam? Get Bill Hood. Want to get your business off the ground? Get Bill Hood. Bill delivers experience and savvy. An expert in affairs South of the border, Bill Hood Consulting can take you international. Highly recommended. – Phillip Thomas

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Mark and Rhonda Ballew wrote…

We wanted to thank you for a very good three days in Austin. We learned a lot and now our wheels are spinning. Thanks again for taking the extra time with us…we will be in contact as this new endeavor unfolds. Best Regards – Mark and Rhonda Ballew

This couple had no experience and was considering buying an existent screenprinting business. They came to the class to learn more about the process before speaking with potential sellers.

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Danny Lopez wrote…

Great communicator, Very knowledgeable, Caring for our success, Gives info on not just how by why, Listened and was fair, True to self and other, Great value for information and ongoing mentorship. Thanks Bill, I know this will greatly improve my shop and hopefully the way I think. – Danny Lopez

Danny operates a small shop that is growing. He wanted to see how he make improvements that would help with the growth.

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Kasey Mazzone wrote…

Extensive knowledge shared, Very open – answered every question, Connections in the industry, awareness of who was great, Detailed technical explanations, Loved the concepts used – worked to get the “why” way to do things. Bill, your expertise was very much appreciated. You have forgotten more than I think I will ever know. – Kasey Mazzone

Kasey is a very knowledgeable print buyer with a background in the industry worldwide.

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Anonymous wrote…

You are smart, wise, experienced, caring towards students and their concerns. Obviously the class is very important for business owners and their employees. I see where you can save them a boatload of money. You are a gracious host and very entertaining. Wishing you all the best, thank you! – Name withheld by request

Yes, we do get the anonymous referral. These are people who attend the class, but don’t necessarily want their name posted on the Internet!

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John Mark Benton wrote…

Just got home a little while ago and wanted to drop you a line and say “Thanks” for the great screen printing course. It was a fun and informative for me and a real pleasure hanging out with you. I look forward to coming back and seeing y’all again someday. Anyways, thanks again for everything, you guys are great. – John Mark Benton

John Mark had decided to move from owning a landscape company to a screenprinting operation. Today, he has a fully automatic print shop cranking out beautiful prints every day.

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Tracy and Eddie Brunette wrote…

Hi Bill, I wanted to thank you for the school. Everything you taught us in three days was more info than we had received in the last six months. Thank you so much! – Tracy and Eddie Brunette

With only six months in the industry, Tracy and Eddie had a lot to learn.

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Theresa Franks wrote…

We are looking forward to the New Year and utilizing the knowledge we gained from your school. We have already had some amazing results using the information we’ve gained! – Theresa Franks

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Sally Vento wrote…

Thank you Bill, for your attentiveness and detailed training. We are anxious to implement what you taught us. I am glad we made the right choice, sending Danny to your school. Thank you! – Sally Vento

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Rigo Blanco wrote…

I’m glad I attended this workshop. Bill is a very professional person and a great guy. I learned a great deal of things and skills that I can apply in our shop. My partner and I were beginners, but I think that now we have some advantage over even experienced printers. Thank you. – Rigo Blanco

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Tom Watson wrote…

I had a good time at the class I just attended. Bill was very informative and kept the classes attention. This class will help me make better choices as I go forward in my business. – Tom Watson

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Lou Ann Kohler wrote…

Attending this workshop was the best thing I’ve done for my shop. Bill provided not just the fundamentals of screenprinting, but dwelled on the technical aspects that help me to better understand the process. – Lou Ann Kohler

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Donna Lamm wrote…

This was the most informative and technical workshop that I have ever attended. After 30 years of printing I finally understand what it is that I need to do to make a huge difference in our shop. The industry is full of myths and erroneous information. I actually did not know how wrong I was until I attended this course. – Donna Lamm

Donna is an industry veteran working in and finally owning her own screenprinting shop.

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Sam and Maryanne Kronz wrote…

Our goal of understanding the screenprinting process was completely achieved. Our entire staff attended and in retrospect this was a great idea. Now we are all on the same page and can move our shop to a much higher level. – Sam and Maryanne Kronz

Sam and Maryanne brought their entire staff to the workshop in an effort to get everyone on the same page.

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Joe Bennett wrote…

There was lots of good information in this seminar on how to improve productivity, providing the attendees with access to proven techniques that really work. I saw this as the beginning of a professional relationship rather than a one-off, take-it-or-leave-it seminar that many others present. All of the information presented related well to both manual and automatic printing. – Joe Bennett

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Matt Purcell wrote…

The instructor, Bill Hood, was very through. He made everything easy to follow and completely understandable. All of the really technical stuff was explained in plain English. We went, we learned AND we have fun. – Matt Purcell

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Arthur Rast wrote…

All of my fears went away during this weekend class. I am so glad that I attended. All of my questions were answered and more. I’d highly recommend this workshop to any one in the screenprinting industry no matter how long you have been printing – you will learn more than you would believe. – Arthur Rast

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Jeff Pullen wrote…

This class was a life saver. Basic CPR: Consistency, Productivity and Reproducible! Great keys to run your shop by. We learned this and so much more. We are going to send all of our new employees to the this school so that we can get them up and running with the latest and greatest in technology. – Jeff Pullen

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Jeffrey DeAngelo, Sr. wrote…

This was a very informative workshop. I enjoyed learning from Bill’s years of experience and his shared knowledge was full of great tips and tricks. His way of explaining the process was very easy to understand. Thanks, Bill, for your time and energy to present this class. – Jeffrey DeAngelo, Sr.

Jeffrey attended the class with his two grown son’s who are in business with him.

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Davis Rodgers wrote…

This workshop made me aware of the many things that we have doing wrong for over 15 years. Now we better understand the critical aspects of the screenprinting process and how to implement these into our shop, easily and inexpensively. – Davis Rodgers

Note: Davis is an experienced printer with over 15 years in the industry.

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Bob and Joy Schweitzer wrote…

This workshop was a huge eye opener for us. We had been doing so much wrong, it is a wonder that we were still in business after 9 years. We expect to make a great number of changes immediately. In fact, we changed our squeegee technique and are producing twice as many shirts on the manual press as before. We paid for the class in the savings from just one day of production. – Bob and Joy Schweitzer

Note: Bob and Joy are a husband/wife team with 9 years of experience in screenprinting.

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Miles Sherrod wrote…

As a complete beginner in the screenprinting business, I had my reservations about attending the workshop. I had mistakenly believed that I should have some experience before taking the class. I was wrong. I would have spent years of making every mistake in the book. In fact, the book that was recommend by people on the boards was a complete waste of time after attending this workshop. – Miles Sherrod

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Marion Shepard wrote…

Now I know why we have so many problems and now I know how to correct them. The best part of attending the workshop is the amount of confidence I now have to tackle the process and render it mine! – Marion Shepard

Note: Marion is an experienced screenprinter with over 20 years in the industry.

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Surenda Patel wrote…

We came all the way from India to attend the class, as we could not find a class in all of India that would teach us the technical aspects of screenprinting. We wanted to learn more than just the basics of the process. We loved the class. We wouldn’t change a thing about the way it was presented. Bill made everything fun and exciting. He was extremely knowledgeable and very thorough in explaining every detail. We knew that there were variables in the screenprinting process and like so many others we just accepted them as unchangeable. Now we have so many things under control that screenprinting is actually easy and fun. – Surendra Patel – Hyderbad India

Note: Surendra and her husband are experienced screenprinters with many years in the industry. They were looking for ways in which they could streamline their operation and eliminate many of the problems they have been faced with.

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April Kramer wrote…

This class was a really great reminder of how important each step of the process really is. Making the decision to drive down to Texas and attend your class was one of the best I’ve ever made. It was truly one of the biggest eye openers of my life! Education has been the key to every great success of my life, and now I feel as though I have a great foundation to build my screenprinting BUSINESS on. I look forward to spending more time with you in the future and appreciate your teaching efforts through the School of Screenprinting. Right now I am a bit overwhelmed with information, but still very excited about implementing my new knowledge into my business.- April Kramer – Seneca, KS

Note: April is an experienced screenprinter who came to the workshop to improve her quality and productivity.

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Cindy Dalrymple wrote…

I enjoyed being able to ask any question at any time and get the right answer. It is important for me to figure out why I’m doing something and it makes it nice to fill in missing pieces as the course goes on. Not all instructors allow students to go off track. – Cindy Dalrymple, Burnet, Texas

Note: Cindy is just getting into the business with her brother who has approximately six months experience in screenprinting.

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Richard Bell wrote…

I enjoyed the class very much and look forward to attending again after I get some experience under my belt. Bill is very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The concepts were well explained and the hands on parts were well done. – Richard Bell, Denton, TX

Note: Richard came to the class without any experience or equipment. He is considering getting into the screenprinting business.

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Thanh Lavallee wrote…

This class has taught me to internalize more and question what I am doing now as a printer and what I can do to become a better printer. I learned to ask how I can help myself and my empl0yer excel in production. I learned that I can help in cost savings, especially by understanding now how downtime effects the overall production.

I learned some new printing techniques, how to apply foil, cost savings tips and more about how production runs. I was amazed by the foil application as it was something new to me. I learned that pushing [the squeegee] is much easier than pulling. Always having been a puller I will have to learn to adjust to becoming a push printer. I’ve been comfortable as a puller for years and can’t give any guarantees I will full convert to pushing, but I am going to give it a try on short manual runs to see if I can become comfortable printing with the push.

I really respect that Bill has shared so much information with others. Bill has a great passion for the screenprinting process and the industry. He obviously cares about the people who attend the workshop and gives up so much great information without misleading or guiding them towards specific products. I was extremely grateful for this opportunity. I would be very interested in attending the Advanced Workshop that is presented as well as coming back to this workshop as a refresher and to help retain more information that I may have missed. – Thanh Lavallee, Acclaim Screenprinting, Austin, TX

Note: Thahn is an experienced printer working at an automatic textile shop. His employer sent him to the class as a refresher and to pick up on any new technology and techniques available.

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Amber and Troy Dill wrote…

I came into this class yesterday without any knowledge of the screenprinting process. I am leaving today with so much valuable information. Information and advice that I could not have received anywhere else. In the two days, I have retained enough information to actually go home and begin shopping for the equipment I need to start my own screenprinting business. It’s unbelievable the amount of knowledge I am able to take home with me. Your personal interaction and personality made this class such a pleasure to be a part of. I will forever be grateful for you sharing your years of experience. – Amber Dill – Stigler, Oklahoma

I came to this class without any interest in screenprinting. I came to support my wife in her interest in the class. But now, I am excited about supporting her in her new adventure. The class was very informing and I was impressed by your knowledge of screenprinting and other subjects. – Troy Dill – Stigler, Oklahoma

Note: Amber attended with the intention of opening her own screenprinting business. Husband Troy attended to support his wife’s efforts.

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Wendy Donald and Brandon Goodwin wrote…

The class was informative and enjoyable. The only constructive feedback I have to offer is perhaps have a class for those who have no knowledge of printing breaking it up as beginners, some knowledge, and advanced. A video would have been nice in the beginning of the class so there would be some point of reference for the instructional and language of the process of printing. You have a delightful personality and I absolutely love the fact that you don’t censor yourself – Power to Free Speech. With great appreciation. – Wendy Donald – Houston, Texas

The class had definitely taught me a lot in the last 18 hours. I feel like you covered the basics well, but we might have had too many people in the class, which led to not being able to focus on the entry level. I look forward to returning to learn more from your classes and tune my skills. – Brandon Goodwin – Houston, Texas

Note: Wendy Donald and nephew, Brandon Goodwin, came to the workshop with a business plan on a start up textile shop with a decidedly different approach to design and marketing. Their plans are to open their own screenprinting business soon.

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Matt and Dylan Davis wrote…

The class was very good. I learned a lot! I would recommend this class to anyone. I am looking forward to getting my equipment and starting. – Dylan Davis – Ovilla, Texas

As someone who has very little experience with screenprinting, I found the workshop very informative. The printing process was thoroughly covered from start to finish in a manner that was easy to follow, even for a beginner such as myself. Bill is friendly, approachable, and full of knowledge. The environment was comfortable and fun. The workshop was well worth the money and I would be glad to come back again. – Matt Davis – Arlington, Texas

Note: Brothers Matt and Dylan came to the class came to the workshop with the goal of opening a screenprinting business in the near future. One brother had printed a bit and the other had yet to print at all. They had spent months viewing every screenprinting related forum, videos on YouTube and visiting with local screenprint suppliers, but still knew that they needed to attend a workshop to get a good idea on the process from start to finish, including some hands-on experience.

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The Linn Family wrote…

We really enjoyed the learning experience. We learned a lot! – Linn Family – Puyallup, Washington

Note: The Linn family, Paula, Gary and their daughter, are from Puyallup, Washington and have been in business a short time. They had received training at another workshop, but didn’t think they had received the information that they needed. Paula was forced into the screenprinting business when her only local screenprinter went out of business. After several years, they knew that they needed to improve their knowledge to give their clients the best product and service. They came as a family to learn how to make their business grow.

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Jenny Cline wrote…

I enjoyed your class a great deal – a lot of good information. All in all – worth the money and worth the trip. I really appreciated all the informational resources you gave us. I enjoyed the humorous presentation and laid back environment. – Jenny Cline – Hamilton, Texas

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Lisa and Shane Barge wrote…

This class has been very informational. This will help us be successful in the business. I left a little confused on the first day, but you cleared it up on the second day. The class was wonderful and I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for all your help. I hope to come back. – Lisa Barge – New Waverly, Texas

I really enjoyed the class. I thought, being a complete rookie, that it was a lot of info to cover in a short time period, but it was very informational and a good “hands-on” experience. Seriously, my wife and I want to come back and possibly bring her sister who is a future employee. I would definitely recommend your class to others. – Shane Barge – New Waverly, Texas

Note: Lisa and Shane Barge are a couple who attended the workshop together. They have been working with other screenprinters and wanted to start their own screenprinting company to eliminate the problems of delivery, consistency and pricing. Today, they have an automatic and are busy with their new career.

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Donna Anderson wrote…

This class has really been so much more than what I thought it would be. I came to this class having only done one job and didn’t know what I really needed to do. I learned a lot of short cuts, tips on how to properly hold my squeegee, how to figure separation in the artwork. I have really enjoyed the class. Thank you! – Donna Anderson – Elm Grove, Louisiana

Note: Donna is a novice screenprinter just starting out. She is looking forward to take on her town with all her new talents.

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Mendel Markel wrote…

Note: Mendel has not attended the School of Screenprinting. Mendel started screenprinting June 03, 2010 and by mid-August he was ready to lay his squeegee aside. He found one of our videos on YouTube and after following the advice given there he has this to say on his website at http://www.screenbiz101.com/2010/08/screen-printing-tip-bill-hood-says-push.html. We couldn’t have asked for a better testimonial and decided to publish it here.

I was having lots of trouble with certain prints. I use the Ryopaque high opacity plastisol inks, which are a fairly thick ink. The white plastisol is especially thick. What was happening is that when I would do passes some ink would remain in the image in certain spots. When I tried to do additional passes with the squeegee to try to get it to go through, the ink would just build up in those spots in my screen and I would get a thick print that looked like something out of a volcano.

I tried out all of the classic advice: check your screen off-contact, check your squeegee angle, make sure your giving even pressure … all to no avail. No matter what I tried I was still getting the same problem. Mostly with the whites, but sometimes with the dark colors too. Just when I was ready to throw in my screen printed towel I came across a YouTube channel that changed my screen printing life forever. It was in the form of a gentleman called Bill Hood.

Bill Hood runs a screen printing consulting company and the School of Screen Printing and he claimed that people were being taught completely wrong. He promised to show the right way to do it that would result in no ink stuck in the screen and you will get sharp detailed prints every time. He also promised that with this method, you will be able to print in one pass, with no flash cure – including whites!!!

Frankly I found his cocky claims very hard to believe. If what he was saying was true, I could cut my printing time in less than half, besides  being done with the problem that had plagued me for weeks. How could it be that this guy who looks like Willy Nelson knows better than others out there? If he was gonna tell me how to be more country, I’d believe him, but this is screen printing. Besides, if it sounds too good to be true, it is – right? But I was at the end of my rope, I was frustrated with the growing pile of messed up T-shirts and had nothing to lose by trying his methods out.

Boy am I glad I did!

I used to have to print with at least two passes with dark inks and two passes, flash cure and two more passes with white high opacity ink. With his method, I am printing with one pass for dark inks and usually one pass with whites, rarely two on the whites, but never a flash cure needed. And what a great result too! Instead of a bunch of thin layers I’m getting one nice completely even layer with a very nice soft hand. I’m using less ink strangely. It seems when the coverage is so completely that you get a bright white without having to lay down as much ink. In addition, the fewer passes you have to do, the less chance of messing up shirts.

The basic principle is that you need to learn to do push strokes instead of pull strokes. The reason he gives (which actually makes good sense) is that when you push you have the sharp corner edge doing a much better job of shearing the ink from the top of the screen – but why hear it from me when you’s be so much better off hearing it from the source? Here’s one of his videoss, but I’m also including a link to his channel and his websites because he has lots more you can learn from him besides for this one principle.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Bill Hood! A few minutes of listening to your sound advice has changed my stroke forever.

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