If anyone on campus knows the ins and outs of screen printing, it’s Ginger Blackwell. A sophomore from Ashland, Ore., Blackwell was first introduced to the technique in a high school art class. She began with a simple screen, a “panda pocket” icon that has now become the signature for her brand, GingyCake Designs.

“I originally just wanted to make something I liked, but the panda idea was something I thought other people would like also,” Blackwell said.

She was right. She began by printing shirts for her friends in the dorms during her freshman year. They immediately fell for the adorable design, which features a panda that’s peeking out of a front pocket. Realizing that this could be popular outside the dorms, Blackwell bought extra supplies and posted her idea on Etsy. One year later, she has sold more than 200 shirts across the United States, even continuing the brand overseas in seven countries.

Blackwell attributes much of her success to the process of screen-printing, saying: “It’s all about trial and error,” but also acknowledging the creative freedom of making your own screen.

“It isn’t like an iron-on,” she said, referring to an alternative process that requires constant re-ordering of a design. “You create what you want once, and you can use the same thing over and over.”

There are three main tools necessary for screen printing: the screen itself, a handmade (or bought, if you’re lazy) stencil and a squeegee to apply ink. The screen is made of a finely woven material, which is stretched tightly over a wooden or aluminum frame. Stencils are cut from a nonporous material such as plastic in the shape of the negative of the intended design. The stencil is placed on top of the screen, which is positioned on the fabric just as it will be printed. Finally, ink is rolled onto the squeegee, which then is used to force the ink through the screen and stencil in the shape of the design and onto the shirt (or whatever is being printed on).

The process is easier than it may seem — a quick Google search yields more tips and “how-to’s” than anyone would ever need. The best part is that most supplies are available for purchase at the Duck Store.

“I don’t buy everything there, online is usually cheaper, but you definitely could if you wanted to,” Blackwell said.

Blackwell now has 11 designs available for purchase. She is looking at expanding into decals and other creative endeavors, but screen printing will always be at the heart of GingyCake Designs.