Nestled in Mesa, Arizona, Big 3 Creative has become a go-to shop for high-quality custom printing, embroidery, and everything in between. From the moment you walk through the showroom doors, it’s clear this isn’t just another print shop; it’s a space where organization, technology, and creativity all work hand in hand. Led by Mike, a longtime print veteran and diehard DecoNetwork user, the team has built a workflow that blends old-school craftsmanship with cutting-edge automation. In this behind-the-scenes tour, we’ll explore how Big 3 Creative keeps orders moving smoothly, leverages new equipment, and delivers top-notch results for clients across schools, booster clubs, and businesses.
Big 3 Creative Shop Workflow And Organization
Walking into Big 3 Creative, the first thing that stands out is how well the space is designed for both customers and staff. The showroom is clean and inviting, filled with sample products that make it easy for visitors to see, touch, and imagine what their own projects could look like. From cut-and-sew jerseys to embroidered patches, the displays do double duty by showcasing capabilities while also serving as sales tools.
Behind the scenes, efficiency is the name of the game. Every order begins with a careful receiving process. Garments are checked in by batch, labeled with thermal stickers, and logged into the system with barcodes. Using touchscreen monitors at every station, staff can instantly update production statuses, look up missing items from suppliers like SanMar and S&S Activewear, and record internal notes. This level of organization not only keeps mistakes to a minimum but also helps the team respond quickly when customers ask about their order status.
Another detail that streamlines operations is how the shop uses DecoNetwork. Instead of relying on individual logins, each workstation has its own access point, whether it is in receiving, embroidery, heat pressing, or shipping. This small change has made a big impact, cutting down on wasted time and keeping the production floor in sync. By combining thoughtful organization with the right digital tools, Big 3 Creative ensures that every job moves forward smoothly from the moment it arrives.
Production In Action: From Heat Press To Embroidery
Once an order leaves receiving, it enters a production floor filled with tools designed to make decorating faster, cleaner, and more consistent. The heat press department is where much of the magic begins. From classic Hotronix Fusion presses to specialized hat presses with custom molds, every machine is chosen to protect garments and deliver sharp results. Operators scan barcodes to pull up digital work orders, double-check details, and update statuses in real time, reducing the chance of errors when customer requests change mid-job.
Embroidery is another highlight of the shop. Big 3 Creative runs a three-head, twenty-needle machine that allows for complex designs without constant thread changes. To keep production smooth, the team uses HoopMaster fixtures and Mighty Hoop magnetic hoops, both of which ensure placement is consistent and strain on staff is reduced. Even small touches, like magnetic cap frames, cut setup time and improve accuracy.
Direct-to-film printing has become one of the most impactful upgrades for Big 3 Creative. What began with a converted desktop Epson printer has now evolved into a high-speed four-head system paired with an XY cutter. This setup eliminates tedious hand-cutting, delivers clean edges, and keeps transfers straight for pressing. The result is a workflow that blends speed with precision, showing how far the shop has come since its early experiments with DTF technology.
Big 3 Creative Technology Upgrades And Innovation
What sets Big 3 Creative apart is its willingness to invest in tools that open new revenue streams. Beyond heat presses and embroidery machines, the shop has embraced lasers, UV printers, and even a spangle machine that creates soft glitter-like transfers. These additions allow the team to offer mixed-media decoration that customers cannot find everywhere. From custom leatherette patches cut with a CO2 laser to UV-printed decals that can be applied to almost any surface, the shop is constantly experimenting with fresh techniques.
Engraving has quickly become a popular service. Using a combination of CO2 and fiber lasers, the team can mark drinkware, knives, and name tags with impressive speed and detail. Rotary attachments allow for engraving on bottles, tumblers, and other cylindrical items, creating personalized products that go far beyond traditional apparel decoration.
Technology is not just about machines, it also shows up in how Big 3 Creative manages sales. With DecoNetwork powering their online stores, the team can build portals for schools, booster clubs, and businesses that need easy ordering systems. These stores stay live year-round, removing the headaches of collecting money or tracking bulk orders. Customers pay a little more for the convenience, and the shop earns higher margins while streamlining fulfillment. By blending advanced equipment with smart digital tools, Big 3 Creative has positioned itself as a one-stop partner for both large and small clients.
The Takeaway: How Big 3 Creative Stays Ahead In Printing
Big 3 Creative has come a long way from its early days in a small garage. Today, the shop operates in a well-organized 2,500 square foot space that feels both professional and welcoming. What makes the story inspiring is not just the equipment but the mindset. Mike and his team have built a culture that values efficiency, embraces new technology, and never loses sight of the customer experience.
By combining thoughtful workflows with modern tools like DTF printing, UV decoration, and DecoNetwork online stores, the shop has created a system that is lean, scalable, and profitable. Big 3 Creative proves that success in the print industry is not about having the biggest facility but about working smarter, staying adaptable, and delivering consistent quality.
For customers and partners alike, Big 3 Creative is more than a print shop. It is a trusted creative partner, ready to bring ideas to life with precision and care.
