New York is a beast of a city, and in the middle of it all, you’ll find Classy Screens: a screen printing shop built on grit, rush orders, and creativity under pressure. In Shirt Show Episode 278, Dylan from Upstate Merch sits down with Matt Dobbs and Dave from Classy Screens to talk about how they built a thriving shop in one of the busiest cities on Earth.
PRINTING IN A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Classy Screens isn’t your typical shop. From printing for bands like System of a Down and A24 movie campaigns to live events at Madison Square Garden, they’ve earned their name by saying yes when others say no. That means long nights, fast pivots, and systems built to handle chaos.
“We stock Gildan and Comfort Colors because we know the rush jobs are coming,” Matt said. “When a client needs 6,000 pieces by tomorrow, you can’t wait on shipping. You have to be ready.”
LIVE PRINTING THAT LIVES UP TO THE NAME
Matt also runs Live Printing NYC, a sister brand focused on live print activations for brands like Jameson and Tyler, The Creator. They turn on-site printing into a full experience where fans can step behind the squeegee and be part of the process.
It’s not just about printing shirts. It’s about creating moments people remember. From live branding tweaks to interactive merch setups, the Classy Screens team has turned printing into performance.
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RUSH ORDERS, NYC STYLE
Printing in New York means moving fast. Couriers on scooters, midnight press runs, and 6,000-shirt surprises are all part of the grind. The secret: planning for the unpredictable.
“We had a client order 1,500 shirts, then change it to 6,000 a few hours later,” Matt laughed. “That’s how this city works. You either keep up or get left behind.”
BUILT ON COMMUNITY AND CRAFT
Classy Screens is about more than speed. It’s a shop built on community, teamwork, and creative pride. Every event is a chance to connect. Every shirt is a chance to show care for the craft.
Behind the hustle is a familiar story for many printers: Ryonet tutorials, YouTube deep dives, and a whole lot of trial and error. Matt’s journey proves that passion, persistence, and great resources go a long way.
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WHAT SCREEN PRINTERS CAN LEARN
- Be ready for the rush: Keep blanks in stock and build supplier relationships that can handle surprises.
- Specialize and brand it: “Live Printing NYC” is clear and searchable. Create a niche people can find.
- Invest in systems: Use CRMs, organized screens, and efficient workflows to scale smoothly.
- Build your crew: Reward hustle. Cross-train your team. Matt’s crew earns bonuses for rush jobs to keep motivation high.
Wherever you print, Classy Screens proves that hustle, heart, and smart systems can take you far.
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KEEP LEARNING, KEEP GROWING
Matt’s story started with DIY tutorials and a love for printing. Now, his shop is one of New York’s most in-demand print teams. Whatever stage you’re at, remember this: your creativity deserves the best tools. Let’s make something amazing together.
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