you mean illustration?

Yes

step 1: Think of a good shirt idea.



step 2: Sketch out said idea on paper.



step 3: Scan sketch into a computer. (Note: you may opt to go straight to the computer with your idea, in which case you will want to skip steps 2 and 3 )



step 4: Using a vector-based program like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash, Corel Draw, Freehand, etc... trace/draw out your idea on the computer on a 640px by 480px "artboard".



step 5: Once design is finished, follow these instructions for submitting.



step 6: Once your design is up, round up votes.

Is there a non multi-hundred dollar alternative?

Or rather, what's the cheapest possible route to take?

Inklink is the way, brovher! (then points finger at you ala Hulk Hogan)

I would suggest something like 'The Gimp' for free software... but it's not vector based I dont think...

I love Corel Draw X better than adobe illustrator (though working with layers is nice in illustrator, somehting that's not automatic or as easy in corel draw)



But little things in Corel draw are easier to do and saves a lot of time.

It is free to use inkscape for vector work and gimp for formatting.



Or you can just DL CS2 and use serial box to get the reg. codes.