thread's not dead - doITlab

I use a small notebook like these to jot down notes while I’m out. If I can remember that is!
Don’t Lose Your Good Ideas
I got tired of forgetting those ideas so now I bring a small notebook with me
everywhere and write them down so I don’t forget. So here’s a tip, start by being
more aware that ideas will come to you when you’re shopping for groceries,
getting gas, taking a shower, etc. If you understand that, you’ll take notice
when a new idea sprouts up that’s worth remembering. Jot it down and then
look for a way to execute it next time you sit down to design.
What if I Can’t Draw?
Big deal. Not everyone has the gift of drawing. Some of my favorite t-shirt designers
these days do absolutely NO drawing in their designs.
A few years ago, there was a huge trend emerging of hand drawn illustration.
This was sort of an evolution the “grunge era” of splattery t-shirt designs that
were filling people’s portfolios at that time. It continued the “back-to-basics”
movement and chances were good that if it was hand drawn or “natural” it was
going to be popular. Drawing skills were not as important as the handmade
look and they still sell this style today.
THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley
Even today as I write this, illustration is huge in t-shirt design. There are some
amazing artists that are rendering full scenes of zombified terror on a t-shirt
and they’re getting lots of love from the community. They’re getting hired too –
as most of these insane illustrations are for bands or other clothing lines.
When you see their success and the sheer amount of love they’re getting, don’t
feel bad. In fact, give them props for being so amazing and then go do your own
thing. You don’t need to have an uncanny sense of anatomy, lighting, linework,
and attention to detail. That stuff is important but there is still a market, a big
one, for simpler and more graphic-based tees.
Graphic Based Tees VS Illustration
So what’s better? Graphic-based tees or illustrated ones? It depends on who
you ask! Visit various t-shirt communities and you’ll see they’re made up of
users who appreciate different styles. As trends come and go, you’ll see these
communities evolving with them. As one gets tired of a trend, another site will
pick it up and put its own spin on it.
There’s no “better” answer. People still look at t-shirts as a medium for art and
for a message. There is no question that the t-shirt itself is here to stay. When
you wear a t-shirt with an image or text on it, you’re saying something about
yourself. You’re sending a message to all those who see it. The message may
be simple like “I like this band.” Or “I love New York.” You might also just think
that the style or the imagery represents your interests and makes you feel part
of something bigger than yourself.
So the message is important. Does a hand drawn illustration get your message
across better? Or does your icon enclosed in a circle say what you want to say?
Remember, what does your audience like? What do they respond to? What do
YOU like? There’s room for both and those who can’t draw should never be discouraged,
even if illustration and zombies are the tee du-jour.
Designing for Tees 37