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things because Johnny Cupcakes or Obey is doing it and it’s popular at the moment. Find your niche and stick to it. Some of the best and longrunning brands have their own aesthetic and still roll with the times, never straying from their own unique style and vision.” Hard Work Will Pay Off “Get over yourself, and do the work. Don’t be lazy. Laziness will not succeed,” says Brandon Rike. Furthermore, Kelly Kiernan of Cure Apparel recalls what the owner of a car dealership once told him, “While you’re ‘jerking off’ someone else is busting their ass for the things you want.” The owner stressed the importance being proactive and persistent. Kelly says, “He made a huge impression on me. Until that conversation I never realized that you need to actively pursue your goals. If you really want something, work for it. You can get it with desire, dedication and persistence.” Industry veteran Jamie Tallerico agrees, “Work hard! There are always people out there who really want it. Talent only goes so far.” Stay focused. Don’t get involved in distractions that keep you from your goals. Enjoy the fruits of your labor but don’t get lazy. Maxx242 says, “I try really hard not to let a lot of distraction come along. I don’t drink or smoke, I don’t go out a lot. If I’m not at my desk drawing or in front of my computer, I’m spending time with my family. Do what you love, and do it a lot. Always look for artistic growth, we all have growing to do.” Get Involved in the Community Adam Hendle from IATT says, “My biggest piece of advice would be to get involved in the community. There are so many helpful people, sites and resources at your fingertips that are there to help you. The absolute worst thing you can do is stay dormant. If you want people to take notice of you and your art you need to be visible.” THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley Design for Macbeth Footwear by Jamie Tallerico Kelly Kiernan suggests “Making it a habit of stopping by sites like Emptees [or Mintees] and getting involved in blogs and forums.” Dave Pearson from Paint the Stars adds, “It’s a great tool for designers and a lot of people owe a large chunk of their success to that website. I know that I probably wouldn’t have been hired half as many times without having a presence on that site.” Know Your History There’s nothing that irks industry veterans more than ignorant newbies that don’t understand and appreciate the history and culture of design. Whatever niche you’re in, do your research and be a “student of the game.” Justin Kamerer (Angryblue) says, “As a designer, I think it’s important to submerge yourself in pop-culture and the pop-culture from eras gone. Understanding what makes certain illustrations or typography represent an era and why, is really valuable for having versatility in your portfolio. What makes those designs tick? What lettering styles made soviet posters or french deco posters have the style that only they have? Once you understand those, you can take them and pervert them for your own deviant needs.” It’s Not Always about the Money If you’re entering this industry for the money, you’ve got the wrong attitude. “The secret to my success is love of clothes, networking, hard work, and a humble attitude. Be in love with what you do and it will show,” says Tallerico. Richard “Horsebites” Minino still can’t believe people pay him to do what he loves. “I’m getting paid to create art. If that’s not the craziest thing you’ve ever heard of then I don’t know what is. The ability to use your creative talents and share with the whole world no matter what medium is such a rare gift and privilege that rarely anyone gets to experience.” Conclusion & Next Actions 84
Ditch the Ego and Embrace Feedback Remember, you’re always learning and getting better. One of the best ways to make a bad impression is to get all upset at someone for judging your designs. Most people aren’t out to tear you down and it’s usually never personal. In the rare case it is, ignore it. Angryblue admits, “I think that the most important thing that has happened to me artistically is getting over worrying about a wounded ego. My partner in art-crime and I are really good at critiquing the hell out of each-other. “ Get out there and hustle! What are you waiting for? Stop reading this and make stuff happen! Whatever level you are at, make some strides today to get one step further. Want to break into retail? Why not email a few sales reps or stop by some local boutiques and talk to the owners? Want to boost your traffic to your online store? Try writing a guest article for a blog you love and give away some tees and a coupon code? Why not look over your branding to make sure things are consistent? Review your customer’s experience on your site and make sure there are no holes or hang ups. Want to finally start your own clothing line and pursue your own vision? Spend a few days writing down what’s important to you and what you can offer this world. Thank You! Contributors I want to thank all those who have contributed to this book. First and foremost my wife for the support and love she gives me every day and for being the spelling and grammar police. Thanks to Adam Wagner at Go Media for keeping my fire burning day in and day out during the creation of this book. Thanks to my partners Bill Beachy and Wilson Revehl for your ongoing support of my vision and passion to give back to the design community. Thanks to the rest of the staff here at Go Media for their patience while I made the book the best it could be. Thanks to all the unselfish designers and entrepreneurs for helping me come up with great content and ideas for this book. Specifically Jon Kruse, Adam Hendle, Mark Capicotto, Kelly Kiernan, Dave Pearson, Matt Wigham, Marc Hemeon, Munk One, LT Magnotto, Rikki B, Jamie Tallerico, Simon Hartmann, Richard Minino, Justin Kamerer, Ben Scrivens, Brandon Rike, and Maxx 242. THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley This is me, Jeff Finley. Get in touch! Ways to Connect If you have feedback, questions, or would like to say thanks, you can email me or find me on twitter. You might also want to check out my video tutorials. Share Your Story Post a blog about your experience after reading this book and tell me about it. I might want to link to your story as inspiration for others. It’s also some good exposure for you. Conclusion & Next Actions 85
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Copyright © 2011 Go Media Inc., Al
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CONTRIBUTORS Matt Wigham, founder o
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Designs for Fall Out Boy by Rob Dob
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“The Strain” by Angryblue THREA
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Your 3 Roles: The Artist, Designer,
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Keys to a Great Portfolio The most
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“Year of the Beard” designed by
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4 Tips When Contacting a New Client
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Other Tips for Avoiding Busters “
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“Great Job” by Rikki B offered
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work directly for the band - but th
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commercial nature or is for nonprof
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From what we learned, the client th
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Dave Pearson of Paint the Stars t-s
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5 Tips for Design Contest Success W
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“Eco” t-shirt design by Chris C
Page 34 and 35: Does it Sell? Another measuring sti
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Page 38 and 39: Affliction and MMA have heavily inf
Page 40 and 41: Dan Mumford has inspired many with
Page 42 and 43: T-shirt design for Slayer by Angryb
Page 44 and 45: Organizing Layers in Photoshop Laye
Page 46 and 47: This Despised Icon t-shirt is a gre
Page 48 and 49: Direct to Garment (DTG) This method
Page 50 and 51: Generally you want to order more S,
Page 52 and 53: Common Screen Size options Beerhat
Page 54 and 55: Design by Jeff Finley for Disciple
Page 56 and 57: Designs from Fright Rags “King”
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Page 64 and 65: Mailing Lists Another great way to
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Page 68 and 69: What You Need to Know about Selling
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Page 72 and 73: Giveaways and Freebies People like
Page 74 and 75: Johnny Cupcakes (top) and Shepard F
Page 76 and 77: Things you can outsource: • Art a
Page 78 and 79: This skate deck designed by Oliver
Page 80 and 81: Johnny Cupcakes Johnny Cupcakes is
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Page 88 and 89: Munk One I am 30 years old and have
Page 90 and 91: Dave Pearson My name is Dave Pearso
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Page 94 and 95: LT Magnotto My name is LT Magnotto,
Page 96 and 97: Rikki Burns I’m RikkiB, I’m 29
Page 98 and 99: They are up on (if not creating) th
Page 100 and 101: Spec Work One thing I would say abo
Page 102 and 103: Adam Hendle My name is Adam Hendle
Page 104 and 105: Ben Scrivens My name is Benjamin Sc
Page 106 and 107: This shirt was a collaboration betw
Page 108 and 109: When I was first starting out not a
Page 110 and 111: “The Hive” by Angryblue a total
Page 112 and 113: Brandon Rike My name is Brandon Rik
Page 114 and 115: Design for The Chariot by Brandon R
Page 116 and 117: Jon Kruse My name is Jonathan Kruse
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