I spend a lot of time here at premier developing t-shirts for various events and groups. It truly is an honor to be able to say, “I draw for a living”. Like most professional artist, I have developed a formula for creating these various t-shirt designs. Here is very simple look into that process.
The first thing to look at is the gathering of data. These details generally tend to include shirt color, content and the time allotted for that particular project. Step two is to assemble the amount of colors and develop a composition of elements. And the finally step is to prep the artwork for the final proof to show the client. Here at premier creative we have a lot of tools to help in each of these steps. There is a certain relative ease that comes into play when a formula is applied, but that doesn’t make my job any easier.
Art is a living breathing thing that is created to generate a reaction and be shared with others. Sure, I could turn out emotionless formulated designs that approach the viewer with a stale quality, but the advantage wouldn’t lay with myself or the client. Art needs to reflect the time and moment of creation. If applied correctly, artwork can be given life. How? Well, this is an elusive element to all artist, but they know it when it happens. I can assure that. It begins with inspiration. When an artist is inspired, it projects itself through the medium of choice. Think of it like this. How many of you have said, “I’ll believe it when I see it?” There is a reason photographs are so important to us. They are a snap shot of a moment in time. They have captured an emotion that can be revisited when ever it is looked upon. That is what art can do if the artist brings to the design a sense of passion and honesty. People are attracted to that realness, and it can transcend the medium and stir emotion.
Inspiration!
That’s what all this blabbering is about.
Here are a few links that push my own creative t-shirt buttons. I hope you enjoy 
LINKS:
A great site for inspiration! Plus, there are cash prizes and the winners shirts are printed and sold.
This is another great site that also allows you submit designs. Its great to look at and you can even join up with them (doesnt matter if you are an artist or not) and talk to the artist themselves or just chat. Its alot like social networking, which brings me to my next link.
This is a great site for finding ressources. There have been plenty of times I have found something in the resources section at emptees that has lend me to other cool sites with just a few clicks. Members can vote for “tee of the day” with “loves”. This can be quite addicting, let me warn you now.
Neil M
-Neil M.
Senior Graphic Designer, Premier Creative