A Reality Check for New T-shirt Graphic Artists
I feel like I got a slap when one reader post this comment after my post on artist-friendly T-shirt label, Artcotic. On this post, I was basically suggesting that graphic artists who are new to world of T-shirt design to be picky in selling their artworks; especially when it comes to copyrights terms and compensation.
My suggestion was based on my observation that are “healthy” demands for graphic arts from vendors and clothing labels for these artworks. However, this case may not always be true for all. One reader, who preferably wanted to be called “anonymous”, wrote his/her experience of “sub-par” artists dilemma on whether to sell their designs to labels or by themselves. Here’s just the conclusion of the comment
…A shirt printer is not going to discriminate against you for a lack of reputation, so if they see your work and aren’t throwing offers your way then get a clue — you’re no Shepard Fairey, at least not yet. If you offer your work to Threadless, DBH, Uneetee, Woot, etc. and it doesn’t win anywhere take the hint, then take whatever you can get for your sub-par design. Make yourself some money, work on your craft, and maybe someday you can start being picky about who you work for, like guys like Jimiyo and Ray Frenden do. Be smart, not smug. (the complete version can be read here)
I really want to hear the voice of other artists who are struggling to bring themselves and their designs to the level where online shoppers could, at least, notice the existence of their works.
Although I’m not a graphic artists myself (or even the successful one), I really hope that I could help them — at least some rough tips. Or maybe, we can do some interviews of successful designers and ask how they make it. Hmm, that sounds like a good idea.
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Truth:
Success as a t-shirt designer doesn’t usually have a lot to do with creativity or artistic ability. It usually has more to do with marketing ability and ability to capitalize on trends. I will grant you that there are some limits to how atrocious your design skills can be, but not a lot in my experience.
So here is what tee designers have to consider, are they willing to capitalize on trends regardless of their artistic point of view and can they market. If yes to both of those questions, they don’t actually need Threadless, etc. They can make some cash doing those two things running their own label.
If they want to do the occasional one off design without putting up the cash/time to market, sure go ahead and sell designs to printers. It’s definitely less work if you just want to be seen, but it’s far from necessary.
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