From Print-On-Demand To Brick & Mortar: An Interview With Illustrator David Olenick

by Michael Essek   ·   Updated: March 7, 2020

There aren’t many T-Shirt designers whose work is as recognisable as that of David Olenick. 

David is a T-Shirt OG – and his quirky, pun-heavy designs have been a hit across multiple platforms and products since he started submitting to Threadless in 2012. 

In this interview David spills the beans on his journey and his methods – whilst sharing a wealth of advice for aspiring artists – plus some of his predictions for the future of our industry. 

Enjoy! 

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“Let’s Summon Steven” – An Interview With Retro T-Shirt Illustrator Steven Rhodes

by Michael Essek   ·   Updated: May 27, 2020

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will already be familiar with the work of Steven Rhodes. (heck, you probably own a shirt or two).

Steven has had an incredible couple of years, due to his hilariously dark and perfectly illustrated takes on 70s and 80s style children’s books.

He’s dominated all the major print-on-demand sites, and has broken out beyond the internet to see his work sold in Hot Topic and Spencers stores across America.

I’ve admired Steven’s work and watched his growth from afar, and he was recently kind enough to answer some questions from nosy old me.

So without further ado – and with lights off and candles flickering ominously – I hereby summon Steven:

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“It’s Not Art – It’s A Business” – An Interview With Print-On-Demand T-Shirt Artist Tobe Fonseca

by Michael Essek   ·   Updated: July 1, 2020

Tobe Fonseca is a real T-Shirt Artist OG – with over 10 years experience in the Print-On-Demand T-Shirt world.

With top-selling designs on Threadless, Teefury, Redbubble and Teepublic – and new designs dropping all the time – he’s someone that all T-Shirt designers can learn something from.

Tobe was kind enough to share his experiences and advice – especially around what it takes to grow a sustainable business from your T-Shirt designs in the world of Print-on-demand – and about the transition from being a one-man-band to overseeing a team of other illustrators.

Read on and enjoy!

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“Draw Until Your Back Hurts” – An Interview With Best-Selling T-Shirt Artist Vincent Trinidad

by Michael Essek   ·   Updated: May 27, 2020

Vincent Trinidad is a natural-born artist – and his creative output is nothing short of staggering.

For the past few years he’s focused that talent on designing T-Shirts, and he’s achieved enviable success.

Chances are you’ve seen his designs somewhere – from his bestsellers on Threadless, Teepublic, TeeFury and others to Redbubble’s Christmas Marketing Campaign, or even on Samuel L Jackson’s chest.

Vincent is not just a highly skilled artist – he’s also proved himself to be a brilliant ‘ideas man’ – producing original work that sells consistently, alongside pop culture inspired designs.

Vincent has been a valued member of my Facebook group since the early days – and was recently kind enough to answer some questions and share his advice for T-Shirt designers everywhere.

I’ve summarised some takeaways at the end of the post – where you’ll also find links to Vincent’s stores and social media.

OK – let’s get to it!

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Artist Interview: Michael Buxton AKA DinoMike

by Michael Essek   ·   Updated: May 27, 2020

Have you ever had a great idea, turned it into a great design – and then had someone else copy it, sell it under an official license, and then turn around and demand royalties from YOU??!?!

Michael Buxton has!

Michael (AKA ‘DinoMike’) is a fellow UK native who has been at the online T-Shirt game for over 6 years – with bestselling designs on Threadless, TeeFury, and of course all over Redbubble and Teepublic.

Mike was kind enough to answer some questions from me – and I think there’s a lot of great value in here for both the newbie and the seasoned T-Shirt designer alike.

I’ll share some quick thoughts at the bottom of this article – where you can also find links to Michael’s stores and social media.

Enjoy!

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