Surreal Emu

Collaboration between Travis Price and Any Forty

Seriously cool, limited edition and truly unique - what more could you ask for? I can't make up my mind if this multi eyed emu is the result of genetic engineering gone mad or a covered up toxic spill. You can make up your own story. 

Reckoning

Reckoning by cpagoaga

The compact disc ushered in the digital era and revolutionized entire industries, replacing cassette tapes, records, floppy discs and vhs tapes. We are now at the point where the cd itself is becoming obsolete. Will those forgotten technologies that were sacrificed by the discs meteroric rise now seek their revenge? Will anyone care about the once loved shiny circle?

Brains! Brains! Brains!

Brains! Brains! Brains! from Death, Shred!

There are a lot of zombie themed tees around yet this one caught my eye for one reason, the lack of a zombie. We don't even see the gun wielding hero. Instead we see the damsel character, which I find a really interesting choice. These days this is considered a bit politically incorrect and most artists would portray the woman as a heroine instead. This shirt stays true to its retro theme and I love it for that. Available in both mens and womens styles.

Pipe Dream

Pipe Dream from Fullbleed

On the surface the idea of a visual mash up of an eclipse and a skateboarder seems ridiculous, yet in reality it is brilliant. I think a lot of that has to do with the way the colors have been handled. The silhouette colors of the skater in the pipe have been reversed, mimicking the way the usually bright sun has been turned dark.

Across The Pond

Across The Pond by Beadler Works

Simple and poignant this tee packs a visual punch. While the overall shape resembles a water drop, the circle of night sky calls to mind a full moon even though there isn't one shown. It is a very subtle way of bringing depth to this melancholy scene.

The Immoral Compass

The Immoral Compass by Phil Wheeler

Beware the man that uses the immoral compass as a guide in life. Mimicking an old illustration of a compass, this shows us that sinful choices are everywhere. Keeping with the nautical theme tentacles are entwined throughout, which is vaguely unsettling, in much the same way that sea monsters on old maps are. It is the center of the helm where it all comes together, with a little shading giving the impression of an eye staring at you. Intentionally creepy and perfect for this design.

Killer Queen

Killer Queen from Ultra

The artwork on this tee is fairly open to interpretation. The character may be a robot, human, alien or something else entirely. The most intriguing thing for me is that the mask appears to be floating, as if there is nothing in the armor. It makes me think some spiritual presence like a demon is at work.

Delicious Pops

Delicious Pops from Denada

The torture of constantly being bombarded with images of happy people eating things (by insidious advertising agencies) has made me fall instantly in love with this tee. Turning the tables and showing a happy ice cream eating people illustrates the absurdity of the ads we see everywhere.

Death in the Stars

Death in the Stars from 604 Republic

I really like tees that come out of left field but this one made me laugh too. Double win. Turning the Death Star into the Grim Reaper is very clever in itself yet it is the detail that makes it. The most noticeable is the light saber scythe. On a deeper level all stars are death dealers. These giant balls of flaming gas will kill you if you get too close, are exposed to their radiation or go supernova.

Slices Of Wolf

Slices Of Wolf by Nicolas Barrome

I am not sure how to describe this. It is quirky, surreal and has a touch of humor. I really like the slice in the wolf's forehead revealing a pea for a brain. The style of the illustration, with the crossed eyes and tongue poking out, turn what should be a macarbe scene into something almost cute. There is something about this that appeals to me at a deep level and that is what art is all about.

Ruin

Ruin by Dan Mumford

There are certain artists that have such a unique style that you can instantly recognise their work. Dan Mumford is one of those people. His work is always amazingly detailed and has a brilliant sense of light and shadow. The main problem is that small images on the net just can't do it enough justice.

Broken Blade

Broken Blade by Brian Luong

This is an example of a simple idea done really well. Having a sword as not just a piece of the design, but the main focus would be a hard thing for most people to pull off. The artwork has to be exceptionally good for it to work. In this instance a limited color palette has been used to great effect. It not only makes the illustration the hero, it also gives it a classy vintage feel.

heartBEAT

heartBEAT by Dzeri29

This guy really puts the beat in heartbeat. Beyond a clever bit of word play it is the artwork that makes this so special. While an anatomically correct heart should be creepy this one has had the cuteness factor turned right up. The giant headphones and sunglasses set the tone while the arms, legs with shoes and gangster pout add a sense of personality.

Typography Tees

I don't feature a lot of typography tees because most of them just don't appeal to me. That said I do occasionally come across ones that I do like, like these four. Each is unique and featured for different reasons.

Famous Brand Logo from Words Brand really caught me off guard. Poking fun at the masses with their clone clothing, the bold type on red shirt really slams the message at your retinas.

Seven Deadly Sins by Jody Cummings is more art than typography. Using the sins in a flowing script to form a skull is a brilliant way to illustrate the concept. I love it.

Why Not from Random Objects really is a slogan for an interesting life. This is a great message we should all be taking note of. Who looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep?

Revosolution from Arquebus rounds out the collection. I chose this because, although simple, it really got me thinking. Do all revolutions lead to resolution? A staunch resolution can lead to revolution. Very clever concept tee.

Cosmic Elk

Cosmic Elk from Danger of Death

Ok so technically this is a sweatshirt, not a tee, but I could not resist featuring it. The linework is just incredible. It is the subject matter that really grabbed my attention though. At first glance it is just another animal skull design yet a closer look reveals a lot more. The most striking thing is the five extra eyes on the forehead, really taking the third eye idea to another level. When you add in the tentacles, arrows, moon, stars and everything else, then contain it in a coffin shape you end up with a truly interesting artwork that is fully open to individual interpretation.

Wolf Headdress

Wolf Headdress from Rook

Animal heads wearing a Native American style headdress are nothing new in the tshirt world but this one stands out for a couple of reasons. Firstly is the quality of the artwork. The pencil style illustration work on the face and feathers is superb. Secondly that green eye really pops against the monochromatic face. What I really like about it though is the intensity and fierceness of that snarl.

Generic Band Shirt

Generic Crazy Band Shirt by Justin White

This really made me laugh because I can relate. Lets face it I look at a lot of tees. There is a real trend of animals wearing an item of human clothing and it has been around for quite some time. Although many bands use the theme it is not confined just to that genre.

What Happens In Hell

What Happens from Felon Clothing

I spent 12 years working in the automotive industry, during which time I acquired a love of the hot rod and rockabilly culture. Do yourself a favour, go hang out with them and soak up the atmosphere. There is a real sense of community and fun amongst the music and fumes. This tee sums up that feeling perfectly. There is a cheekiness to the artwork which is very well done and polished, yet still shows a vintage flair and roughness.

The Mummy

The Mummy from The Horror Project

This has to be one of the most horrifying mummy themed tees out there. It really takes the idea of an unstoppable undead creature to the extreme. He has broken the chains that were binding him and is now coming it get you. This is no slowly shuffling monster either, he is moving so fast that his bandages are flying off. If death couldn't stop him do you really think you have any chance?

Seventh Ink Fifth Anniversary

Fifth Anniversary Tshirt from Seventh Ink

Seventh Ink are celebrating their fifth year and have released this limited edition tee for the occasion. I really like how this takes the animal headdress to another level. The bear has the shamans head in its mouth and although it looks ferocious and should be scary, it isn't. I attribute that to the determined expression on the shamans face. Without the fear the bear seems to be caressing, and the angry look is to warn off others.

Last Wish

Last Wish from Disturbia

If someone had described this tee to me I wouldn't have bothered to check it out. Generally I hate boxed edges on artwork and skulls have been done to death. This turns out to be the exception to the rule. I like how the art is cut into by the neck seam. It is something I have never seen before and it really stands out. There is a real hand drawn look which I find really compelling considering the crazy amount of detail. Ultimately it is the character itself that sells this for me. The pose and clothing bring to my mind Native Americans although I am not sure if that is what the artist intended. Lastly it is a skull tee that isn't black, a rarity in itself.

Samurai Koi Fish

Fish Samarie from Artanky

Two of the things Japan is most famous for are koi fish and the mighty samurai, so it makes sense to mash them into a character. I really like the cartoon style used here. It is fun, bright and colorful and looks great on a purple tee. Available in both mens and womens styles.

Leaders of the Free World

Leader's of the Free World by biteintoacloud

People in gasmasks is something that has been done many times. What makes this so unique is the placement of the artwork. It wraps around from the front onto the back. I really like this because on the side we see the boy and girl are holding hands. Unity in more ways than one.

Bubble Brain

Bubble Brain from We Live Here Too

I have just come across this company and I must say I am pretty impressed. We Live Here Too has a great ethic of community harmony and actively promote it through workshops, parties, live chats, street youth outreach projects and more. Founder Dahn came up with the concept after a damn horrific incident. He was bashed for walking down the street with his boyfriend, which left him with brain damage and a disability. This is his way of helping to make the world a better place. There are some terrific tees and the way the models are photographed with splashes of paint is fantastic. Head on over and check it all out for yourself.

Star Wars Fail

You would think that the number one Star Wars fan would recognise the Star Trek ship U.S.S. Enterprise on their tee. I am not sure where this is actually from. I came upon this photo on facebook.

Monty Python Concept

Monty Python Concept by Rob Duenas

In case you missed the concept part of the title this is another tee for the denial files. Artist Rob Duenas tried something different with the Monty Python theme but it was rejected. I find that a real pity because I would love to own one of these. Now run along and get me a shrubbery or I will say Ni !

Hellraiser

Hellraiser from Electric Zombie

Hold onto your hats horror fans because this may just be the best Jason Voorhees tee ever. The artwork is so good that you would normally only find it on a poster. I really like the reflection in the blade. The screaming woman is a nice hidden touch.

Paradox

Paradox by Jerry Maninang

One of the first things that caught my eye about this tee was how subtle it was for such a large print. The greys on the grey shirt with splashes of gold just look stunning. I am not too sure what the artwork represents, it may be alluding to a fantasy book, Mother Earth or something else entirely. This is a case of the old adage "I may not know art but I know what I like".

Fvneral Apparel

Fvneral Apparel

It's finally here. I have been waiting (pretty impatiently) for this brand to launch. Fvneral is the brainchild of artist Robert Borbas aka. Grindesign and features not just his work but also the likes of Craig Robson, Joshua Andrew Belanger and Niclas Mortensen. After lots of sneak peek teases on facebook it is great to have a good look at the designs. Make sure you head on over and have a look for yourself.

Klopenstein

Klopenstein by Skummie

A cyclops Frankenstien monster. I really don't need to say much more than that and to be honest I don't think I could come up with anything better than what is already on the site.

Mad scientist, Dr. Edward VanKlopenstein, sought to improve upon inferior designs of his predecessor's doomed experiments. He worked tirelessly in his super secret underground lab to create a superior monster.