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.