Teefury

A word from the curator:
Nick's abstract style combines grungey imagery with great color choices. Two lines collide fiercely, and the resulting design looks almost like a star exploding.

Tell us the background of this design.
I really enjoy drawing filigree/flourishes, but after the saturation of the flourish vector packs it became taboo, even if you made it from scratch. This is an older design and was the first I did after getting flack for filigree designs. It's sort of born of frustration, which gives it a bit of an authentic chaos. Luckily I can still paint filigree by hand and nobody will accuse me of using an acrylic clipart pack.

How did you get started designing t-shirts?
I started designing t-shirts and really understanding the process at my job in the promotional products industry. I started designing t-shirts for fun on shirt.woot around their fourth derby.

What advice would you offer to aspiring designers?
Listening has been the most valuable thing for me. Find talented artists and designers and listen to them. Ask about their experiences, motivations, whatever it takes to get them to talk about their lives and their art. Join forums online and start asking questions if you don't know anyone personally. Also, like anything else in life, practice.

What would be your dream job?
I'd love to own my own business (I'm trying, unsuccessfully), but any creative field would be great as long as the environment is relaxed and constantly inspires creativity. If I have a lot to learn from talented coworkers that's a huge bonus.

What are your feelings on space travel?
I look forward to being stuck with a couple robots watching terrible movies and making hilarious comments.

Do you prefer The Sopranos, The Wire, or Six Feet Under?
Six Feet Under

A tank vs. a dragon: who would win the battle?
If it's a Komodo dragon I think the tank would just squash it effortlessly. If a dragon of myth, I suspect we'd need to have a pretty great knight in our tank. Do we?

Describe your favorite shirt that you own, and why you like it so much.
I had a DBH print that I've really loved... When I first started submitting to contests I made a goal for myself to get printed there in a certain amount of time and I met that goal. It was a big deal to me.

What was your favorite as a kid: comics, cartoons, or movies? Was there a specific title you liked most of all?
As a kid it was cartoons, but there were too many favorites to pick just one.

What are a few of your favorite websites?
Ffffound, google, design contest sites, wikipedia

Any shout outs?
Coworkers, friends, family