Teefury

A word from the curator:
What makes a bonsai tree so special? Is it the small size, or is it instead the attention to detail and the precise way it is shaped and grown? If the latter, imagine the power of a massive tree, every inch of which is planned...

Tell us the background of this design.
The little figurines that are used in bonsai are called Mudmen.  I thought it would be cool to show these little guys in poses that you don't traditionally see, and I actually have a whole series of designs like this one.  For this drawing in particular, I was thinking about the relationship between humans and the earth.  It's in our nature to care for the earth.  It was only in the last 100 years or so that people were overwhelmed by greed & technology and started to harm it.  So hopefully this shirt has a bit of a positive message, like a reminder to think about your impact on the world.

How did you get started designing t-shirts?
Honestly, I saw woot mentioned on G4's Attack of the Show one day and decided to check it out.  I'd been drawing my whole life, was working as a freelance graphic designer, and thought it looked like fun.  I had lots of designs and sketches, but never thought of putting them on a shirt up until then.  Turns out I like it more than anything else I've done.

What advice would you offer to aspiring designers?
When you're working for a client you have to do what they want, and sometimes that's not what you think is best, but with shirts it's pretty much up to you.  So always do work that means something to you, that way no matter what reaction you get, you'll be happy with what you've created. 

What would be your dream job?
Anything where I'm able to be creative and receive enough of a reward for it that I can keep doing it.  And I'd like to be able to go outside a couple hours a day.

What are your feelings on genetic engineering?
If I can genetically engineer a miniature pet koala that purrs and can swim underwater, I'm all for it.  Or a sea turtle that's small enough to live in my aquarium.  If not, I'm strictly opposed to it.

Do you prefer cars, boats, planes or trains?
Boats.  So I can take that mini koala out diving with me.

Lennon vs. McCartney: who would win the battle?
I don't want them fighting.  What happened to We Can Work It Out?

Describe your favorite shirt that you own, and why you like it so much.
I should say any of my own designs, of course.  I have a Billabong shirt I love that's an amazing shade of jungle green.  I've never seen another tee this color.  It has their logo on it in neon pink, blue, yellow & green and it's distressed.  Very 80s.  I just love the colors on it, they're so full of life.

What was your favorite as a kid: comics, cartoons, or movies? Was there a specific title you liked most of all?
I remember coming home from school everyday and watching Darkwing Duck.

What are a few of your favorite websites?
http://design-milk.com/
http://theprettyfaces.com/
Um... I don't know, I'm out...