Graphic T-Shirt Project

1. What was your job for this project?

My job for this project was to create a vintage-looking design for the Seattle-based company, Elephant Super Car Wash. The shirt was to be sold at Urban Outfitters this coming fall.

1. What was the design process you took to complete the project? Please list your steps below.

The first thing I did for this project was to look up the company. Its actual sign features a hot pink elephant, so I knew I should incorporate the central color. Then, I began to search for other ideas that pertained to the company, including elephants and car washes. After a few trials, I created my final idea: an elephant blowing a bubble that features the name of the company within it. I then moved my sketch from pen and paper to Illustrator. After perfecting my design, I tried out different color schemes and finally settled on navy blue and light pink. I then cut out the shapes that were printed on the vinyl, and finally heat pressed the design onto my shirt.

1. What did you find most challenging about your design?

The largest quandary I faced while designing was really creating the design. At first, it was difficult to keep the corporate identity while also trying to give it a “vintage feel,” as well as creating something people would actually want to wear.

1. If you can change one thing about your design what would you change?

If I could change one thing about my project, I would find a more unique way to incorporate the year it was established, as well as its location. It looks ok on the sleeve, but I may have been able to find a more creative place to place it.

5. What do you think makes a good graphic t-shirt design?

I think a good graphic t-shirt design is obviously based off of the initial design. If the original design isn’t perfect, the idea will not be fully exhibited and will therefore not be fully pleasing. It additionally must be creative and different, so that it will stand out from designs similar to it.