Angel Army T
For my first release I decided on a garment I’d designed that was simple, not too ornate or made with fabrics that are hard to get your hands on. I also chose a garment everyone has worn before at least once and is already comfortable with; a T-shirt.
When the idea first came to me, I envisioned a white unisex short-sleeved T with black letters across the front that read “just visiting” and in back, in black as well, a pair of wings spanning the shoulder blades. What was made for sale resembles almost exactly my initial sketches, certainly the essence of what I had put down. It’s nice when things, for the most part, come out the way you plan. While I was very pleased that this happened, I’m fairly certain that this won’t happen with every garment I release since I know from experience that all too often many factors come into play during the process between envisioning it in your mind and holding the final product in your hands.
It was important the fabric of the shirt be soft yet durable and not shrink after washing. For this first production run I went with a 100% pre-shrunk ringspun cotton. The cut is unisex with a crew-neck collar. I welcome your feedback so if you’d like to see the Angel Army T available in different cuts, styles and colors please let me know!
Along the way, I was introduced to a myriad of printing processes: direct to garment, direct to film, vinyl heat transfer, dye-sublimation, silk screen and embroidery. Despite so many options to choose from I thought it would be best if the shirt be screen-printed mostly because of its durability. Screen-printing involves the use of either a water-based ink or special ink called plastisol, which is a mixture of ink and a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin suspended in a plasticizer. I chose to use plastisol. This ink will not air dry, it must be cured through a machine, and the result is a print that is flexible and withstands cracking easily.
Upon meeting with screen-printer and business owner, Doug, at Squeegee Sharks in Atlanta Georgia, I knew this was where I was going to print the Angel Army T. Not only was he friendly and responsive, but he was also very accommodating, and his workspace is impressive. It was clear that he is good at what he does.
Features
So, what does the Angel Army T represent? Don’t take life too seriously and get caught up in your day to day so deeply you’ll miss the big picture. Don’t stand for large brands. Stand for yourself. Stand behind what or who you believe in and have the courage to act upon it every day. As bad as it might get, try not to fret. Maybe you think it’s impossible that you’ll be able to achieve X,Y or Z. Maybe you have lost someone so dear and it may be hard to even imagine being able to move on. Maybe you have a disability or a disorder and you feel no one could ever understand what you have to deal with. Or you have a crush on someone who has unknowingly left you with a broken heart. No matter what has, hasn’t or will happen, make your life count while trying to keep it light-hearted and fun. We’re all angels on earth visiting for a moment in time. This shirt is a reminder and statement to you and others. Now, go get your wings!
The making of
Care & Wash
- Machine wash warm, inside out, with like colors.
- Use only non-chlorine bleach.
- Tumble dry medium or air dry.
- Do not iron on print.
Name & Icon Background
I knew that when the time came to begin fabricating and selling my designs I would need to decide upon a name and probably an icon too. I had a few company ideas in mind, READ MORE >>
