I miss my feline friend.

RIP
Onyx Blackman
Dec 1999 ~ Feb 2007

May you sleep upon my giant lap in the sky.

so far, my last 3 entries have been declined. they have all been 2 color designs, submitted on the proper template, within file size restrictions, and very screenprintable.

anyone else had a streak of declined submissions? i have one more design in limbo...if that gets rejected i'll probably take matters into my own hands and just shell out the $40 and go to my local screenprinter.

are there any threadless members who know the sure-fire rules to submission approval? seriously...whats a guy got to do to get into the running?

let me set a little background...

im an employed graphic artist working for a national newspaper company who has a degree in illustration and another in graphic design. ive been in the field for over 10 years. my submissions may not be the best, but one who does not donate to the soup cannot complain about its taste.

when i browse the subs here i look for concept, originality, execution. most of the subs i see here (including my own) lack in at least 2 of these categories. i want to see something new or bold or interesting on a t-shirt.

lately i have been scoring pretty low. is it just me or are there too many 5 minute submissions?

let me break it down for you:
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skulls (unless beautifully rendered or originally used) get a zero without question.
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images that are obviously products of a single photoshop filter get a zero without question.
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images that appear as if a 2 year old created them. i dont mean a 'childrens type illustration' but a crude mess that someone wants to call art gets a zero without question.
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images which have a clear concept without needing to read the title are scored higher. these types of designs are scored higher because they offer the solution to the problem.
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designs that utilize space effectively and consider color theory are scored higher.
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submitters who post a quick synopsis of the work are scored higher due to the fact they know what they are doing, and therefore have respect for art.
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submitters who are frequently submitting quality work are scored higher. they appreciate good art when they see it.
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designs with 'catchy phrases' are generally scored lower due to the fact the phrase itself is stereotypically cheesy.
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designs which mock propoganda, the government, typography, and the future are generally scored higher because i enjoy that sort of thing.
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designing t-shirts is like advertising. viewers have about 3 seconds if they are lucky to comprehend your message/image. all i'm asking for is a little more concept, some more work, and a lot less people submitting at the drop of a hat.

stay tuned for more...i have lots of free time at my job.

up and coming submission.

click here for a full screen view


this is a new style for me...picked it up from a guy at work.
drop some comments if you like.