Roots

I quite like the Roots design. I'm not sure how this design came about, though. It was a moment of wanting something simple yet complex, and it developed before me with little thought about where we were going. This is what I ended up with: Roots, with dark pastel high lights.

This design looks better on lighter shirts, me thinks. This off-white, barely grey shirt is my favorite. I'm also a fan of how it fits on many of the other products, especially the notebooks and water bottles.

I look forward to more designs with a little more flair than just text; although, I do enjoy playing with the text-based designs best. Sometimes, outside of other craft and design projects, a design fits best in the RedPress family even when it does not focus on text.

Look for this design and more in the RedPress Shop, and follow us on instagram @RedPressPrints or on here for many more designs to come!

Please Do Not Hug Me Ever

Random hugging is odd, especially when it's the socially acceptable thing and implied. Why are you trying to touch me? I don't know you, bro.

Please do not hug me. It's a simple request. Whether it's a social awkwardness, a sensory difference, or personal boundaries that do not leave room for random hugging... I'm wearing this to the next extended family reunion. Totes.

I've never understood the need to hug people who are unfamiliar, or even how people want to pat heads or shoulders or hug children. Hugging and snuggling has been scientifically shown to increase positive emotions and help little ones to thrive... but that can be saved for close family and friends. No unfamiliar family or acquaintances need apply, please.

This text design can be purchased from the RedPress Store on bags, shirts, sweatshirts, and so much more! Check it out by clicking here!

Warning: Random Dance Moves May Occur

For when you gotta dance it out, warn others that you will, in fact, dance at random.

This design is available on shirts for the young  and young at heart, on notebooks for lyrical and musical ramblings, and on a variety of other products. Check it out by going to our RedPress Shop.

We even have cute little onesies available for the wiggly little dancers you know! Check out this cute little shirt! Little ones are the best for busting out a move at the randomest of times. Support their muscle building movements and join in the random dance moves!

Warning: Too Tired, No Filter

Ya know days (weeks? months?) when you're just too tired to monitor your own mouth? Here's to those times!

The full text reads:

WARNING: I am too TIRED to have any Filter. Approach at your own risk.

Sometimes it's a new job, or overtime at the same job. Sometimes it's a new child or pet, or a family member who has the flu. Sometimes it's a heavy class schedule or exam week. Sometimes it's simply a lack of sleep with no simple explanation. Let everyone know when you're having one of these days with a shirt or hoodie with this design. 

Notebooks and stickers are my favorite products for this type of design.Check them out at the RedPress Shop by clicking here!

Warning: Does Not Contain Cerebro-Audio Filter Device

Sometimes I have no brain mouth filter, no cerebro-audio filter, and no words to brain with the thinking before. This shirt design is for those times.

We all know that child or adult who has yet to learn to think before speaking, whether it's occasional mouth diarrhea or constant "Did I just hear that!?" moments. Get them -- and those around them -- the gift of awareness and reminder with a bag, phone case, blanket, skateboard, or apparel. 

Scarlet Onagers Guild Design

The Scarlet Onager Guild of Oregon is raising funds for next year by selling their logo on Threadless. As the designer of the logo, RedPress has added it to their store to help spread the word.

The Scarlet Onagers are a Volunteer Guild for Canterbury Renaissance Faire in Salem, Oregon. Funds from their Vending Booth at Canterbury helps pay for expenses related to the Faire. These expenses include buying inventory for the next year, buying camping and vending equipment, and feeding Scarlet Onagers and other Faire Volunteers.

This past year a much needed French Press, Tea Kettle, and a camp stove were added to the equipment inventory. This coming year, the Scarlet Onager Board hope to expand vending inventory, buy fabric to create  a couple new spare uniforms, and perhaps buy a camping shower and curtain.

Help the Scarlet Onagers out! Buy a shirt, sticker, or a variety of other products with the Scarlet Onager Logo. There are also other ways to help, as well. Check out their Blog here, or like and share their Facebook page here!

Science Is Important

In an ever-changing society, it is important to see science as the key to the constant, the knowledge and the truth. Show your support for science with this design!

I'm still discovering different products in the Threadless family and what designs and dimensions looks good on each product added to the line up. As always, I love hearing thoughts, opinions, and suggestions about designs and products. Feedback is welcome and appreciated.

Skateboards!? They're not badly priced on Threadless, and for this I was happily surprised. The deck only is around $60 which is standard pricing for basic designs from non-known designers around my town. The complete basic set is around $110 which is on the higher end of the normal range for my area. For this, it makes sense to find hardware around you to see if purchasing only a deck and building it yourself is more cost effective.

Science Brings Skills

In the name of science, learn a new skill! With the internet and all it's articles and videos, putting together a skateboard for the first time can be simple yet satisfying.

Check out this and many other designs on skateboards, hoodies, and more products by visiting the Red Press Threadless Shop!

No Worries: I Got This!

This is a very common saying in my house. "You've got this" and "I've got this" are excellent ways to boost confidence when a little wary.

Shirts & Tapestries

I really like the motion and slant of this design, as well as the simplicity. This design goes well on both apparel and as a tapestry or poster. It looks adorable on kids and empowering on adults. I'm also really excited that Threadless has a tapestry option. I really like the tapestry option that is about 3' x 2' and under $22.

A Bright, Happy Green

The background of the tapestry is a bright green. To me this color represents concepts as simple as "green means go" and positive forward motion, but also is a bright, happy color full of child-like energy. I am really looking forward to having a bright green banner with this design. I might put it in our extra room where kids staying with us sleep and play.

I Like It When I'm Funny

You know that time when you were so funny you cracked up about it? Go on and appreciate your own funny along with everyone else. It was a good one. You deserve to laugh, too!

This design even comes in kid sizes... because who cracks up more at their own jokes, right? It's adorable. Let's encourage the giggles and funnies.

My spouse requested this one. Here's to you, baby, and for all the other funny adults that crack up like kids every time they lay out a really funny one-liner that even surprises themself. My little brother does the same thing! We'll be sitting at a family gathering, just chatting, and each one-liner, sarcastic comeback, cerebral exclamation, and physical misstep gets giggles from all involved... including the one who spoke it or performed it.

So, go on: laugh with everyone. We like it when you're funny, too!

If you want to purchase this design, for yourself or someone else, please do so with kindness in mind. You can find this design for sale by following this link to the Red Press Threadless Shop.

Just Business

With prices of goods going up so much faster than wages, sometimes it's hard to remember: it's just business.

Inspiration For Design

I have a few businesses and hobbies where I have sole responsibility or share the responsibility in setting prices. This is hard to do, and sometimes it means dropping a product in it's conception phase. All these ideas of things I want to create and put out there are just not within my reach for price-points anyone (including me) is willing to pay.

Business Motivations

I can't imagine how some small businesses keep their storefronts open, the lights on, the insurance paid, and the employees happy: I appreciate and envy them for figuring it out and making it work. I'm a fan of low profit margins in my own businesses, and that comes from my personal motivations more than anything else.

All businesses I have my hand in are low-overhead and efficient by design. I attempt to keep material costs proficiently balanced in terms of quality and cost, then I add a small percentage for my time and effort. I like the extra money -- don't get me wrong -- but I'm much more motivated by the knowledge products I had a hand in are out there, being used and appreciated. It still costs money though: materials, equity tied up in stock on hand, storage space until it is ordered, shipping costs, booth & storefront fees, perks for employees or volunteers. I'm willing to take the cut and spend the time; whatever it takes to get it out there!

It is, at the end of the day, just business. Sometimes business costs a pretty penny, and we should remember that. That small business owner is just trying to keep the doors open and feed the family.

Want to have this printed on a sign, shirt, or something else? Check out Red Press Print's Artist Shop on Threadless.

Happiness is Measured in Caffeine

Coffee, Tea, or Soda?

Pick your caffeine, but don't be under caffeinated: decaf is for quitters! I know I'm a bit grumpy if I haven't had either sleep or caffeine. It helps kickstart my day and keeps me motivated throughout the day. We could all use a little caffeine now and then. 

Which way do you take your caffeine? Are you a jittery coffee bug like me? A well digesting tea drinker? A sugared up soda sipper? Or prefer the dash of caffeine in the form of a well crafted chocolate bar? 

Shameless Advertising: 

You can grab a shirt with this design from our Threadless Artist Shop. Do you need a stretch canvas sign to advertise your addiction and happiness? That's in there, too! Phone covers are also in the mix.  Click here to see the design 'Happiness is Measured in Caffeine!"

Happiness is Measured in Songs

Music for Days

Whether you need background noise or a 30 second dance party: happiness is measured in songs. Everything I do is made more enjoyable by music. As I type this, music plays in the background. Everything from classical concertos to modern pop, swing to Gregorian chants, rock to dubstep; music is amazing.

Apparel & Accessories

Alert everyone to your love of all that is music: click here to check out the design "Happiness is Measured in Songs."

Happiness is Measured in Picas

 

Graphics, Text, & Happiness

For everyone who enjoys typing, drawing, correcting, organizing, or any of the other tasks of graphic design: happiness is measured in picas. Each and every part of an image in it's place, after zooming impossible far and correcting with taps of the shift and then arrow alone: happiness.

Each Pica Counts

After many collaborative projects, I giggle about how a non-designer watches in despair as graphic parts are moved by the point, pica, and pixel. It does matter! We see it, and we know our fellow designers -- either by profession, education, or hobby -- will see it as well. Advertise what we all know to be true: every pica truly does matter.

The Merchandise

Like what you see? Head on over to Threadless and check out our many Happiness related graphics. And remember: happiness is measured in picas

Why Threadless?

I discovered Threadless when I was looking into merchandise platforms for Bellingham Game Company’s logo and pending game releases. After reading many reviews, I was hesitant, but thorough research has shown me that Threadless had a rough patch when switching from printing in runs and printing on demand (Introducing: Artist Shops!). This bump in the road is completely understandable to me, especially since they were quick to respond and begin repairing their business and reputation.

Nickel and Dime Up

The profit margin isn't great on Threadless because the base costs are a little high per item, but I set my margin fairly low... so it is also a my fault. I would much rather see my stuff out there than make a bunch of money; although, some money is nice. The Red Press brand is just a hobby and an outlet for me to create graphics, order prints of my own graphics, and click a box for others to wear the same design if they wish.

Artist Shops

It is fairly easy to set up an Artist Shop on Threadless. Create an account and upload a design. You can mess around with logos and banners, or you can skip those. There are simple templates for layout, fonts, and colors of the shop so you can keep the setup simple and get to what you want: put mah stuff on shirts!

They have an interesting mix of products: typical shirts & hoodies, coffee cups, stickers, skateboards, phones, duffel bags & backpacks, towels, pillows, shower curtains, stretched canvas and other wall mounts. Once your image is uploaded (per the specs clearly laid out or any of the supplied templates), select the items and colors you want available. This can all be changed at any time, but the image placement editor is quite a bit buggy. Remember to slate a little extra time and be patient for this part.

Work Together

Threadless also has the option to list another account as a "collaborator" on a particular design.  This means you and a buddy can each have shops, but also work on something together and give each other credit. Have great ideas, but not the right software and know-how to add the finishing touches? Work with a buddy, agree on a profit split, and have them list you as a collaborator! Threadless will then deal with splitting the profits each time a sale is made. Teamwork made easy!

Show Me Yours?

Do you have an artist shop? On Threadless or Cafepress or another platform? Comment below and link your shop! Free advertising! :)

There is No "Marriage" in Board Games!

Game Night

My family is incredibly into Game Night. Even as most of us are adults, we routinely schedule weekly game nights. Bringing new friends, and even a couple spouses into the routine, we've had to explain many a house rule. The main of such rules routinely yelled across the table is "There is no marriage in board games!" or, similarly, "There is no marriage in card games!"

Whether we're playing our vicious version of full-blood Settlers of Catan or fighting across a lively game of Skip-bo. Casual game play is everything but casual to our family: there's excitement, loud debates that end in giggles and shoulder slaps, and always an abundance of snacks. One thing is not present though: the link of marriage that may get you to side with a spouse or plead the fifth for a spouse on a rule debate or similar argument.

And it is true, isn't it? In a game, all wits are about, and friends & family become either adversaries or partners. During the game, it is all about the game: employ strategies, make and break pacts, and do your best to win. Just remember, even in marriage: No one wants your flock of sheep!

Marriage Goals

Do you need a shirt to remind your spouse that all is fair in love and games? You can purchase one now from RedPress.threadless.com if needed. Another possibility would be to purchase a throw pillow in order to gently beat some sense into them betwixt rounds.

Believe in Nessie

Do You Believe?

There is a new design in Red Press Artist shop on Threadless. Believe in Nessie!

This graphic was a bit of an accident. In working on another graphic still in progress, a mis-step in editing vector points led to the start of it. Even in my frustration of learning a new vector editing software, I couldn't help but laugh upon seeing the silhouette of the Lochness Monster upon my graphic.

Prior to correcting the graphics, I copied Nessie here into a new file. As I wrapped up the other project, I came back to Nessie and added a few simple flourishes. Once complete, Nessie was posted to the Red Press Threadless Artist Shop, and is now released to roam about on shirts, hoodies, phones, and notebooks!

Check out the Nessie graphic in the Red Press Artist Shop by clicking HERE!

New Opening!

Our Artist shop is just starting out. Feel free to comment or message with suggestions on what products you'd like to see with this print, what you think of this print, or anything really. I'm always game for a good conversation starter!

Opener

Here I plan to post Photos and Graphics for Print, as well as discuss a wide variety of graphic, design, and typography related topics. I’ll discuss the inspiration for graphics, the wont to add too many details, and how things are going in general. I’m trying to keep this outlet simple, clean... well as far as designs go!

If all goes as planned, this will be a blogged portfolio of sorts aimed at simplicity.

Graphics ready for print will be posted for sale at RedPress.threadless.com

 Happy viewing. :)