Who is thunderbloke? And how did you first begin to design t-shirts?

The name ‘thunderbloke‘ started out as kind of a joke really, like a rubbish superhero or something. I was going through a bit of a rough patch at the time, unsure what I was doing in life. But then after a while it got me thinking that anyone can be a hero, that the greatest people ever to live started out as just average people. Imagining you have a super hero alter-ego kind of gives you something to aspire to! So my superpower is the ability to make people crack a smile I guess.

I was kind of reluctant to do t-shirts at first, from an anti-capitalist stand-point. But then I saw a video of Keith Haring wearing his own tees and I realised that a t-shirt is just a canvas, a way of taking your art with you. And what use is art if it’s in a gallery or on your wall at home? I realised that tees are just a medium of expression, like a personal billboard. And I’m a big fan of self-customisation, and a tee is kind of like a tattoo that you can change each day. Without the pain. Or the abuse from your parents.

Was designing t-shirts a natural progression from design work you’ve done previously?

Not at all! I started off just doodling and drawing cartoons and then scanning them in. I had never done any graphic design before, but I bought a graphics tablet and fortunately it was pretty easy to use. I’m a bit crude and Neanderthal in the way I work – there are a lot of fantastic creators who draw outstandingly complex designs, whereas I rely on a high energy and a witty idea. But it seems to work.

What has been your favourite design to date? & most succesful?

My personal favourite is “Smurf Dylan“. I love the idea of taking one of the greatest poets of all time, with his fantastically wild and spontaneous lyrics, and then butchering them. Greatest hits must surely include “Smurfing on Heaven’s Smurf” and “The Smurfs, They Are a-Smurfin’”, plus many more.

“Fear and Loathing in Bikini Bottom” is probably my most successful design. I think something clicked when I matched up the trippyness of Spongebob Squarepants with that of Hunter S. Thompson’s crazy story, that they were somehow always destined to meet each other. I’d love to watch a full episode of it! And I draw in a way that is not too dissimilar from Ralph Steadman, which made the drawing of it feel really comfortable and effortless.

Is your work done all independently or have your created designs for other stores/brands?

I mostly work independently; though I have done designs for a clothing company before, and the odd portrait etc. I prefer to be able to choose my own themes though, and not worry about satisfying someone else’s agenda, so free-lance is more fun at the moment.

Who have been your design and creative icons growing up? What was your creative education?

Dr Seuss has had a massive impact on my style. It’s the care-free way he draws, the effortlessly expressive faces and the casual, poetic nonsense of it all. Dali’s got nothing on the Doctor when it comes to surrealism!

Also Ralph Steadman, for his insanity, and for his fearless line quality.

I finished studying art at 16 after enduring some uninspiring teachers and spent the next 5 years trying to figure out my purpose. Eventually I went to university and started studying 3D design. It’s got to the point where I’m spending more time designing tees now than I am at uni now though! But doing the course has helped me realise where I fit within the creative world. It also means that I’ve not ever had anyone specifically mentoring my illustrative style, which means I can just make it all up as I go along. Every day is an adventure.

What are your favourite sites to buy t-shirts from? & Which is your favourite t-shirt in your wardrobe?

I love Goodjoe, because they’re so damned ethical, but I’ve not submitted anything to them yet. I shall be soon though! Also redbubble is a really decent one, and probably my favourite for selling tees through. My favourite t-shirt I own is probably this one of my dad’s, from when he was on his gap year in Australia in the mid 80s. I like when a t-shirt gets sentimental value attached to it, and that’s why I try and design something special and iconic, that people would want to pass onto their kids.

Which t-shirt designers work do you love to check out on the web?

I like loads of stuff, and we’re spoiled for choice right now with all the great designers online, but I’m a particularly massive fan of Perdita’s work. Also Megan Lara, Bleee and Beastwreck are all fantastic.

What role has social networking and media been in helping share your work to fans and customers?

Without social networking there is no way anyone would have heard of me! When I started out I didn’t have a clue, but there are loads of great artist communities that help each other out by sharing and promoting each others’ work, giving advice etc. Without support like that I would never have got off the ground.

Social networking – and the internet in general – also gives substance to my crazy ambition, which is to travel the world with my wife-to-be as a freelance artist/designer and writer. This is only possible because we can pack our whole studios into two laptop bags. And through the fantastic user-friendliness of sites like RedBubble, Society6 and Threadless it is possible for me to have a career like this with almost zero overheads. When else in history has this been possible? This must be the golden age for the digital nomad. In a year or so, when I’ve finished university, I’ll be sitting on a beach in Mexico drawing to my happy little heart’s content.

Outside of designing and drawing t-shirts what do you do to switch off?

I do jujitsu, slack-lining and I write a fair bit on my blog Thedangerlaughers. A good day is spent in the sunshine with friends, a ukulele and some food, preferably including avocado, bananas and hummus.

What 3 albums would be the soundtrack to a working afternoon for you?

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, Dropkick Murphys; Live on Lansdowne and Gogol Bordello; Gypsy Punks are pretty much standard listening for me. I like to get a buzz when I’m designing, and I think the music comes through in the energy of the lines. When I’m drawing and cooking are the only times I can listen to my own music on my own, so they’re pretty special periods of the week for me.

Where can we find your work online to buy? Which places would your recommend people sell online?

For me personally, RedBubble has been the most useful site, but I use Society6 too, and I know people who sell on GoodJoe, RIPT Apparell, Threadless, TeeFury and others and have great success. It’s still early days for me though. And in the end the key, no matter which site you use, is to be pro-active in commenting and promoting other people’s work. You have to engage with other users, because how else is anyone going to know you exist?

Follow Thunderbloke on Facebook, his blog & @thunderbloke on twitter.

Written and produced by Jared Thompson of Design Juices.

• Sega: Reloaded
• Devil May Cry

Here’s some info on Devil May Cry:

We are very proud to reveal the initial designs for our new official Devil May Cry range – celebrating the world’s most notorious demon hunter! These are our first set of concepts, which we hope will be available in the next couple of months…

Ebony & Ivory


If you’re going into battle with monsters, you want to turn up with the right tools for the job. Luckily, Dante has access to an unrivalled arsenal, packed with pointy, shooty things that help him kick seven shades out of the demon world. None are more iconic that Ebony & Ivory though, two awesome pistols, working together in perfect harmony…

Looking for someone to help you with a demon problem? You know there’s only one person to call! Dante’s business might start out as ‘Devil May Cry’, but by the end of the first game, he definitely fancies a change and the newly relaunched ‘Devil Never Cry’ officially opens for business (motorbike drive-thru optional).

Both designs are entering production right now and will be on sale early May – pre-orders will start soon so watch this space!

Next up we’ve got Sega: Reloaded:

We are very proud to give you a first glimpse of our SEGA: Reloaded range of designs, our new set of official licensed tees that celebrate some of the most iconic games ever made – including Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, Shinobi, Golden Axe and Streets of Rage!

Hazuki Tiger

This simple, stylised design is inspired by the iconic jacket worn by Ryo in Shenmue and will be available on both tees and hoodies… HEAR US ROAR! The hoodie version features all the details of the original jacket including stitched detail on the chest and arms.

Beat Tokyo-To

Want to rock it like a member of the GGs? This katakana-inspired design is a tribute to Beat’s classic yellow tee from the original Jet Set Radio…

Gum Tokyo-To

An awesome addition to our Jet Set Radio tribute, this is another katakana-inspired design honouring Gum’s sleek outfit from Jet Set Radio…

Musashi Ninja Magic

If you have a problem and no one else can help, who do you call? That’s right – one man killing machine Joe Musashi! This design celebrates the legend behind the man in the mask…

Yuria Forever

The names Battler, Thunderhead and Flare are synonymous with the hack and slash action of Golden Axe – casting spells, riding cockatrices and saving the world!

Axel Stone Dojo


There aren’t many people who can carry off shouting ‘GRAND UPPAH!’ while they perform some kickass fighting moves. Axel Stone can teach you the ways of the ultimate street warrior…

So, tell us…. what are you thinking of the new concepts? Looking forward to these new ranges to hit the shop?

Stay tuned!

Born in 2009 out of a mutual desire to flood the streets with fresh new brands, Independent Clothing Company is a close-knit, northern based collection of streetwear enthusiasts with a common vision. We pride ourselves on our ability to source the brightest and most talented up and coming designers, taking their collections from the ground and showcasing them on our website. Independent Clothing Company is about providing an unprecedented new take on fashion and crediting the brains behind it. We look for brands that shine above the rest and who we feel deserve a bigger place in the market such as XCVB and Bad Taste.

XCVB specialise in bold geometric prints, taking inspiration from worldwide cultures such as American Indian folklore. They also use bright colours and defined stencilling to recreate vintage designs but with a fresh new look. Bad Taste stem in two directions, with patterning at the heart of one, with a severe Inca undertone, and digital printing on the other, focusing on worldwide scenery and exploring the beauty of nature creating seldom-seen full t-shirt imaging.

Check out the Independent Clothing Co Online, Facebook, Tumblr and @indieclothingco on Twitter.

Here’s a bit more about Mindless Thoughts:

Ever since high school I’ve always thought that creating funny and cool tshirts would be the greatest job ever. An old buddy and I even made lists of concepts and ideas just for fun with no intention of creating any of them for real. Come full circle I’m now a graphic designer for a fortune 500 company but the grass remains greener on the indy tee side of things. So I started creating some tshirt designs. I knew I wanted it to be computer related or my take on the skull and crossbones concept. After messing around a while I created some computer icons and a few skull and crossbones when I accidently created my first design. I had moved the crossbones on my workspace around and they ended up near computer mouse icon. I thought.. this could work!! After some tweaking, our DeadMaus was born. From there I continued creating crossbone icons with anything from stars to clouds to hamburgers together. I already had a personal blog with a small following named MindlessThoughts, so I transformed it into the clothing line name and website.   

We officially opened our door January of 2011 with our flag ship tshirt “DeadMaus.” Our clothing brand features trendy modern urban gear from tshirts to hats to skateboards and everything in between. We feature bold unique designs expressing a young confident attitude. It’s non-conformity for the conformed at its finest!

They’ve got a nice easy to navigate shop that is powered by Storenvy, and offer five products in their shop. Today we’re going to take a peek at just a few, so make sure you get on over there and check out all that they’ve got to offer. While you’re there, pick something up for yourself…. and your friends!

Let’s go:

I’m definitely diggin the Deadmaus design, well done!

Here are a few other spots to find Mindless Thoughts around the web, be sure to check em out:

@jay_ack

Facebook.com/mindlessthoughtsny

I’m a huge fan of Crocktees and I’m THRILLED to announce that the man behind Crocktees has branched out and has launched CrockteesRED, which is an arm of the brand available through Redbubble.

I’m thinking this means we’re going to be seeing alot more designs dropping from Crocktees!

I wanted to get this announcement out to you all, but keep an eye out for an interview next week, because I want to pick at his brain a little to see what he’s got up his (short) sleeves!

Get yourself on over to TeeFury today to pick up The Ultimate Pet Shop by sponzar! Available today ONLY for just $10!
Tell us a bit about this design. 

I wanted to deliver the experience of visiting a pet shop when you’re young. Except this time it features every fictional creature I’d ever want/wanted as a pet (so it’s mind blowing). With some help from my friends, I made a big list of pop culture and mythical creatures and narrowed it down from there. I was inspired by retro children’s book art when coming up with the  style for the shirt.

NOTE: Facebook LIKE thumb graphic is NOT printed on the shirt

Available today through May 17th at Tee Busters is a new design from sophiedoodle called He Has An Army.

Setting records at the box-office ‘The Avengers’ is one movie you cannot miss. The malice and unforgettable ‘Loki’ is represented in this stunning one-of-a-kind tee. ‘He Has An Army…’ by ‘sophiedoodle’ is one tee you must have!

Don’t forget once the timer reaches 0:00:00 this t-shirt is no longer available and will never be on sale again! So get yours while you still can for the incredible price of just €8.99

]]> http://teegazette.com/2012/05/available-today-at-tee-busters-he-has-an-army-by-sophiedoodle/feed/ 0 http://teegazette.com/2012/05/ttg-brand-spotlight-woohoochiii-clothing/ http://teegazette.com/2012/05/ttg-brand-spotlight-woohoochiii-clothing/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:19 +0000 Jared Thompson http://teegazette.com/?p=18007 Here we handover to the guys at Woohoochiii Clothing, to let them tell us all about the way they work and the ethics and motivation behind the brand.

When we started our brand it was a high priority for us to take responsibility for our doing. We didn’t want to build our brand on negative effects on others. So our rough direction was clear from the beginning. We wanted Fair-Trade-certified clothes for protecting all the people in our production chain from social and financial grievances; we wanted organic cotton for protection of the environment and our farmers; we wanted to make it all climate- neutral because climate-change effects everything and everyone and we wanted to provide our customers with the best possible quality. We needed 1,5 year just to find the right provider for T-Shirts and Hoodies which we found in the 3 Freunde. And we needed 2,5 years to find a reliable printer which prints with water-based colors and in a quality that complies with our demands.

The T-Shirts we print on, are produced completely in India and are Fair-Trade- and GOTS- certified. Then they are shipped to Germany, where our printer prints them with water- based colors. You could actually drink the colors if you wanted to, but I heard they wouldn’t taste good.

The Hoodies take the same journey but they are printed directly by 3 Freunde with water- based colors. T-Shirts and Hoodies are both printed on digital direct-printers because most of our designs aren’t possible to print in screen printing. From there we ship our products worldwide climate-neutral. The only thing which isn’t climate-neutral in our product chain is the printing. But achieving climate-neutral printing is one of our future goals. We are planning to buy our on digital textile-direct-printer which we will run on renewable energy as a first step.

We are also planning to broaden our product range with outdoor jackets made of recycled PET, caps, beanies and headbands. For the designs there is to say, that we set value on providing our customers with high quality designs, which not just look good, but are also technically well drawn and have a story behind them. You will never see us print just our logo in a solid color on one of our shirts. Every design is well thought out and has its own story which can be read on our homepage.

Thematically our designs are set in the board- and fun-sports sector as well as in extreme sports and environmental issues. We have a strong team of snowboarders, skaters and basejumpers which provide us with a lot of response in matters of improving the applicability in practical use and especially testing the quality of our products in hardest conditions.

Feet peacea favourite of the Woohoochiii owner Dominik ‘This was designed on the ideas of our dear friend and Austrian pro snowboarder Thomas Feurstein. He is known by his fans and his friends for his deep concern for environmental causes. Don’t ever throw garbage somewhere else than in a dustbin, if u are riding with him else it can be uncomfortable for you. With the feet-peace design he wanted to express the need to find peace again with mother earth.

Check out the full Woohoochiii Clothing Store, Facebook, Blog and Twitter.

Where are the Honey Badger fans? Honey Badger says he doesn’t care, but he SHOULD care about this deal going on right now at Busted Tees! Pick up Honey Badger today for just $12.00!

Act fast though, once this day is over…. so is the deal!

• 5 unisex Tees
• 1 Girls v neck Tee
• 3 Watches
• and Two New snapbacks

Pretty beefy release, if you ask me! Along with this release, they’ve got some pretty exciting news:

The thing that sets this collection apart from all of our previous is the actual shirts. This is the first collection we have stepped into the custom manufacturing. We no longer use blank american apparel tees, cut tags and print. We have our own manufacturer creating our blanks from the cottons we choose from our own custom size chart. Our Vain blanks are tailored to fit slim and long! The cotton we chose is softer than american apparel and also thicker so you’re not wearing a piece of paper.

The amount of details in this collection is nuts. We literally held nothing back.

From our new custom tees to our new woven neck tags. Even our hangtags have stepped up! These new hangtags are sewn from a black chambray cotton printed and custom sewn to include a pocket that holds the paper info tag!

The snapback in this collection is also 100% custom made from hand selected materials. The front has full 3d embroidery and the interior taping is a nice bright red (becoming our staple color) with custom branding repeating through out the taping!

You have to get on over to their shop and check out all that they’ve got to offer, but I wanted to feature some shots from their lookbook today:

Lookin good!

Get on over to Vainglorious Clothing and pick up some new threads! Sounds like you’re getting top quality clothing with these guys!

Hopefully we’ll get to review something in the future!

Here are a few other spots to find Vainglorious Clothing around the web:

Tumblr: blog.stayvain.com

Instagram: @vaingloriousclothingco

Twitter: @vaingloriousco

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Vaingloriousclothingco