Monday, October 8, 2007

Directions

Directions

Sometimes there are so many choices in our life that we are confused and it becomes difficult to decide; sometimes we are lost and do not recognize our many wonderful options



Directions Journal Directions Baseball Jersey Directions Wall Clock

This is a very simple and classic design. There are arrows shooting out from the center to all directions in dark gray and light gray colors which are matching the black and white background really well! I always love to create abstract designs, simple but showing different personality.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Cat's Blue Day


If this is your blue day, let's leave it to the cute little black cat! Cheer up and go on!

I didn't try to draw a sad face like this, tried to have a cute cat instead. But I guess I wasn't in the good mood, so it reflects in my drawing, on the cat's facial expression. Is the cat always blue? I had a Persian cat while I was in Malaysia, he was so cute and adorable....some people might not agree, because he had an unhappy face, if he sat still, he did look like he was blue, you could only tell his mood by his motion. He straightened up his tail, turning his ears.... I think cat is really fascinating and I always love them. How could you not love them, right?

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Hypnotize


Inspired by Harry Potter movie, the owl was fascinating! When it is a bad day, I wish I could just be hypnotized by this owl!

I created this design after watching Harry Potter's movies. I love the white owl in the movie, it looks so mysterious, so pure and adorable. I did this design in Illustrator, I drew the shape of it's head first, and then emphasized the eyes by adding the thick eyebrows. The size of the eyes also exaggerated the owl to be bigger than the normal, so that you could see the radar effect clearer coming out from the eyes. I used orange gradient for the head color because it is a complimentary color tone of the green eyes.


Other than creating this design, I wish I did know how to hypnotize, so that I could stop my boss from bothering me or whining at me.... but too bad I don't, I just have learn the easier way, dealing with stress better, and but with a big smile on my face.


Hypnotize

Viva Las Vegas


This design is an ace that would be fun to flash in Las Vegas. Ace’s of Diamond are everywhere, inspiration for poker players.

Vegas is a place to have fun and enjoy, night never ends in this city! I did have fun when creating this design. The idea is to mix up the diamond ace and the traditional diamond sweatshirt pattern. I have two color backgrounds for this design, one is a clear color, and another one is dark blue. I love both background colors; the clear color makes the design more like modern art, and the dark blue background created a very traditional look.


Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Love is draining


In a humorous way, Mr. tooth brush and Mrs. tooth paste are telling you love can be so draining sometimes.

This idea came through my mind one evening after I finished my work and was ready to go in bed. Cute characters, or cute designs are still my favorite things to draw, especially regular things around me, inspire me, makes my brain think. In this design, Mr. Tooth Brush and Mrs. Tooth Paste look like other any lovely couple, they love each other, they tolerate each other, but we all know love can be draining for some couples sometimes. Balance always needs to be there in our love life. I hope this cute little design will remind you to balance up your love life, or.... revive your half-drawn love.

Heart Locked


Sometimes our heart locks up, we feel our emotions are chained and blood is dripping out, draining us completely.

What would you do when you get hurt? Did you learn from it or did you just drift into continual grief, and let your heart get locked into eternal darkness? I always choose to shift my sadness to something else, like designing a t-shirt, so I can express my feeling and then get over it. This design is purposely positioned in the top right corner, the area of your heart. But even when your heart is locked and chained, and blood is still dripping, you can't lie to yourself, so why not just take a deep breath and explore all the other good things in your life?

Monday, June 18, 2007

Star Leo


This Blue star design is the sign Leo, in Kanji character; it has a worn vintage texture with off angle placement. It is for friends or family who love horoscopes, and were born from July 23 to August 22.

My good friend's birthday is coming soon, and it gave me the idea to create this horoscope design for his birthday. Continuing my passion on Kanji Design, I used the Kanji character for the horoscope Leo, also showing the star form of Leo in the galaxy. I really hope this design can make my friend feel special and wish him all the best!

American Dream


This design is American patriotism as modern art; it portrays many aspects of American culture and stimulates emotion about your homeland.

Although I am not from the U.S., I know Fourth of July is a meaningful holiday for all Americans. For this reason, I squeezed my brain to come up with this second design hoping to resonate the patriotic feeling for Fourth of July. Because I did the last design in horizontal form, I decided to create this one in vertical form. The idea is still formed on the structure of the American Flag. I use the shape of the USA as the base for the 50 stars, and I created my own star brushes which represent different issues, different images of the United States.

Saturday, June 9, 2007

America, Land of Freedom for All!


4th of July is our patriotic holiday. This design illustrates the majestic beauty of our national emblem and reminds us of our heritage – home of freedom for all, regardless of race, creed or sexual orientation.

I don't have many ideas for Fourth of July, and sometimes wonder how many people are interested in a patriotic design? Tim suggested I create a firework design. I thought about it, looked at the US flag, and decided to combine them, using the colors from the flag, and the 50 stars to create this sparkling firework design. America, Land of Freedom for all! Maybe does not agree, but we should keep it as our ideal to have one day.

Rock,Paper,Scissors


Rock, Paper, Scissors; this reminds me of the games we played in the childhood, taught me that we always need to make a decision in our life, always trying our luck.

When I was a kid, we always played rock, paper, scissors to see who will make the right decision. We did it three times, the one who won twice will lead. But that was long time ago, we stopped doing it at high school. I guess after we grew up, we learned to decide by ourselves, and not to depend on a game, or on others anymore. Because this idea came from my childhood memory, I decided to make it colorful, using candy like colors.

Friday, June 1, 2007

Crystalized Blue


This image is so vibrant; an explosion of blue chrystal against a dark background. This was developed from another photo composition I had done earlier.



Crystal and stone are always my favorite to shoot. I used some of my photography art work with Crystal and turned it into this random, vibrant blue crystal pattern.

Ancient Abstract


This illustration is a convergence of ancient and modern art. I love the convergence of strength and vision it portrays, almost as if the God is watching over us to keep us safe and secure.



This idea came from one of my photography work, it was a close up shot of a Rome statue. I added contrast to the image to make it into halftone pattern. I completed the design with blue radiate light that shines thru his eye. The statue inspired me and I hope it could inspire you too.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Your name in Kanji


I have started to provide a custom service for T shirt and product design. If you would like to see your name in Kanji characters, I will design it for you, just let me know the name you prefer. Click here to get it going. Hope you will like it!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

White light blooming


This beautiful flower caught my eye this spring during the height of wildflower season in the Hill Country of Texas. So much beauty in such a simple form.

This is my first design using a photo I took. It is a wild flower in Texas; there are so many, they almost cover the entire field along side of the road. From purple to yellow, orange, red, white.... It is unbelievably beautiful. Hope you love it too. :)

My dad forever


Sometimes we forget how much our father loves us; on this special Father's day, I am reminded of the many good times with my dad. Even though I have grown up, I am still the happy little kid on his back. Happy Father's Day!

Design and drawing are my favorite activities, so most of the time the designs in the store relate to my feelings. This cute little design reminds me a lot about my dad. When I was small, my parents were too busy to enjoy life, and we didn't really spend a lot of time together. But we still love each other, and support each other. I am not quite sure what to say this father's day, but I just miss him and miss my family, and hope everyone enjoys their special moment with their dad.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Unicorn Dream Rider


Don’t we all have dreams of riding on some mythical creature? In this girl's dream, she grew her wings, and ride on a unicorn, flying in the unlimited space without any pressure.

I worked on a detailed sketch of this design, but I was initially confused as to how to grow it into a good T shirt product. After a couple attempts, I decided to go for a silhouette, which I haven't really used in creations for my store yet. I finished it in illustrator, and then added some grunge texture in photoshop.

This is not the usual design that I have usually done, it is kind of a breakthrough for me to uses this approach. It helped me create a simple yet elegant design.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Bite Me!


I came out with this design after watching a Chinese Vampire movie last night with my friend. Chinese Vampire movies were very popular in the 80's in Asia.

I still remember being so scared every time at the vampire movies, now watching it again, I just feel it is so funny and hilarious!

This is a simple design with vintage texture overlay, hope you like it! :)

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Let it rain


I stopped drawing for a few days because of feeling pressure in my life and some sadness. This was the idea that came through my mind while I was upset.

In last few days, I couldn't come up with anything creative, and I put pressure on myself. Then yesterday I went to a bookshop and had a good time. I read a lot of books there and realized that I should take it feel easy and enjoy my drawing without being concerned about meeting expectations.

I feel good after creating this design, simple, yet it expresses my idea perfectly. Beside’s my friend just told me this is a song title from Eric Clapton “Let it rain”.

Friday, May 4, 2007

Life is much too important to be taken seriously


This saying is really meaningful, but when I got the request to create a design from this, I wasn't sure what I want to do. I tried a couple ideas, it still didn't meet my expectation.

After a while, I tried to add more colors to the words, the colorful words reminded me the happiness that inside everybody. So I added a smiling face, hands, shoes.... All in simple form, but now it looks amazing to me.

Directions


I like to draw but I also found abstract design really looks good in for certain products. It may be that it is not bringing you a message directly but it does make you think. This design is construction from a simple arrow shape, with repetitive arrows in different directions, and a different shade to add depth to the design.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Capricorn & Ride with rainbow


Capricorn

Horoscopes are always my favorite topic to draw. I have done some crazies before, but I lost the original files while moving to United States, or else I would love to show them on these t-shirts.

Anyway, it is always to have a good start, that's why I decided to use my puppy character Ruby to start a series for horoscope design. I hope you like this design and continue to support the character


Ride with a rainbow
I love to see a rainbow, it is so beautiful, fascinating, and it makes me dream. Wouldn’t it be exciting to ride on a rainbow? Flying in the sky, enjoy the strong breeze....

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Let your light shine on the world


This is another message from Ashley, "Let your light shine the world". Simple, but strong and impressive! Did you ever think about what you could do to shine your essence on the world? I know I did not consider this while I was growing up.

When we were young, we learn, listen, experience.... and then one day we start to think, “what is more meaningful than to just to continue living?” I want to help, to cheer people; I want to spread a positive message.... ok, let's start doing it, shine for the world!

Monday, April 23, 2007

Gun Control, NOW!


I have decided to generate this design after the tragedy that occurred in Virginia. This was a sad and shocking event, which also brought up some sensitive issues.

I have never felt that people outside of law enforcement should have a gun. We do not have military training, we are sometimes emotional, and it could be very dangerous even you just lose your mind for a second. That's why now we now see 32 people sacrificed!

After the tragedy occurred, some Asian students in Virginia have received threatening mail, accusing all Asians of being the same; asking them to leave United State, or else "something" will happen to them. I heard some Taiwanese students were trying to advertise on their clothing that they are not Korean, not the same.... this is so pathetic! Obviously this is about a psychotic guy loosing control, not about race or nationality. Not every Muslim a is terrorist, not every Asian is psycho killer!

I understand it is painful for people who lost a family member, but this is not an excuse for us to be inhumane; not an excuse for us to blame other innocent people.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Beauty is too heavy


I have always wanted to design a flower shirt, but just a flower does not satisfy me, I want to project a message, something more than just a beautiful flower.



Reading fashion magazines, makes me think that beauty is too heavy for girls.

Chasing the trend, learning skills of makeup.... a lot of work and a major investment in time and money.

I decided to draw a blooming, dazzling rose; and under the flower is a girl carrying it, feeling heavy....Is this the price girls pay to cosmeticize themselves?

Sweet Puppies


These two cute puppy characters are designed based on my dogs Ruby and Rose.



Of course they are not puppies anymore, but they are still lots of fun and very cute.

Actually I wasn't designing this for a t-shirt, but when I reviewed my illustrations one day, this really caught my attention, I like the 1:1 proportion; it makes the character looks cuter with a bigger head.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Diversity Rules & Green Energy

In association with Zazzle.com

I have 2 new t-shirt designs for this week. The first one called Diversity Rules. It is a message from Tim, to promote the accepting of diversity and equality. This design was actually modified from a previous design called “Color Doesn't Matter?” I used red, gold, and brown in this design to represent different nationalities, and they support each other in a circle. It means we are actually doing something good for ourselves while we are helping each other. I hope this helps carry the message out there of the importance of loving and supporting each other, regardless of one’s race, color or sexuality.



In association with Zazzle.com In association with Zazzle.com
The second design is Green Energy, and it is designed for the Save the world contest in Zazzle.com. I exhibited a sun and windmill in this design, to remind us to use natural power instead of keep draining our earth. Fresh colors like yellow, orange, sky blue, green are used, and I employed a rough brush stroke to add to the density of this creation. This is my modest contribution to help the cause of saving the earth’s resources.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Logo of T-shirt Du Jour

This week, I have come out a Logo for T-shirt Du Jour. I have used black and orange for this logo. The black outlined shirt represent the "T", it is a transparent T because it stands for an of infinity ideas in T-shirt Du Jour, no limit, no restrictions. My plan is to refresh the logo with new and creative elements on special holidays or events.

The orange brush splash at top of the shirt represents the trendy and lively site of designs in T-shirt Du Jour. I also decided to use the funky font for the word T-shirt Du Jour, showing the energy and fun that I have in design creation.

Friday, March 23, 2007

About T-shirt Du Jour

Hi! Glad to see you on my T Shirt Du Jour blog! My idea is to have a blog to show you some new T-Shirt designs I have created. I would like this to be a fun, interactive experience, because I am quite interested in learning from you what you like, and where your interests are.

Hopefully you will find my creations on Zazzle to be unique and appealing. My concept is to provide you with ultimate freedom to find a gift idea, or a T-Shirt you really love, which allows you to express yourself, or share personal messages, while exhibiting art and design concept you find attractive.

The fundamental idea of my service is to offer something very different, shirts provided limited editions - ones you cannot find elsewhere; or better yet, one you customize yourself. As expressed by my blog name, I am going to create a new design each day of the work week (please forgive me for taking the weekend off!). Each design is also going to be restricted to only 100 copies, so you are guaranteed to a unique and different design that you should not (I hope!) see on another body somewhere.

I am a Graphic and Illustration artist from Malaysia. I have years of experience in fashion design and magazines, offering a different style than what is common in the U.S. I am accomplished in six different languages/dialects as well, providing much flexibility in the messages you wish to convey. Check out my portfolio and tell me what you like!

The concept on this blog will be to have you tell me what you would like to see in these designs and offerings. Please critique it to death....and let me hear your creative ideas and desires.

I will also let you know what is selling and what is not. This is part of the idea of something new every day.

The designs are exhibited in 4 different categories. They are:

* Designer Messages - This will be a message in text along with a graphic design of your choosing.
* Fashion Design - This art and illustration will exhibit beautiful men and women in unique clothing styles.
* Creative Characters - I have many different characters I have developed over the years and will be sharing them with you in his creative renderings.
* Festival and Holiday Wear - Something new for every occasion. Feel free to tell us of special days in other parts of the world or the area you live in.

Please browse around and feel free to tell me what you think!