This "Lion" is a homage to all of those very bland and yet cheeky children books I read as a child where the critters in the story would say but one thing, Moo says the cow, Oink says the pig, RAWR (Roar) says the lion.

would it be better if it was just the lionhead?

I like your idea, as explained in the first comment - you need to do more with it, though. Have a look through the threadless catalogue to see what kind of stuff gets printed. You have some good ideas.

I am going to level with you, I have no freaking idea where to take this design to make it threadless community approved. Hints plz.

I have no idea either. Put it on the backburner and wait until inspiration hits.