I've been painting the moon for a few years now. He always has a face, sometimes he's grinning with his eyes open, but usuallly he's asleep. I love luna moths. I got the idea for this one from a Lunesta commercial. I live in the country, and although it's very rare, I've seen luna moths. Only at night, maybe once every few years. They're huge and their color is amazing. I can't capture the subtle color variations and complex designs in a luna moth's wings, so I made this guy stylized.

One of the biggest problems for me in creating these designs is the limitations due to the printing process. I worked in the pre-press department at a book manufacturing company a few years ago, and although I'm sure printing T-shirts has its own quirks, I understand what can and can't be done. I'm a painter, so I'm used to picking up my brushes and placing tints and shades, tiny lines, and texture wherever I want.

I've known artists who feel that making art with an end product in mind kills the creative process. I disagree. To me, it gives it a purpose. Yes, making something that you love can be its own purpose, but the thought of having people where my artwork is pretty cool. Someone said to me that they wouldn't want their work "reduced to a piece of clothing". Reduced? It's not hanging in a museum, but it's hanging in someone's closet. People buy it because they like it. It's mobile, it's on their bodies because they want people to see it and associate it with some part of their personality. What better compliment can you get? If there's no T-shirt museum, someone should build one.

I'm babbling, again. It's 4:26 am and I can't sleep. This is usually about the time that I turn in. I actually went to bed before 10 last night, so I'm sitting here wondering what I will do with the rest of my "night". I guess I'll score some designs.

Does anyone know how common it is to have a submission rejected? I've submitted four designs and half of them were rejected. With one design, they gave me a reason that actually did make a lot of sense. For the other one, they basically said that they didn't like it (in nicer words). I'm not complaining, it's beneficial to everyone that they have a screening process. I'd like to hear that someone has had a design rejected to later go on and have something printed.

Thanks for taking the time to read my words, and most importantly, look at my work. More to come!

I came up with what I think is a good design tonight. I've been a painter since I was literally old enough to hold a paint brush, but to be completely honest, I don't particularly enjoy painting. Some claim it's relaxing. Not for me, but then again, I am physically incapable of relaxation. Taking a bath is stressful for me. No, it's not the painting or drawing that I enjoy. It's the designing. I like to come up with the ideas. Once I get a stroke of genuis, (which remains to be seen), I have to see it come to fruition so I have to execute the design. What makes me happiest is lying in bed with a notebook and a bunch of sharpened #2s.

Anyway, I'm excited about this one. I'll submit it in a couple of weeks, since I have a design (Luna Luna) pending approval right now. Of course, I will have to actually create the image first. It's very different for me, but sometimes that leads to the best work. Sometimes it leads to the "what was I thinking?" work, so we'll see.

It makes me happy to see all the great work on this site. It's encouraging to know in a world where everyone seems to be reduced to numbers, individuality and creativity are alive and well.

I've recently discovered this site and this week submitted my first design. I've been an artist forever, with varied success. At best, I've won competitions at galleries, had artwork published in national arts magazines, and sold my work around the world through the magic of computers. At worst, (which is much, much more frequent than the "best"), I've sat around for months on end trying to find some kind of recognition and a little bit of cash without any luck. Such is the life of an artist. I may complain, or should I say I DO complain, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's somewhat of a modern-day gypsy life and I love it. I sleep til noon and work at night. It's not laziness, I work as much as anyone else, I just choose different hours. Research and sketching begins around 10pm, painting usually by midnight, diners and 7-11 for coffee at 3 in the morning, home by 6am to go to bed. Then again, there is no "usual". Sometimes I sleep 12 hours a day, sometimes 3. The downside is I'm usually broke. I wouldn't trade a pile of money, however, to have to do the same thing at the same time everyday. I can't live like that.

I'm old enough to remember life without the internet, but young enough to have used it extensively for most endeavors during my adult life. When I was a kid, we had to go to the library if we needed information about something. Seems so far removed from how we live and work now. If there was no internet, I would definately still be an artist. I couldn't, however, work like I do now. I have at my fingertips an endless supply of inspiration, marketing opportunities, technical advice, references, and information. This site may be my favorite so far. I can imagine telling my son in fifteen years horror stories about life before the internet.

Threadless is pure synergy at its best. Artists submit designs. The best-rated, by the customers, are printed. Threadless knows they are printing a product that will sell because it was chosen by the buyers. The artists who submit designs bring in their family and friends to vote. All the artists, then, gain more exposure and criticism, and Threadless gains more potential customers. It's an awesome outlet for artists and designers and a great way for Threadless to market its product. It's brilliant. Everyone wins.

My first design is currently being rated, and I know I am up against many, many designs. There are some extremely talented designers on this site, so I know it's a really, really long shot. I'm not planning on winning, but I've gotten lots of comments, and most of them were positive. That's a big win in itself, to have people look at my work, consider it, and tell me what they think.

I have two more designs in the works. Keep your eyes open. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity. I wish I could give the Threadless gang a big hug.