Threadless creates a very interesting environment.
On one hand, we are all artists with like interests enjoying each other's work, but on the other hand, we are in competition.

I just want to say that I have experienced nothing but encouragement and positivity from fellow artists, makes threadless a great way to be!

I have noticed that the winning designs on Threadless come out of the running with 1000+ votes. In contrast, the designs that do not win are left with around 600-800. Many of them have the same 'rating' so my question is,

where do those three hundred votes come from?

Do these artists have more support from outside sources? I would like to think the contest is based on design merit only. If a design gets a high rating, is it more likely to be shown to voters?

Any thoughts are appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch :)

I have spent hours today pouring over the t-shirt designs submitted to Threadless. Some are... well, lets just say not getting many votes, but others, others ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!

I am not one to let something drench my brain in feel-good endorphins without asking questions about it.
What is it about the best designs that is so good!?
Some designs I like have a solid idea and a single color print, about as basic as you can get.
While others that I like are incredibly complex and full of detail!

What I find is that I do not like those that are in between. Either add detail that is so perfect it makes my head asplode, or cut your design down to the single idea that is amazing. Too many good ideas are lost in a swamp of useless details, and too many beautiful things do not have a master who wants to take the time to make them perfect.

Special thanks to the110, rereclothing, and buko for making beautiful things.