What's so good about graphic tees?

Hey I want to know what you guys think makes a good graphic tee.

For me branding is at the top of the list. You can sell anybody with the right aesthetic in my opinion.
Which is especially important for "indie" street wear labels only doing t-shirts, since they have pretty much nothing to offer on the design/technical side of things. The stronger the "brand identity". The more "personality" you can inject into the brand, allowing for it to stand out in the consumers mind. Making for an overall more personalized shopping experience for the customer.

2nd would be a good graphic design, and then t shirt quality and cut.

As far as graphic tee's go I'm really into text based designs, and minimalism the simpler the better.

For you guys. What makes a graphic tee appealing?

What do you specifically look for when buying a graphic t-shirt?

Your top 3 favorite graphic tees? That you own or would like to own.

We don't want to help your startup tshirt company. Best of luck in a ridiculously oversaturated market

Do people really buy graphic tees? And if so, why? I've never understood the appeal.

I have a few that i like but it's hard to find good ones that aren't gaudy, pretentious, or flat out lame.

Originally Posted by chronoaug

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I have a few that i like but it's hard to find good ones that aren't gaudy, pretentious, or flat out lame.

^^ this is true.

just do a search on this forum. have been plenty of graphic tee threads

I have a Ghostbusters T-shirt which I haven't worn in a decade.

I have a Snap-On Tools T-shirt leftover from when I used to change oil for a living that I use for yard work or changing my own oil.

I have an American Red Cross T-shirt from when I gave blood. I use it for painting inside the house. I would never wear it in public.

I will never pay money for a graphic T-shirt.

My advice is stick to what you know. Be genuine. Don't try to co-opt a subculture you're not already neck-deep in. Design a T-shirt for yourself, and like-minded people will buy it.

Had a Tour of the Americas 1975 Rolling Stones t-shirt that I wore the hell out of 1975-77. Haven't bought a graphics t since. Never will again.

Originally Posted by chronoaug

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just do a search on this forum. have been plenty of graphic tee threads
Where did that wonderful Fuel Star thread go? That'd probably really help this guy out

Originally Posted by KnowYourRights

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My advice is stick to what you know. Be genuine. Don't try to co-opt a subculture you're not already neck-deep in. Design a T-shirt for yourself, and like-minded people will buy it.

Stepped out for a bit....anyway this is really good advice takes most people a while to realize this though....but yea don't try and front **** will get you exposed LOL

Originally Posted by KitAkira

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Where did that wonderful Fuel Star thread go? That'd probably really help this guy out

I did a so so search of the graphic tee stuff here. Kinda skimmed through it wrote down some info, gonna give it a more thorough scan eventually. I realize the people here aren't the "hypebeasty" crowd who are essentially who most graphic tees and "limited" clothing items are aimed at. I just wanted to know what you guys liked as far as graphic tee's went, which is nothing LOL. Na but seriously someone here said it best. With graphic tee's you like what you like. That goes for creator and consumer. Don't know why I asked a question I knew the answer too, but thats the purpose of forums you might get a new answer or new info.

Originally Posted by BLACKCARD_JONES

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Hey I want to know what you guys think makes a good graphic tee. For me branding is at the top of the list. You can sell anybody with the right aesthetic in my opinion. Which is especially important for "indie" street wear labels only doing t-shirts, since they have pretty much nothing to offer on the design/technical side of things. The stronger the "brand identity". The more "personality" you can inject into the brand, allowing for it to stand out in the consumers mind. Making for an overall more personalized shopping experience for the customer.
Actually branding would be the main reason for not buyng a graphic tshirt in the first place. As if I'm some advertising board for the brand. The most important part of a graphic tshirt is the graphics otherwise there is no point in buying one. The only 'brand identity' I need in a tshirt is me. I buy a tshirt that reflects my individual choices rather than being dictated by some advertising executive who thinks he knows best but in reality knows dick. Just like bankers the world would be a better place without marketing executives. For a start clothes would be much cheaper. I've walked away from Tshirts with good designs because of blatant branding. Another level

Originally Posted by Epaulet

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OMG.....*face palm* LOL