Career Profile: T-Shirt Designer

When you see come across a quote and you want it put somewhere so you can remember it, what better place than to print it on a T-shirt? You can bring it with you wherever you go, make a fashion statement and share a few laughs or insightful moments with friends.

Getting into the business of T-shirt designing takes a lot of work, but one that is filled with fun, creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking. Just like writing and publishing a book, you tell a whole story in a few words (with or without an image to go with it) that leaves people standing in awe of the designer’s wit.

And so Youthink contacted ninja T-shirt designer Kym Banguis, who runs her own T-shirt designing business, to take a look into her wacky days and creative process.

YT: Can you give me a brief description of your job?
KB: I think up designs and create it on the computer. Once the design is finished, I put it on t-shirts and other things and sell them online. I get to network and meet new people every day, get to know them, and share ideas.

YT: What are the perks of your job?
KB: Since it’s my own business, I call the shots. I can wake up whatever time I desire, work for as little or as much as I want, take breaks anytime, work in my pajamas, go on vacation whenever I want, etc.

YT: How competitive is this career?
KB: Handmade is becoming very popular nowadays and I am seeing more and more people get into silk-screening or screen-printing. It is definitely competitive in places like L.A. but Vancouver is quickly catching up.

YT: What sort of training did you need before making your own shirts?
KB: Everything was self-taught with the Internet being my best resource. I watched a lot of videos online, read a lot of forums, talked to a lot of people and asked a lot of questions.

YT: What advice would you give to future t-shirt designers out there?
KB: A lot of people have dreams, but very few actually take the first step towards achieving their dreams. You’ll only go as far as you let yourself. Don’t let negative thoughts slow you down or keep you from getting started. It’s tough running your own business but at the same time it is very rewarding – make sure you’re ready physically, financially and emotionally. Dream BIG!

Are you craving for a shirt now? Visit www.beecreative.ca or www.herrohachi.etsy.com to quench your shirt thirst!