Wilco (The Shirt)

I'm usually pretty bad at keeping exciting news under wraps. Of course, to any friends reading this, I've still got your secrets in the vault. But if something cool happens, I love to share it. And I'm finally ready to talk about maybe the coolest thing I've ever done in design. Wilco chose one of my illustrations to adorn an official band t-shirt! (You can purchase it here.)

"Look natural."

Here's the backstory: I've spent some time over the last several months working with Mikey Burton and Little Jacket on designs for the band. Mikey and LJ have done a lot of cool things with Wilco, including posters and even an adorable onesie for the littlest tykes. Some months ago, he invited me to take part in one of his submissions, which included tons of rough and not-so-rough sketches of poster ideas. Then came ideas for the band's summer swing through several minor league baseball stadiums. And, most recently, some more sketches for posters related to Wilco's recent Chicago shows.

Earlier this month, we got the news that one of my latest submissions had been chosen and would be featured on a t-shirt. From there came a hurried rush to get the artwork in print-ready shape and out the door. The next week, I got the package! My little design was out in the world. And believe me, it's quite an honor and something I take very seriously. The notion that someone out there is wearing something I've designed is rather humbling. For many reasons.

When I see the shirt, I think back not only to the countless sketches along the way, but also that designer I was years ago, hacking my way through, learning as I went, and hoping that I'd one day be able to do something half this cool, let alone work with my favorite band. And the fact that someone out there saw fit to shell out their hard-earned money on something I did - given how little money there is to go around these days - you better believe it's both an honor and a humbling experience. Mikey, I can't thank you enough for the opportunity. And thank you as well, anonymous Wilco fan. You don't know how much you mean to me. 

But who wants to rest now? It's time to start kicking ass on the next sketch.

Shirt detail

Comments

[Cranky Pressman]

Hey wait a second, I came here pretense that I was going to see something cool AND Ohioy. One out of two ain't bad.

[Joseph]

Ha! Well, I suppose Ohioy in that it was DONE in Ohio. That's good enough, right, Cranky? Hey, I dig the new site, too! Were you at Art Chantry? I was there and meant to come say hi. We still are interested in doing a video at some point. Hell, I'd just love to come see the place in operation. I dream of doing letterpress.

[Jamie Berger]

Hello Joseph, It was more than good enough! I am the second cranky brother and actually live in Chicago. Confusing I know, but the web has great mystical powers doesn't it! I have always tried to be an ambassador for Ohio no matter where I was living. And I am in no position to complain about work being done for IL. Keith, the real Cranky Pressman, was at Art Chantry I believe. Glad you like the new website. We still are interested in doing a video sometime. Let us know when you want to discuss further. I will actually be in Ohio for a few weeks probably around Thanksgiving time so that would be a good time to stop by the shop for a visit when we both are around. Cheers, Jamie (the older, wiser and grumpier one)

[Joseph]

This Web you speak of vexes me greatly. We're still interested in the video, too, for sure. I'm actually taking some time off around the weekend of the 14th and was actually thinking of touching base with Keith to just stop by and get my hands dirty for a bit. It's been something I've been wanting to do for the longest time. Will you be in then? Like the 13th or 16th?

[Mason]

Found this on FFFFound. Great work sir, I love it.

[Joseph]

Thanks so much, Mason, it was a dream project and I am so honored that someone out there would shell out their hard-earned money to buy something with one of my illustrations on it. Very humbling. So thank you for the kind words!