Tee Contest Year in Review(s): 2021
From pop culture parodies to artistic expression, shirt design this year was as varied and exciting as ever. Here’s a look back at the best shirt in every month of 2021…
January
The Great Wave of Skull by Quilimo
“It’s a choice that pulls you in like a fast current, so you’re exploring each crashing wave and swirl of sea mist.”
– Pampling’s The Great Wave of Skull, January 28th, 2021
February
A Colorful Swim by Glitchygorilla
“The use of colored drips is very effective in conveying speed and motion, while the softness of the whale’s eye manages to grant him sensitivity and a gentle personality.”
– Pampling’s A Colorful Swim, February 4th, 2021
March
Ladies Marching by JLALCANTARA
“…when the pattern repeats horizontally, the artist shifts the colors of the characters- it’s a good way to make the design feel even more unique and expansive.”
– Threadless: Ladies Marching and more new this week, March 3rd, 2021
April
Black Catfee by kooky love
“The angle of the spill looks like it flies forward at speed, with long lines of liquid showing the power of that action.”
– Threadless’s Black Catfee, April 28th, 2021
May
Ramen and Minicats by ppmid
“…the joy of it is in seeing these cats enjoying the noodles in such an unusual way.”
– Pampling’s Ramen and Minicats, May 20th, 2021
June
Fresh by ThePaperCrane
“The varying heights of the landscape, which flows from low, placid lakes to rolling hills and just a hint of clouds beyond their peaks, make the whole scene seem to be filled with air…”
– Threadless’s Fresh, June 2nd, 2021
July
Go Green by DinoMike
“…the star of the show is this amazing frog, sporting a sharp knife and a crazy look in his eyes. With that little grin, it feels like he’s begging you to litter just so he can have the fun of stabbing.”
– Threadless’s Go Green, July 28th, 2021
August
Peace Art by Steppeua
“The idea feels exciting because it’s not just a vague endorsement of peace, it gives context to it by using a symbol of work and creation.”
– Threadless’s Peace Art, August 25th, 2021
September
The Birch Tree Story by Jemae
“The pattern on the closest birch tree’s trunk is full of nature and camping scenes, almost like a toile.”
– Threadless’s The Birch Tree Story, September 29th, 2021
October
Mixer Space by Jack Duarte
“The size clash is fun as well, giving the impression that a celestial hand might be guiding this kitchen tool invisibly, maybe with a tasty alternative to the Big Bang in mind.”
– Pampling’s Mixer Space, October 14th, 2021
November
Nature Rocker by Flying_Mouse365
“Part of the brilliance of the way it is drawn is that the branches move in a way that suggests the musician is in motion, jamming away to the imaginary beat.”
– Pampling’s Nature Rocker, November 4th, 2021
December
Smash Hit by Gamma-Ray
“There’s something about a shattered record that feels dramatic and powerful, like the sheer energy of the music couldn’t be contained by vinyl.”
– Pampling’s Smash Hit, December 2nd, 2021
That wraps it up for 2021, but you can see how t-shirt art fared in past years in Compete-tee-tion’s 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010 contest roundups.
