Top Daily Tees of 2012
The daily (or near-daily) tee market isn’t one I cover here often, as I use my other site, TeeMagnet, to direct people to those sites already. But as the year comes to a close, it’s always fun to reflect back on some of the most successful pieces of the year. Although there are a lot of sites currently in the genre (and a few that ended their run as daily tee sites this year), I’ll only be addressing the largest, most interesting sites that have successfully posted new designs all year and have galleries or archives that allow easy viewing of past artwork. In most cases, a design that printed on multiple sites will only be eligible for inclusion on the first printed site’s top three (although some may have slipped through the cracks).
As usual, this is just my personal opinion of the three best and most interesting designs each site offered (not sales or popularity). If I’ve missed an awesome print, let me know in the comments!
TeeFury
Who’s the Tough Guy Meow? by harebrained (January 24th, 2012)
Currently available at RedBubble
Cats and skulls, together at last!
Hail Sagan by brankovranic (February 29th, 2012)
Packed with Sagan references, this tee proves that science can be just as effective as pop culture.
Calvin, Spiffy Spaceman by Captain RibMan (March 12th, 2012)
Currently available at RedBubble.
It’s neat to see Spaceman Spiff all grown up into adulthood just as Calvin & Hobbes’s original fans have.
Shirt.Woot
Your Ideas by Jthree Concepts (June 27th, 2012)
It’s true- every time you have an idea, that lightbulb that pops up is silently judging you.
Tea Time by Naolito (August 11th, 2012)
Who says tea time has to be stuffy and boring? Now it’s an adventure!
Rex the Riveter by obvian (September 29th, 2012)
T-Rex’s arms get a much-needed upgrade!
RIPT Apparel
Scarry Night by FrederickJay (July 7th, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
Two guys famous for art and, uh, cutting things.
Trust the Inspector by WinterArtwork (August 23rd, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
Contrasting colors help this parody sing.
Space Pulp Dino Hero by obvian (November 22nd, 2012)
Currently available at RedBubble.
I want to believe.
Qwertee
Choose by Pesiete
Currently available on RedBubble.
Simple, but funny.
Ankh-Morpork Delicatessen by Zapator
It’s so rare to see a Discworld tee that I had to include this in the list (despite some dodgy type).
The Necron-Om-Nom-Nom-Nom-Nicon by Obvian
Currently available on RedBubble.
Global Thread Collective
Cuckoo Clock by Grant Thomas
Great detail, right down to the woodgrain.
A truly unique merging of peacocks and skulls.
Songs and Poetry Night by Tabah Rizal
Texture makes feather, bone and fabric each feel distinct.
The Yetee
Time-Cat by Aron J. Shay (April 23rd, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
A classic Kit-Cat clock and time travel- the perfect pair!
The Pizza Party by Drew Wise!
Currently available on RedBubble.
The only political party everyone can agree on.
Legend of Zombie by WinterArtwork
Currently available on Redbubble.
Use of the heart container makes this concept genius!
Captain KYSO
Apaga mi Fuego by walmazan (May 29th, 2012)
It’s very rare to see a tee printed (daily site or otherwise) with a print this huge!
All Dressed Up, Nowhere to Go by d3d (November 30th, 2012)
This scene feels like a detective noir suddenly turned into a pulp sci-fi flick!
Complete Works of Shakespeare by d3d (December 6th, 2012)
Such great detail in the way the pipe smoke and spilled coffee follow the infinity symbol’s curves!
NowhereBad
Damsel in Distress by Kprojekt (April 20th, 2012)
Currently available on Redbubble.
Classic sci-fi, right down to the pulpy feel.
Toad Girl by Baz (August 7th, 2012)
Currently available on Redbubble.
I love the detail of the smiling cloud in her cigar smoke.
Amazing CyberMan by Kal5000 (November 20th, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
Perfectly crafted, it feels like it could be a real comic book.
Another Fine Tee
BattleCats by SkelePug (August 29th, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
The athleticism of sports is a great fit for a cartoon with so much fighting.
Anarchy Time! by Blair J. Campbell (October 25th, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
Ooo’s resident rocker becomes a punk icon.
Engineers by D4N13L (November 13th, 2012)
Currently available on RedBubble.
I really like the idea of glorifying genetic engineering in a sports style logo.
For reference, here are past lists: Top Daily Tees of 2011, Top Daily Tees of 2010
