TEE’S + ME

Not very many people know that before working with a camera was my thing, art was a big part of my life. And, as a kid, I was going to grow up to be an "artist". I still am, in a sense, I guess, just not the way I had imagined back then. So, when my friend Brimley encouraged my suggestion that I create a collection for her toddler tee company Sonny Threads, I was excited to flex those artistic muscles again.

THE SCOTTIE TEE

The inspiration behind the Scottie dog tee comes from my childhood bedroom –– which my mom decorated in a Scottie dog motif. Red checkerboard and black Scotties lined the wall. Those Scottie dogs have stayed with me over the years so needless to say I knew I had to include those classic dogs.

You can shop the collection through Sonny. Plus every purchase includes a Scottie dog sticker!

THE PARK TEE

The inspiration behind the Park Tee came from a few different places —the charm of a city park, a nephew's fondness for maps, and my adoration for children's books.

I wanted to try and create something that felt like there was a story attached to it or the beginning of one. Or something that could stir a child's imagination. And by including a few symbols of what might be found at this park, I hope I achieved that. Heck, it got my imagination going. I know exactly what kind of adventure that Scottie dog is going to have.

As for the street names, I had to include 21st & Ivy (if you know, you know), Lexington Ave is inspired by the name of a Pinterest board of mine, and, of course, there had to be a Sonny Street for @sonny.threads . The Grecian statue in the center is a repurposed illustration I did for Square Magazine many moons ago.

This park is pretty personal.

THE SHOE TEE

There's not much to say about the Shoe Tee, only that the idea came quickly and in the final hour before sending off my designs for approval. A t-shirt including a few of my favorite shoes -- each one labeled -- in blue on blue. Very few changes were made from mock-up to final design.