Rulebenders – Custom Shirt Design & Personalized Graphic Art
Project Overview
Rulebenders is a startup that I often use as a creative outlet for designing custom shirts. Over time, I created designs for every occasion—from trips I took, to birthday gifts, to shirts for clients. Each project allowed me to experiment with personal, playful, and meaningful designs.
My Creative Role
I handled each design from start to finish, combining client input with my own creative insights:
Concept Development & Creative Direction: Developed ideas tailored to the occasion, personal story, or client request.
Graphic Design & Illustration: Translated sketches into polished digital artwork using Adobe Illustrator.
Visual Storytelling: Embedded personal or cultural elements, codes, or hidden messages within the designs.
Creative Consulting: Advised clients on design choices, colors, and symbolism to create a meaningful final product.
The Story Concept
My design process begins with a mindmap—writing down all thoughts, ideas, and inspirations related to the theme. I also explore Pinterest and other sources for reference. Some designs emerge quickly in a clear creative moment, while others require more contemplation.
I enjoy hiding personal touches or secret messages in the designs, whether it’s a subtle code, a meaningful color, or a reference to culture or language. These small details make the designs unique and memorable, giving the shirts a story beyond their visual appeal.
Process & Approach
Started with sketches, exploring multiple ideas or focusing on a single strong concept.
Transferred sketches to Adobe Illustrator, refining shapes, colors, and details.
Incorporated personal, cultural, or symbolic elements to give depth and meaning to the designs.
Iterated and polished the artwork until the final result was ready for print.
Delivered a finished product that was both visually striking and personally meaningful.
Final Results
It’s rewarding to see a design evolve from sketch to final product. Once printed, the design truly comes to life and can be appreciated by others, whether as a gift, a keepsake, or a custom piece for a client.
Key Takeaways
Rulebenders allows me to channel my creative ideas into personalized, meaningful designs. I enjoy using this platform to bring joy and inspiration to others through thoughtful, well-crafted shirts—and it’s a space I hope to continue growing in the future.
