27 New Designs from Insan Art

Well well, it has been a month since my last feature and what a busy month it has been! Over the past few weeks I've been doing a number of things, first and foremost grinding the rust out of my Jeep and patching and painting it. That was crazy. Then, I've been working on a book for my good friend Van Wagner. In between everything else, I worked on a whole slew of new designs! There's 27 in all including 3 new slogan/text designs and the rest are symbols based on real signs. Here's a peek at 12:


Three New Slogan designs:

Give Me Unlimited Internet or Give Me DEATH - This design is for all of us out there worried about the recent news of caps on bandwidth usage.
WARNING: May Contain More Than a Trace of Nut: This one was actually overheard being said by a certain Colbert on his report - it's too funny and so true, I need one for myself!
BEER, Now cheaper than gas! "Drink, Don't Drive." - This one is pretty self-explanatory.



Plus, new symbol designs:


Various Animal Warning symbols including Moose Warning (from Maine), Squid/Stinging Marine Animal Warning (one of my ocean/beach favorites), Giant Insect Warning (those skeeters are a bitch), plus Bear Warning and Croc Warning (not shown)...


...various sport/recreational symbols including Technical Rock Climbing (and not shown are Climbing/Mountaineer, Kayaking,
Biking, Swimming, Hang Gliding, Swinging, Skiing and Spelunking)...




...various "warning" symbols like Jet/Plane Warning, No Pirates Warning, Radioactivity/Death Warning and the "Crotch Fire" Warning (plus, not shown are Cliff, Shock, Thin Ice and Tsunami Warnings)...


..........plus, one very special symbol design (green shirt, bottom right) that is honestly from a real sign. It is a Japanese Subway

informational sign. Look at it briefly, what's your first impression?


OK, ready for the spoiler? From left to right it means: Person with injured arm, person with a child, pregnant woman and person with an injured leg.

Yes, seriously. Not what it looks like, huh?!?



Hehehehehe...

Anyhoo...click on any shirt to go directly to that design
section in my shop, or go directly to the Insan Art Store main page to check out all of the new designs!

2x the Twisted Pleasure from Shivtees

If there's one thing I love about the designs from Shivtees, it's got to be the consistent theme of twisted sarcasm (I also dig the fact that ALL the designs maintain a very distinct style that is simple yet hugely professional!).

This first design from Shivtees is called "Gingerbread Cannibalism". The name alone is pretty catching. The design itself is SO simple, but has an extremely funny and hardy message. The gingerbread men make this shirt work for Christmas, but the sarcastic tone makes it a no-brainer for t-shirt loving jokesters to wear year-round.

This next design is "Freedom from Prehistoric Oil". I'm always looking for well-executed, environmentally-conscious designs, so this one stood out. However, I think that this design is perhaps a step above the rest of Shivtees' designs. The style is consistent with the rest of Shiv's designs, but rather than simply a play on words, Shiv takes this one and makes it a sarcastic view on a very real, very timely problem. As a design in the environmental genre, "Freedom from Prehistoric Oil" is SO timely and SO original that it stands out miles ahead of the rest of the "Earth Day" pack.

Catch one of these tees at the Insan Art Store or make your own!

the Squid Shop Re-Launch by Insan Art

This may be old news since I re-launched it a week or so ago, but the The Squid Shop is all new and available at www.thesquidshop.com!!!

There is an all new section for photos of people wearing their shirts and hats (and I haven't received any yet!) - for a limited time, I'm offering a free lightweight mens or womens t-shirt with the Squid Shop graphic of your choice to the first person that sends me a photo of themselves (or someone else) wearing one of my Booty Hunter hats while hanging out the window of a broken down car (like Early in the show intro). See the "show off" section of the site for details.

Also new is the "beyond the hats" section. It contains designs inspired by the show, but not from an Early hat. Designs available include the "Sharif Badge" (sheriff star for those who spell correctly) and the "Git Yer Yankee Ass Off My Property" slogan.

AND, IMPORTANT NEWS!!! - Spreadshirt is finally offering white flex-fit baseball caps starting May 30th so in the beginning of June, look for hats available in the Squid Shop!

Get on over to the all new Squid Shop and get yourself some spankin' new squid gear (or make your own!).

Electrodynamics by Insan Art

Well, last week was a busy one again and even though I had figured out which five shirts I was doing, I didn't meet my deadline!

So, to start this week's five off is "Electrodynamics" from me, Insan Art.

This design was inspired by a book a friend of mine was toting around called "Principles of Electrodynamics". I thought that the cover graphic looked a lot like boobs, so I decided to do a design from it. I mean, what goes better together than geeks and sex humor?

Even if you don't think it looks like boobs, it does make a nice geometric/abstract design...lol. The design is also available with the text "I Love Electrodynamics".

So, check it out! It's available at the Insan Art Store and if you don't see something you like, you can always Make Your Own!

Chopsticks by Insan Art

Just a quick write-up for this one since I've got 3 more versions of it coming ASAP - I'll spend more time on them when they're ready.

Until then, this is my "Chopsticks (plain)" design - the text is completely optional.

Check out the selection of Chopsticks shirts available now in the Insan Art Store, make your own OR wait just a few days a see what other chopstick surprises I have up my sleeve!

My Name Is (Earl)... by Insan Art

So, again, in the most mundane situations I come up with shirt ideas. I was washing dishes the other night and I thought to myself, "I wonder if my husband set up My Name is Earl to record?" (we have the Direct TV version of Tivo, I highly recommend it).

Anyways, since I had t-shirts fresh on the brain and I've been trying to think of creative uses for the Spreadshirt t-shirt designer (aka the Confomat), I thought of this one. It's the basic My Name is Earl logo, minus the "Earl" part.





You can fill in the blank using the t-shirt designer using any name you like. If you're really itching for My Name is Earl, go for it! (or maybe Joy, Crabman/Darnell or Randy). Or you can always put in your own name. (mine looks pretty sniffy! ---> )

The Spreadshirt font "Kabel" (in the designer) is nearly identical to the font used for the original design, so use that one if you're making your own and going for an authentic look!

Get yourself one right now in the Insan Art Store! (and as always, if you don't like what you see in the store, you can make your own!)

(live) evil by Insan Art

These days it seems like everywhere I look I see something that would make a nice t-shirt design. This design, (live) evil, was inspired by a wooden cut-out I saw at a friends house of the word "Live". Someone had flipped it over so that it really looked like it said "evil".

Translating this to a shirt design was too easy to pass up! It's simple enough, but it makes you want to look twice...

...so those of you out there who are dark and naughty, this is the perfect little design for ya'll.

Indulge your dark side and get yourself a "(live) evil" shirt at the Insan Art Store or Make Your Own!

(burning) Bush by Insan Art

So, as I was thinking about the first "Burning Bush" design (see previous post), I thought it should definitely have a politically related counterpart, thus the second design, "(burning) Bush" was born.

I hate George Bush just as much as the next person and love the idea of "Bush going down (or up) in flames"... As long as he doesn't take the rest of us down with him!

I'll also have to admit that I couldn't resist (and was partially inspired by) putting this design on underwear.
It could mean all sorts of things from simply "I'm hot" to "I have an STD" (and it really does burn down there!)...probably not the kind of thing you'd want to advertise on your thong, but funny nonetheless.

Note to anyone designing their own product with this design - there are two versions of the design, both are the same design, but one is smaller just for undies and hats. If you place the small version on a shirt, it will look grainy in the preview, but in reality the print will be fine...if in doubt, please use the large version on shirts.

Get the undies or shirt at the Insan Art Store or stop in and make your own!

Popcorn Tub Death by Shivtees

Shivtees has quite the interesting collection of designs - many along the lines of whales brandishing homemade knives (very hilarious and strange) - but, I was absolutely compelled to post this design, "Popcorn Tub Death" because it is just the kind of sick-and-twisted little design that would catch my eye.

I could go on about this design but I think the artist sums it up pretty well in the description (and gave me quite a chuckle): "He watched in horror as his brother's buttery insides spilled all over the floor."

Wonderfully demented humor, Shiv.

Get the shirt at the Insan Art Store or Make Your Own!

Squidbillies Fans!!! I have Early Cuyler's Hats!!!

AHHHHHH!!! I just saw tonight's Squidbillies episode and I almost pissed myself when I saw the bump beforehand...

...Adult Swim likes to put up fan chatter in between shows and this bump said something along the lines of "why don't you guys sell Early Cuyler hats?"

Funny, I'd been wondering that same thing for quite a while and then I finally took the job into my own hands.

So, if you're looking for Early Cuyler's hats, look no further. I've designed the complete Early Cuyler collection - every single design ever worn on a trucker hat (and then some) by Early! All the designs are available on shirts and a select number of designs are available on hats (the designs just don't translate well to the actual print area on a real-world trucker hat!)...

If you're looking for a shirt, hit up The Squid Shop - if you don't see something you like, you can also make your very own shirt using my designs.

If you're looking for a trucker hat, check out the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress to see which designs are available on hats!!!

Happy shopping!

Sitar Hero from downwithdetroit

Hi Everyone! I'm proud to announce that I will now be featuring guest designs from Spreadshirt designers here on Five Shirts a Week!

A month or so ago, I had an interesting conversation with a guitarist friend of mine about sitars. He claimed that he would get rid of his entire, extensive instrument collection, all for a single sitar. A day or two later, I was browsing the Spreadshirt marketplace and came across this "Sitar Hero" design, by downwithdetroit. It's a really great idea for a Guitar Hero spoof and it made me think of the sitar conversation I had a few days earlier.

Design your own shirt with the "Sitar Hero" design today at the Insan Art Store with Spreadshirt Designer! You'll find the design under the right drop down menu in the "designs" tab. When loaded initially, this drop down menu will say "top graphics". Click on that drop down and you'll see the "grabbed designs" option. Choose that and you'll see the Sitar Hero design. Too lazy to design your own shirt? You can always visit the main Insan Art Store, where the shirt is available pre-made in 3 organic styles.

Happy designing!

Introducing the Squid Shop!

Hey Everyone! I've finally got the Squid Shop up and running!

It's the official shop for the Early Cuyler Collection! The Early Cuyler Collection is designs that were inspired by the hats worn by Early Cuyler, the patriarchal squid on the Adult Swim cartoon, the Squidbillies.

Get all the designs worn by Early - new designs are added weekly, as new episodes air and hats are introduced. The designs are available in the Squid Shop exclusively on organic/eco-friendly apparel (you can also make your own, if you don't like the organics). Shirts start at $13.90.

For those of you wondering why the designs aren't available on hats (and some ARE here), please refer to my previous post on the collection...

So, visit the all new Squid Shop today!

Early Cuyler Collection is Here!

Well, after 3 weeks on vacation (from the blog, only!), I am back and I am proud to announce the release of the Complete Early Cuyler Collection - aka "the Redneck Squid Collection"!!! The collection contains 42 -and counting- designs inspired by the hats worn by Early on the Adult Swim cartoon, "The Squidbillies".

My husband an I adore the Squidbillies. It is totally weird, fun and unusually fresh and raw. In nearly each episode the patriarchal squid, Early, wears a new, hillarious hat (usually, but not always related to the episode). After watching
season one repeatedly I got to thinking about designing the hats. Finally, when season two started airing I decided to do it.

So there you have it. Each week I plan on adding the new design - I had to append 3 designs while working on the project, but the collection is COMPLETE - even last night's design is done!
I have to apologize to the all hardcore fans out there who were really looking forward to their favorite design on a trucker hat. I will explain why some are not available and why most, if on a hat, are different.

In the Squidbillies world, a squid's hat dimensions are something like the size of a piece of paper, 8.5x11, oriented vertically. In the the REAL world, the print area on a trucker hat turns out to be something like 2x5 - that's 2 inches high by 5 inches wide. Not exactly the same aspect ratio!!!

Phew! Enough explaining & back story. The two designs I'm featuring today are the infamous "Booty Hunter", which appears in the beginning of each episode, and the "Firesquid" which also makes numerous appearances during flashbacks to Early's younger days.

Get the designs ready to go on shirts at the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress - or, since I don't have them available pre-made in my Spreadshirt store yet, you could head over to my all new Spreadshirt Designer Store and design your own shirt* using any of the Early Cuyler collection designs - the ONLY complete collection available, currently with 42 designs!

So, get yourself some redneck squid swag, and stay tuned!! Lots of exciting and new things happening around here this week!

* Note: Some designs are not available on certain shirts and most non-shirt products.

Jane Fonda's slip on the Today Show

Did you hear Jane Fonda's slip on NBC's "The Today Show"? In a remark about "The Vagina Monologues" she said the dreaded "c-word", which aired uncensored on the East Coast! If you missed it, here's a clip (caution, this clip is uncensored):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ7IrF0jdAI
(please let me know if this clip gets pulled and I'll find another)

Personally, I thought that the context that the word was used in was quite harmless, but I'm sure the censors think otherwise!

I came up with a few shirt designs after I heard about this. Featured above is the "I heard Jane Fonda Mention you on the Today Show! version. Also available are two other versions: "Did you hear Jane Fonda mention me on the Today Show?" - and - "Jane Fonda Could Use Nicer Terms".

You can find all three designs on a variety of shirts at the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress!

A Guinness a day... from Insan Art

Even though there's no shamrock, I came up with this as a St. Patrick's Day design.

"A Guinness a day...", you fill in the rest. Get the design on it's own at the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress, or you can literally fill in the rest in my new Spreadshirt designer store! (coming soon)

"I Choo Choo Choose You" from BT

Sorry, it is a little late to get one for Valentine's Day this year, but this design is a classic!
For those of you who aren't Simpsons fans, this design is taken from Episode 9F13 - "I Love Lisa".
I always thought that was a cute design and I was happy to see that the folks at Busted Tees have it available.
Get in in navy blue for Men, Women and Kids!
'I Choo Choo Choose You' Funny T-Shirt for Men
'I Choo Choo Choose You' Funny T-Shirt for Women
'I Choo Choo Choose You' Funny T-Shirt for Kids!

Election Alternatives

(left to right - Mario/Luigi '08 from Think Geek, Colbert/Huckabee '08 from Insan Art, Stewart/Colbert '08 from Busted Tees)

Haven't decided which candidate is for you? Or just don't care? Here's a few election alternatives:

Mario/Luigi '08 from Think Geek - ThinkGeek T-Shirts
Colbert/Huckabee '08 from Insan Art - the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress
Stewart/Colbert '08 from Busted Tees - Get it For Him or For Her

Happy Campaigning!

Went to Ireland for the Beer, Stayed for the Craic

(featured at left is the Ireland - Beer/Craic design on the green Men's Lightweight Ringer-T
from the Insan Art Store @ Spreadshirt)

Design from Insan Art at www.insanart.com.

It's no secret that the Irish love their craic. Pronounced "crack" (and frequently parodied in the context of the drug, crack), in it's simplest form, it means "fun". From my understanding, craic isn't just any fun, but usually includes your best buddies and a high incidence of alcohol involvement (pints of Guinness and some Tullamore Dew are recommended).


Get the design on a variety of shirts for Men and Women at both the Insan Art Stores:

the Insan Art Store @ Spreadshirt
&
the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress

Thrift Chic from Insan Art

(featured at left is my new "Thrift Store Chic" design on the melange red Junior's Ringer T
- available from the Insan Art Store @ Spreadshirt)

One of my original designs (from Insan Art - www.insanart.com), "Thrift Store Chic" is the first of two new thrift shopping related designs I've been working on. It is quite fitting for me, I was raised on used apparel and weekend trips to the Salvation Army thrift store (rather than the lame old mall).

Get my "Thrift Store Chic" design on a variety of Men's and Women's products at both the Insan Art Stores:

the Insan Art Store @ Spreadshirt
&
the Insan Art Store @ Cafepress

As usual, I recommend the Spreadshirt store since there is a better variety of product styles & colors. Enjoy!

Get "Dysentery" from Busted Tees

I thought this was so cute when I saw it - it really took me back to the days of geeky little kids
(one of whom was myself) huddled around the computer, hunting on the Oregon Trail!

The description from Busted Tees reads:
"You bought 1350 lbs of this shirt but you can only carry 200 back to the wagon."

Ha! (note, the ladies version comes in a nice purple...)

Get the 'You Have Died of Dysentery' T-Shirt for Men
Get the 'You Have Died of Dysentery' T-Shirt for Women