BRANDING
Gambier Island
T-shirts
This passion project was inspired by the vintage t-shirts my family has collected at community events during our summers on Gambier Island, B.C.
Year
2022
Programs
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
I: Background
My family has a long-standing love affair with a little island in Howe Sound. Accessible via passenger ferry from Langdale, this slice of paradise has been our home away from home since before I was born. Our neck of the woods is home to a fluctuating population of permanent and semi-permanent residents, with an influx of visitors during the summer months, when community events on the island are abundant.
Growing up, the highlight of every summer was the annual craft fair, where island residents gather to sell their wares, enjoy live music, participate in competitive children’s games, and mingle with friends and family. Each year, t-shirts featuring designs from local creators are available for purchase. With the craft fair’s legacy spanning several decades, it’s no surprise that a collection of funky t-shirts has become a staple in the wardrobes of island residents.
While preparing my portfolio for graduation from the New Media Design and Web Development program at BCIT, I chose to include my own t-shirt design as a featured portfolio piece.
Vintage Gambier Island T-Shirts Designs
II: Design Iterations
My t-shirt design was inspired by the iconic view of the Howe Sound mountains from the part of Gambier Island where I grew up. I aimed to capture the many hues of blue that fade with each finger of land in the distance. In winter, this view is especially striking as the Howe Sound Crest and its mountains are dusted with snow. This scene is nearly impossible to overlook while in the sound, and I knew it would be instantly recognizable to fellow islanders.
I approached a community member responsible for organizing events and shared my designs. I was asked to simplify my design by reducing some colors while maintaining its overall essence. I then developed the following versions for consideration.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
III: Finished Product
The community chose a modified version of Option 2, requesting it be printed large on a long-sleeved black tee. The shirts were then sold as part of the Sunshine Coast Art Crawl, showcasing the design to a wider audience.
