It used to make me really, really, REALLY mad that ppl would ask to buy my art as apparel but not to buy originals/prints. Then I made a one-off version of my collage work as a sweater. Now I’m hoping to get a DTG printer by my birthday, August 28th. If I can print it myself-

-then I will be way more excited about selling my art as limited edition apparel. I’m just never wanting to cross the line from fine art to commercial art. I won’t be making every piece I ever created into a shirt. I also won’t be making more than 10, max, of each design.

One of my greatest fears is to become an artist who has work in some big named, yt owned store. I don’t even charge for certain collage works that I create, bc I want the work to stand to educate folks on the Black artists I pull inspiration & images from. So why would I-

-be okay with Target selling my work, or any other corporate entity that only cares about profits & aesthetics, but not fine art or elevating Black artists?

I’m having ppl send me shirts based off my micro-following on IG & the bulk of it is actual garbage. I want to be proud of my art, wearable or not. Which is why I want my hands on it start to finish. I want to design AND print it all. I WANT TO BE PROUD OF MY WORK!!!

Gonna get myself a DTG printer as soon as my very sparse pockets allow for it. Quite excited to see where my art goes once I get the process down to print as apparel. Can’t wait to update this thread with results!!!