How to Design Shirts for Stuffed Animals

Design Cool Shirts for Stuffed Animals

• 1

  Draw outlines of the front and back of a shirt on your drawing pad. You might want to make photocopies of these outlines, because you will be experimenting with many different design concepts. Think about the stuffed animals for which you are specifically designing the shirts. A good stuffed animal shirt always expresses something about the animal or your feelings about that animal.

• 2

  Unless you want the shirt to be the main focus of the stuffed animal, do not make it complicated or extremely colorful. In most cases, people just want the shirt to add a little more style to an animal that they already love, rather than completely changing its entire aesthetic. Try a minimal design with a message or cartoon character.

• 3

  Try designs, messages or cartoons that are funny or which communicate something lighthearted. Often, designing a sports shirt with a favorite team or child's name on it is a great way to make the animal more personal (always be aware of copyright laws).

• 4

  If you plan on making your design a reality through printing or other methods, always use soft fabrics for stuffed animal shirts. Cotton is especially good, although nylon might be appropriate for an athletic shirt. Using a slightly small size helps to emphasize the comic aspect of the shirt.

• 5

  Show children your shirt designs and get their suggestions for changes. A child's opinion of a design is a great guide for success. Display your designs to other stuffed animal lovers and observe the styles that really stand out. In the future, be sure to emphasize and develop these sorts of designs.