Arteefact

admin    T-Shirt News, T-Shirt Reviews     arteefact, custom tees, heat press, vinyl tees

John from Arteefact, a brand new t-shirt label contacted me yesterday for a review. Uniquely they hold no stock, instead, when they receive an order they plot it, weed it and transfer it on a t-shirt especially for you. Each of their tees comes with a unique number printed on the back, and they even offer custom designs. Now, I’m not known as a fan of vinyl tees, I’d take water-based printing over heat press every time, it’s better for the environment and feels much nicer to wear, but who knows, you might think differently.

Amongst their slightly shambolic first collection are some real beauties, I adore their Determination T-shirt, which again is an abstract design, not my favourite kind, but this one seriously works. On the other hand there are a few I’d rather skip. Over all I’d suggest the collection needs some work to get going. The designs that do work are strong, the store is beautifully laid out, and their commitment to a more personalised service is very reassuring, I just wish there was a way I could convert them to a more eco-friendly approach, something that would add to their mounting kudos rather than detract from it. Still, there’s definitely talent at Arteefact, check these shirts out to get my drift…

Determination Tee

Not only is this a fantastically visual abstract design, it’s enabled Arteefact to be incredibly sparing with the vinyl which is most definitely the direction they should follow if they want to stick with heat press tees. There’s a real iconic dynamism to the look of this one, almost leaving you hanging in expectation. I want to see a lot more like this one in the future. The Determination Tee is available in 3 colours in sizes S-XL for €28 (Free Shipping) here.

Free Yourself From The Prototype Tee

I’m not keen on the text in this one, but I do appreciate the sentiment and the design is again very sparing, I’d focus more on making the image express an idea rather than “backing it up” with a slogan, however it’s still a very cool idea. The Free Yourself from the Prototype Tee is available at €35 (Free Shipping) each in 3 colours here.

Full Face Tee

Loving the vector stylings in this design, a beautiful use of line and sparingly laid out for maximum contrast. I prefer it in black as it really does stand out a treat. The Full Face Tee is available in black and white for men (€28) and  women (€30) in all sizes (Free Shipping).

I’m sure that Arteefact will think I’ve been a little harsh, but if I can steer them in a more eco-friendly direction now, it could spell the difference between survival and even failure as a brand and the chance of breaking into a far wider market and growing a cult following into something big, at least in the indie t-shirt world. Anyway… take a look for yourself and make your own minds up at www.arteefact.com.

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