Local custom apparel, printing, and embroidery company BLAK Print are seeking Aboriginal artists to be a part of a unique free t-shirt promotion.
For those looking to potentially showcase their art on t-shirts or merchandise, you can submit your design as an expression of interest. The top 5 entries will be selected to have their design printed on a BLAK Print T-shirt for free, and featured across their social media channels and website.
Owner of BLAK Print, Lorrayne Fishenden, said, “I’ve worked in the arts for years and I know how hard it is to get out there and make a break.”
“We recently did a collaboration on some t-shirts with designs by 3 Aboriginal artists for NAIDOC week and then we got the idea for extending it out into a t-shirt giveaway to further highlight First Nations voices and talent.”
While the focus on the giveaway is primarily on regional and remote NSW, entry is open to all Aboriginal artists across Australia, they just need to provide a high-resolution image of their proposed design.
“This isn’t just about someone getting a free t-shirt, we really want to help mentor and support young artists so we’re more than happy to help out with recommendations on formatting and design,” said Ms Fishenden.
If successful, artists will receive a free t-shirt with their design on it, which they are then required to share via their own social media accounts with the aim of both highlighting artistic talent, and also connecting artists with a wider audience.
“We’re looking for people with goals and aspirations for selling their art, be that as a main source of income or a side hustle.”
“It can be really daunting starting out, a lot of the printing companies have minimum orders and, when you’re not sure how it will sell that’s a tough call to make.”
BLAK Print offers embroidery services as well as the new Direct to Film (DTF) printing method which is a more cost-effective alternative to traditional screen printing. They have no minimum order quantities and can even allow potential future customers to order an artist’s designs direct from BLAK Print, reducing the need for holding stock.
“It’s a two-way street for us really, not only are we really excited to be out there promoting some fantastic Aboriginal art, but it’s also about getting our name out there and letting people know how easy it can be going with a smaller printing company like BLAK Print,” said Ms Fishenden.
Expressions of interest for this round of the T-shirt giveaway are open until 31 August and all the details can be found on BLAK Print’s website.
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