After seven years of running an apparel-based business, I found myself staring at a closet bursting with T-shirts with more designs that would wear in a lifetime.

Every new launch started to feel heavier, literally and emotionally. It made me question everything.

I love designing for print, but constantly creating more physical stuff started to feel wasteful, overwhelming, and like… not me anymore.

So I made a change.

For now, I’m now focusing entirely on making new digital downloads.

That means:

• Instant delivery (no shipping delays)

• No inventory

• No waste

• Complete creative freedom

And to be honest, it just feels right.

Sure, I might still drop the occasional new graphic tee, but only if it’s something I personally want in my own wardrobe. I will also keep the apparel shop open as is...for at least a little while.

I’m living in my low-clutter, high-chaos art era.

Okay, but why digital products?

This pivot wasn’t just practical, it was personal. After years of burnout and overwhelm, I wanted to simplify how I share my work while keeping the emotional storytelling at the center.

Besides the massive amount of T-shirts in my life, here’s why this shift made sense:

1. The world is getting weird. Between economic uncertainty, surprise tariff changes, and political jump scares, digital is safer and more sustainable.

2. People keep asking for digital files. I get comments, DMs, and emails constantly from folks who want to print my designs themselves. So… why not?

3. I can still make physical products, just in a smarter way. If a design goes viral or there’s a huge demand, I might turn it into a shirt or print. But now you can do it too.

You can print any of my downloads at home, or use a service like Printful to turn them into T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, posters...whatever you want. You don’t even need a shop.

Just make an account, use one of your sample orders, and boom: custom shirt for under $12 (without supporting child labor). Very little design experience is required.

What do you actually get when you buy a digital print?

Every $10 personal-use download includes:

• An 8x10" high-res printable PDF

• A transparent PNG version (sometimes with color options)

• No watermark

That means you can add your own background, use less ink, or print on whatever weird surface brings you peace for personal use.

If you want to sell it? You can. Just grab the $100 business license instead.

That version includes:

• The original layered PSD file

• The font I used (so you can change the text!)

• Full commercial rights

Here’s how others are using them:

• One person printed hers and hung it above her altar.

• Another turned it into a hoodie for her local book club.

• Someone even used it as a cover for their DIY zine.

And if you’re thinking: “Won’t people just steal the $10 version and resell it?” Please feel free to try. I have a lawyer on retainer and a very spicy cease-and-desist template with an invoice attached.

If you steal from me, it will cost you more than $100.

This shift to PNG printables is also personal.

It’s not just about the environment or saving time (though it does). It’s about making art the way I want to.

With digital, I get to:

• Focus on the story behind the piece

• Release new work instantly

• Avoid all the annoying steps like waiting for samples, photographing apparel, syncing mockups, writing product descriptions, etc.

Honestly? It’s better for my mental health. It gives me more time for coaching artists through Women of Illustration and more space to actually enjoy being an artist again.

But if you know me, you know I pivot… a lot. So who knows what the future holds? My ADHD has my business by the balls.

Still want a physical product? You can order one, or make it yourself for less. 

Every digital art download comes with everything you need to print it yourself, or upload it to a platform like Printful and create your own clothing or merch. You don’t need fancy equipment, just a printer or an account.

Or, if you want me to customize or print something for you, you can still place a custom order through this link. It’ll cost a bit more, but it’s available!

Wanna keep up with the chaos and get free art too?

Thanks for sticking with me,
Dean