Limited Edition Sweatshirt Project
I Love When Women (2021)
A limited-edition apparel project blending graphic design, feminist messaging, and hands-on production. Conceived as both wearable art and a statement piece, the sweatshirt was designed to be bold, playful, and unapologetically supportive of women embracing autonomy, unity, and strength. The aesthetic draws from streetwear culture (often a male-dominated space), reimagined with a distinctly feminine voice and a tactile, handcrafted feel, while also adopting the fast, shareable sensibility of social media design. It speaks to both men and women of this generation, reflecting a cultural language that is as native to the digital world as it is to the physical world.
Digital mock up of sweatshirt (back)
Digital mock up of sweatshirt (front)
Design & Concept
Context
Self-initiated apparel project, limited edition of 50 sweatshirts produced (2021)
Scope
Graphic design, garment customization, production coordination
Tools Used
Procreate, Illustrator, screen printing, heat transfer, hand-painting, sewing
Overview
The design embraced a playful yet powerful feminist message, an enthusiastic endorsement of women doing whatever they want, while adopting visual cues from streetwear, a space often dominated by male voices. Drawing inspiration from “women’s work” like sewing, the goal was to create a unisex piece that felt both bold and handmade. I began with sketches in Procreate, refined the graphic in Illustrator, and developed variations in black and white and multiple sizes before moving into production with a Los Angeles manufacturer.
Screen printed interior tag in black and white
Production Process
Silhouette & Fabric
Sourced from multiple manufacturers to find the ideal fit, material, and quality. Tested acid wash (look was too intense) before selecting a basic garment wash to soften and relax the fabric.
Back Graphic
Burned custom screens and tested both Plastisol and water-based inks. Selected water-based ink for a softer, more integrated finish. Screen printed the design in-house.
Inside Tag
Screen printed tag using plastisol ink on cotton canvas fabric and secured with heat transfer vinyl for durability; added hand stitching on edges for homemade feel.
Hood Lettering
Attempted screen printing but pivoted to vinyl heat transfer lettering for cleaner results.
Sleeve Logo
Hand-painted and hand-stitched logo as a unique, signature element; acrylic paint on cotton canvas fabric.
Process of screen printing design on sweatshirt
Sheet of hand painted sleeve logo
Outcome
The collection sold out at launch and generated high demand for future production. I collaborated with photographer McCabe Slye for a campaign photoshoot that captured a California-inspired vibe, celebrating diversity, unity, and a cool, playful energy.
From experimenting with fabric treatments and ink types to navigating manufacturing logistics, this project was an intensive crash course in apparel production. It sharpened my problem-solving skills, expanded my technical knowledge, and deepened my ability to carry a design from concept to finished product with creative and commercial success.
And while there’s a long list of things I’d tweak next time (different washes, alternative materials, new printing methods) that’s exactly what makes this project so rewarding: every piece is a step forward in both craft and creativity.
