Need help describing a shirt

[musicalmechanic]

We just got our first shirt design back from the printers, and I'm trying to incorporate it into our website. The problem lies in the fact that I have no idea how to describe our design in a humorous manner. For whatever reason, I'm just drawing blanks when it comes to it.

So, I'm asking you guys to gimme a hand describing it. Here's the design...

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/pika.jpg

If we use your description, you get a free pika shirt (as long as your in the US, international shipping might be something you have to pay for). We also have Pika bumper stickers, and I'll toss one of those in with the shirt.

Thanks folks.

*edit* I'll try to toss a picture of the shirt up here a little later. And this isn't the only design we need a description for. I'll try to toss the other design up here too.

[xravi]

Gotta kill e'm all gotta kill e'm all yeah, Gotta kill e'm all gotta kill e'm all yeah, Gotta kill e'm all Murdermon!

[Chipper173]

And you called Nintendo kid-friendly.

[Roy_D_Mylote]

Pika piiii?

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

"Go pikachu! use Chainsaw on that Zombiemon!"

[Sir Pinkleton]

This would be perfect for the "Caption this" thread.

Anywho, "here's a question with two answers. the question is 'would you want this as a pet?' short answer: yes, long answer: hell yes."

[Mirai Gen]

"Go pikachu! use Chainsaw on that Zombiemon!"
Here's a different version:
"Pikachu used Chainsaw!
It's super-effective!
Zombie faints!"

[Kroze Gamegod]

"And you thought Nemesis was creepy...."
"10 minutes till Jack Thompson is all over this one!"
"Its the only way to get to the creme filling...."
"We'll just be waiting in our offices for Reggie to hunt us down for this one."
"You should of seen the OTHER pokemon!"
"Leon has got nothing on THIS!"
"Sony: Yeah, we'll let Nintendo have Capcom... I mean, what harm could come from it?"
"DEAD BY DAWNMON: Coming soon!"
"And you thought Resident Evil being made into a movie was a scary thought!"

[Satan's Onion]

See? All the little fella wants is training and love. And your internal organs.

[musicalmechanic]

Haha, there are some great ones here.

Just to put things in a timeframe (yah, probably should have done that first) I'm trying to get our store live by Wednesday or Thursday at latest. I'm just waiting to get our other shirts in, and they should be in soon.

Which means that I'll probably pick one of these by late Wednesday. If I find a way to combine any to make it all the funnier, I'll be giving out more then one shirt.

Later today, I'm hoping to put up a picture of the actual shirt. Been booked lately, so we'll see what happens.

Thanks folks.

[P-Sleazy]

POKEMON! NOW TEEN FRIENDLY!

Here's a politician you can trust to do his job right (and not get caught otherwise)!

[ExcelDominus]

"Oh so cute and blood curdling!"
"One of those monday's that get the better of you"

[musicalmechanic]

Ok folks, I said I'd try to get a pic of the shirt up here so here it is.

http://blackhatcreations.com/products/turtleneck.jpg

Almost all of the shirts we're selling are either tees, longsleeve tees, or a couple of hoodies. I was able to get my printer to throw in a turtleneck for me, but didn't think they'd really sell, so didn't get too many of them.

Also, here's the other image we need a caption for.

http://blackhatcreations.com/products/shroomshirt.jpg

If you can come up with a caption for this as well, you'll also receive a shirt free.

I'll probably pick the captions by Wednesday night, so whatever is up here by then will be picked from.

Oh, and if you know anyone who might want a shirt, let 'em know about us. It's just my wife and I winging it when it comes to these designs, so we can use all the help we can get with this stuff.

Thanks a ton.

[Chipper173]

Find out why those stoner guys always call for pizza at 4 am.

[CrazyBen]

"Warning, this game contains adorable scenes of violence and gore."

"Potion, or green herb?"

"How do you say 'Pika Pii' in Spanish?"

[Noodlesis]

Now with 25% more princess saving, turtle stomping goodness! Or something along those lines. Heh.

[Noodlesis]

Is this thread dead? AAH! NOES! I double posted!

[Sir Pinkleton]

Is this thread dead? AAH! NOES! I double posted!

Then delete the second post.

anywho, (caption for the second T): "One of the many foods the Katamari team ate before production."

[Eltargrim]

Totally stolen from above (No, seriously, if you like this one better, give it to FBM): "Katamari's got nothing on this."

"Mushrooms are legal...right?"

"Wow...what did I eat to see faces on shrooms?...oh, right...shrooms..."

[Demetrius]

Train them and feed them, FOR GOD'S SAKE FEED THEM!!

[xravi]

"I'm not disturbed by the fact that if I eat this I will grow bigger and get another life, I'm disturbed by the fact that the mushrooms have faces, maybe there is a soul put in there, that might explain why it tatse so good, and why everything is changing colors."

(aw crap thats not funny.)

[Kroze Gamegod]

"Mario: The first Video Game druggie! GTA has NOTHIN on him!"
"Do not try and eat this shirt plz, it is not real...."
"Sorry Mario but your Pizza is in another Castle!"
"And you always wondered what happened to all those Toad clones when they gave Mario the bad news on levels 1 though 7..."
"When they start winking at you then you know you have a problem"
"What do you mean this is a plain cheese pizza??? I know this is the mushroom kingdom and all but this is just a BIT overboard! 8 bits in matter of fact!"
"Save the Princess, Save the Shrooms" (Damn you Heroes for corrupting my easly impressionable mind so much!!)
"You just HAD to wonder what the pizza Dennis Hopper ordered in the Super Mario Bros. movie looked like... Didn't ya?"
"NINTENDO!! IF YOU USE THIS, WE ARE COMING FOR YOU!!!!"

[Mirai Gen]

I like KG's second one.

"Sorry Mario, but your pizza is in another castle!"

[Fifthfiend]

Is this thread dead? AAH! NOES! I double posted!

Don't do that. Seriously.

Warned for double-posting.

[Sporticus]

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/pika.jpg

"How Pikachu eats a Reeces."
"Next on the Eleven O'Clock News, Pikachu's new movie: an honest change in form or a cheap publicity stunt?"

[musicalmechanic]

Wow, you guys don't make it very easy, I'll tell you that. After quite a bit of talking this over with my other half (the wife, ya know), we decided to use one of CrazyBen's lines...

"Warning, this game contains adorable scenes of violence and gore."

So Ben, if you get the chance, toss me an e-mail at sales@blackhatcreations.com so I can get your information and get your shirt out to you.

As far as the rest of you guys go, I'd be willing to send you out a bumper sticker if you want it. We have Resident Pika bumper stickers that look pretty sweet. Hoping that anything is better then nothing.

I'm still taking submissions for the Shroom shirt, and probably will until tomorrow night. Here's a better idea of what the final Shroom shirt will look like...

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/shroompizzashirt.jpg

We decided to do it without the background because we thought the background didn't really add anything to the image.

And again, if you know anyone who might be interested in some of these, please tell 'em about us. We're just starting out and can use all the help we can get.

Our shirts are going to be $15 each for all sizes up to and including XL, and all orders come with the Pika bumper stickers. I'll try to toss an image up a bit later of what the stickers look like. We also have Pika longsleeves and Pika Hoodies in VERY limited number (about two per size for the hoodies, and some sizes are already sold out).

Anyone who wants a bumper sticker can e-mail me too, and I'll try to get that out to you. This is reserved only for people who have submitted ideas already, because I can't pay for shipping for everyone (wish I could).

Thanks a ton folks.

[Major Blood]

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/shroompizzashirt.jpg

"The new marketing ploy for Pizza Hut! Eat one slice and you have to call back for a bigger one!"

[Mirai Gen]

I appreciate the thought, but Crazy won the contest, and I'll just have to buy the shirt myself.

Can't win em all.

[Derfel]

hmmm I'm not very good with names but shroom pizza is to funny to pass up so I'll toss out some.

"1 Slice ticket to Cloud land"
"Instant warp to world 8"
"Tubular ride to Star land"
"Come onnn, Mario does it..."

[P-Sleazy]

Mmmmmm....Shrooms.
If you eat Marios mushroom pizza you'll grow up big and strong! Just like him!

[Satan's Onion]

It's-a me--and I am soooo high right now...

[Tokkie]

"Nah, man... I'm cool to jump..."

[musicalmechanic]

Pushing the Shroom submissions til tomorrow night. Just got in the shirt and I still have to set up our on-line store, so it'll be another day or so before everything is straightened out.

Also, I'm looking for someone who knows shopping cart programs and .php well. I'm trying to configure an open source one called Zen Cart, but can't figure out how to do it to save my life. This is a paid thing, I'm not about to use someone's knowledge without giving a bit back. But you really have to know what your talking about. E-mail me if your interested.

[Inbred Chocobo]

Mario would eat it...

[musicalmechanic]

Man, really sorry I haven't picked anything yet, I've been crazy booked up. I'm not setting a time frame for the Shroom shirts, if someone posts something I like, I'll chime in (to be fair, I haven't had time to absorb what has already been said up here, very sorry for that too). Hopefully, I'll get the chance within the next 24 hours.

I've got two more designs for you guys if your interested. Will edit this post a bit later to post them. Was about to upload them to our website, but our server seems to be down. Thank you Godaddy.

Thanks folks, sorry for putting this on hold for just a tad longer.

[Mirai Gen]

Dude, we're not on a time frame. You're basically giving us a contest that's helping your buisness and having some fun while we're at it. It's hard to have deadlines in this sort of instance.

[Noodlesis]

Is the offer for the bumper sticker still good?

[musicalmechanic]

Mirai, thanks for the understanding, it's crazy appreciated. I just hate to not put things into time frames. We're trying to get our shopping cart up and running at this point. I think I have everything just about done, hopefully it'll be up by tonight, and then I can give this thread the kind of attention it deserves, ya know.

Noodlesis, the bumper sticker offer is still good. They're pretty sweet, I've got one on my Honda already, I'll have to post pics of it later. Send me your info at sales@blackhatcreations.com and I'll get it out to you tomorrow.

Here's a couple more images we need one-liners for. We could also use general advice as far as the Mimic shirt goes. How do you feel about the colors? The sign? Anything else?

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/grenade.jpg

Here's the mimic. I've been playing around with the colors, like I said. If anyone can suggest anything I can easily do with the colors (I'm far from fluent when it comes to Illustrator, but I can do some stuff), I'd be up for opinions.

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/mimicgreen.jpg

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/mimicblue.jpg

Remember, the more colors, the higher the cost. We're trying to keep the colors down to four because with a 4 color print, I can sell the shirts for $15 and still make a decent profit.

I'm big on not making our shirts cost an absolute fortune. I don't want to be greedy by any measure, and feel that by moving stock, at lower costs, I'd be much better off. Not saying that I wouldn't be up for adding colors, but it's just something we have to bare in mind. Thinking about making the lining to the treasure chest a dull silver and making the background black, just curious to see what you guys think.

Thanks folks.

[Noodlesis]

Sorry to bug you again, would I have to pay shipping or anything for the sticker?

And towards the Shirts...

@Mimic shirt: Not to be used to store fighters.

@Grenade: Just be happy It doesn't want a hug.


Meh, That's my attempt. I LOVE the mimic shirt though, I'd buy one in an instant if I could afford it / use internet purchases.

[Krylo]

Do the silver (I was thinking gold, actually, but whatever works) lining, change the color of the box proper to a wood tone, and leave the background alone (or even eliminate the background altogether, which would allow you to keep your colors down if you just made the 'victim's gloves cover his fingers and made his armor the same metallic color as the lining), as the background isn't intrinsic to the shirt's message or joke and adding color to it would be unnecessary.

[Noodlesis]

Do the silver (I was thinking gold, actually, but whatever works) lining, change the color of the box proper to a wood tone, and leave the background alone (or even eliminate the background altogether, which would allow you to keep your colors down), as the background isn't intrinsic to the shirt's message or joke and adding color to it would be unnecessary.


I think the background makes it nice, If it keeps the price reasonable then you should leave it.But the silver and wood is neat as well, maybe you could make both? Maybe a white shirt with the green/gold mimic, and a black shirt with the wood/silver?

[Chipper173]

For the mimic: You're down to 1 hit point. Maybe that treasure chest has a potion?

[Sir Pinkleton]

grenade caption: the class would learn to respect Jimmy's show and tell...

[musicalmechanic]

Hey guys, got one last one for you. Least for quite some time. My main artist (who is a god among men to me at this point) sent me one last one. Let's see what you think...

http://blackhatcreations.com/products/1upjpg.jpg

Debating on how to position the emblem versus the letters. I think it looks great like this. He originally thought we should put the emblem on the front and the letters on the back. What do you guys think?

And thanks for all the opinions, seriously. Might not seem much, but it helps me make some pretty big decisions. I'm grateful.

[Sir Pinkleton]

I don't know, it looks ok as it is, but I can also imagine it looking good with the mushroom behind it.

Caption-wise: "Best be representin' dawg."

[Mirai Gen]

Should add a gold chain to that mushroom.

Best shirt yet. I am so buying that when it's in production.

[Chipper173]

"Ever wonder how Fiddy got capped nine times and lived? This is how."

Also, is the first shirt the only one that a winner has been announced for?

[musicalmechanic]

Yah, the first shirt is the only one so far. The next will be the Shroom shirt, since that's the only other shirt we currently have in stock.

I'm just tossing some of the other images up here for more reference then anything else. We're gonna be printing the Mimic and the 1up as soon as I can decide if they are good enough the way they are, or they need to be changed.

*edit*
Just remembered. The grenade shirts were ordered today actually. If all goes well, they might be in before Christmas. Also, if anyone has a bit of talent in photoshop or illustrator, and feels like helping me out with wallpapers, it would be appreciated. All of our images I want to be wallpapers on our site. I can't give shirts away for these, unfortunately, because I've got to actually make some money somewhere along the line here. This is just a general plea for help. Just to give you an idea of what I mean when I say wallpapers...

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/wallpapers/pika/pika800-600.jpg

Currently I'm pulling an all-nighter to get our store up, hence posting at 3 A.M.

[Noodlesis]

I think the text should be beeloow the 'Shroom. Just my opinion.

[musicalmechanic]

Should add a gold chain to that mushroom.

Yah, but the problem with that is the fact that the artist takes forever to get me anything. Plus I already have him on another very important job that has to be done ASAP.

He's revising a drawing he did for us at an earlier point in time, but that we can't use because of copyright concerns.

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/wallpapers/homeboy/homeboy800-600.jpg

He's re-doing this drawing so it still has the effect, but the likeness isn't so exact. I love the idea, and he's a hellova artist, but this is virtually useless to us because of the copyright issue.

As far as the 1up goes, just for comparison's sake, here we go...

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/1upabove.jpg


http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/1upjpg.jpg

Thinking it looks better with the emblem above too. Opinions peeps?

[Mirai Gen]

I prefer the one with the logo on the bottom, honestly.

Dunno why.

And I encourage you to use the mario/peach idea...it says alot about your buisness by itself. But as it is...it probably is a copyright infringement.

I'm curious though - how is that copyright infringement and yet the 1up mushroom isn't? Is it because characters mean more than icons?

[Demetrius]

For the Mimic:
Leave the background solid brown, that will make the sign look like it actually belongs there, or lose it all together. Every Gamer in the world knows chests mean treasure or traps, I think the sign takes from the design the way it is now.

[Chipper173]

I like the 1up Bitches one with the writing on the top and the emblem on the bottom.

[musicalmechanic]

I'm curious though - how is that copyright infringement and yet the 1up mushroom isn't? Is it because characters mean more than icons?

The homeboy tee contains way too much for me to risk it. The emblem does contain some references to the Mario-style mushrooms, but it was created virtually from scratch, which is why I'm willing to give it a go. I'm a little bit nervous about the 1up text itself, but think the risk is well worth it, to tell the truth.

[Mirai Gen]

Have you tried contacting Nintendo and asking them if this whole schpeel is cool?

[musicalmechanic]

Have you tried contacting Nintendo and asking them if this whole schpeel is cool?

My god, have I.

I tried to contact Nintendo about the Homeboy design quite a number of times. They kept pushing me off, telling me to contact their affiliates about licensing. Tried to tell them that I didn't want to license, just wanted to know if I violated copyright (which I'm almost positive I did) and what I could do to rectify the situation.

During this whole time, I'm talking to their affiliates too. There's two companies I was talking to. One was called Changes, another was called NTD Apparel.

For whatever reason, I kept falling into the "I'll call you, don't call me" situations with these companies. I found out a little more about the licensing process in the meantime, and found it is VERY expensive. Plus, we couldn't print our own shirts, the other companies would.

So, what it came down to was that Nintendo was going to get almost 25% of every sale, the middle company was going to get at least %10 of every sale, and they would be the only ones allowed to print the design. Plus, it costs to even run the design through the vetting process at Nintendo (I've heard anywhere between $5 grand and $15 grand).

So yeah, figured I'd just have my artist redraw it, save myself the headache, and be able to control my inventory and the printing process.

\rant

[CrazyBen]

Just wanted to publicly thank you, musicalmechanic, for the shirt. So, thanks buddy. I'd post an image of myself wearing it, but I don't have access to a working digital camera. So I'll just describe what it looks like- Its awsome looking. Buy one everybody. Seriously.

[Tydeus]

Uh, parody? Seriously, that homeboy shirt is some seriously...perodic...shit right there. I mean, it's quite funny, and generally pretty fucking awesome.

And people make money off of parody, too -- examples include: basically all of late-night television. Also, most of animation not aimed solely at pre-teens: South Park. Family Guy. Simpsons. Etc.

Go nuts man.

OK, well, maybe check with a lawyer firt, because I don't want to be responsible for getting you sued into oblivion, and destroying your marriage. But, I am pretty sure that what you've got goin' on definitely qualifies as parody.

Plus, it's Nintendo. They're raking in profit left and right, and they've been parodied/infringed upon for at least two decades now. It's not like Sony, where even speaking of their product, in favorable terms, after it has been released is considered murder most foul,and Ken Kutaragi personally extracts the fines from his victims. Fear and Sorrow are the only currencies he accepts to further His Nefarious Purpose. He is watching us all, as we speak. Type. Whatever.

[Mirai Gen]

I'm inclined to agree with Tydeus on this one. It seems more to me that this falls under grounds of "a parody" and therefore wouldn't actually be a Nintendo licensed product, nor able to be tracked down and shot like a not Nintendo licensed product.

However, we're not lawyers. You might want to not scrap the Homeboy image and check with a lawyer. Sure, it can be expensive, but you're already treading on thin fucking ice.

Also: When can we be able to buy these shirts off you? I really want a 1up bitches shirt.

[musicalmechanic]

Ben, glad you love the shirt man. Post pics if you can.

But, I am pretty sure that what you've got goin' on definitely qualifies as parody.

Yes and no. My understanding is that basically if an image looks like something the company might release willingly, your in trouble. Trust me when I say it breaks my heart to not run that image, but after talking to people about it, I really didn't want to take the risk, ya know.

Also: When can we be able to buy these shirts off you? I really want a 1up bitches shirt.

Our website is live again, thank god. I was able to integrate Google's shopping cart service (which was a fuggin pain) into our site, and get something up there. I've got someone re-designing our site, so I'm gonna be updating it pretty soon, but I wanted to get something up there for now at least.

www.blackhatcreations.com

Got some great wallpapers too, if you guys are into that kinda thing. I've still gotta turn the Shroom Pizza and Grenade print into wallpapers, but I still have some pretty sweet ones up there.

Currently, we have the Pika in short and long sleeve and the Shroom shirt in short sleeve. We're gonna be getting the Grenade print and the 1up print back probably by the second week of January, so I'll keep you guys posted on it.

Check out our site, I need opinions. Our site is kinda rough right now, so anything you guys can suggest, I'd appreciate. HTML is not my strong suit, bare that in mind.

And hey, while I'm at it, this is probably gonna be our next shirt...

http://blackhatcreations.com/products/sketch.jpg

Gimme opinions yo!

[Mirai Gen]

That's hilarious.

When you get that on a shirt, I need to give it to my old roommate John. He and I have tons of inside jokes about stickies.

I approve greatly. Keep up the good work.

[kuebler elf]

I think I have seen another shirt like the stickied one before. I think it was in the VGcats one, but it was just the helmet.

[Noodlesis]

Shirt=Woot... And I still haven't gotten my stickers. -_- slow mail...

[Noodlesis]

Well at the time I postedthat it was last week, but it was a sunday, mailcomes in tomorrow, ill check it then. The sticker is going on my new 360 when it comes. Woot.

[musicalmechanic]

The bumper sticker's still didn't come in? That's craziness.

If you don't get them in this week, I'll send some more out to you. Really sorry about that.

*edit*

My artist just got back to me on the Sticky print, and here's what she's got.

http://www.blackhatcreations.com/products/sticky.png

We need opinions!!

Thinking there's too much of the light blue in the font, and having her add another color in there.

[Noodlesis]

I say the font is fine, just needs the shadow to be LIGHT GREY.

[Eltargrim]

I would agree, but there's the colour limit per shirt that was discussed earlier, if I recall. It comes out fine. If the shadow is really an issue, I'd just drop it; it's not too significant.

In any event, do you ship internationally? Or are you located in Canada? 'cause I want that shirt. I want it bad.

[Noodlesis]

I don't feel so good now, have fun making shirts without me.

[musicalmechanic]

In any event, do you ship internationally? Or are you located in Canada? 'cause I want that shirt. I want it bad.

Nah, we're in Ohio. I'll ship to Canada though. It would probably be a bit more money for the shipping, which sucks. That, and shipping to Canada seems to take forever, which is the problem we're having with Noodlesis' Bumper Stickers.

E-mail me your address and I can get a more exact price for shipping, that way you know what your looking at.

sales@blackhatcreations.com

I don't feel so good now, have fun making shirts without me.

Hope you feel better man. I know how it is, spent most of Christmas Eve in bed cause of stomach issues.

[Noodlesis]

Well, no stickeries today either... :'(





Stickeries IS a word. It's like pasteries, Stickeries are objects made of stickers, pasteries are objects made with paste...


Man, that sounded better in my head.

[Demetrius]

I think the lighting is off with the light blue due to the position of the 'nade; the back leg and back of the helmet should have more blue and less on the torso and front of the helmet. For the light blue on the ground maybe use it to create a shadow with negative space with the blue as a sort of backlighting...

[Tydeus]

I think we can see a bit too much of the sticky, based on the angle from which we are viewing the Chief. So, either place the sticky somewhere else on his body (it is kind of on his back currently, right?), or display less of the sticky to the viewer. The perspective just seems off. Plus, for anyone who'll actually get the shirt, you don't need to display the sticky super prominently for them to get it.

But, really, that's just nit-picking. Over all, I like the shirt, especially the cartoony rendering of the MC

[Noodlesis]

:'( still no stickers haha, no updates in a long time...

[Lefty]

Try putting the nade on the facemask and get rid of the shadow. But that is so badass! Mayby change the text...i don't know, I see more potential for funny.

[musicalmechanic]

Yeah, sorry about the lacking of the updates and all. With the holidays and such, I've been booked. Been a bit under the weather on top of it all. Damn my frail human body.

Latest news is the Grenade prints are being done tomorrow, from what I understand. Went out there today to see what they look like, and I'm pretty impressed. Should look pretty slick, might have pics for you guys tomorrow.

Website sucks. I had someone re-design the whole thing and it came out great. Problem has been the integration with our shopping cart program, and the fact that the guy I hired seems to have no idea where to start. Bah, it sucks. Here's close to what it should look like though...

http://blackhatcreations.com/products/blackhatwebsite.jpg

I'm mailing a bunch of stuff out tomorrow, so I'll be re-sending some bumper stickers for you Noodles. I'm really sorry man, have no idea what the heck happened to them. Promise they'll be on the way.

If anyone wants to play with the Stickied image, I'd be more then willing to send you guys the file. I have no idea how to change the image at all. And that artist is on vacation for about a month, so I can't bug her to do it.

Thanks for the opinions. Take it easy folks.

[Noodlesis]

I'd like a chance at it, and I think that the masters of Stratego stole my stickers to make the best pieces EVAR!


I just got the stickers today, along with my nintendo power magazine. <3+6




STill dead...