Challenge: In February 2024, I collaborated with local screenprinter, Teeth Like Swords Printing, to launch a limited edition benefit tee supporting reproductive freedom and women’s rights. This project aimed to blend cute, kawaii-inspired design with a powerful message advocating for autonomy over one’s own body. The goal was to create a visually appealing tee that resonated with women and feminine-identifying individuals while clearly communicating the message “HANDS OFF” in regards to reproductive rights. Additionally, the project aimed to raise funds for the charity Reproductive Freedom for All to support their ongoing advocacy efforts.
Design Solution: Having discovered my interest in screen-printing back in high school, the idea alone of doing a local screen-printed tee collab gave my 25-year old self goosebumps. The association of this design with a well-known organization meant it needed to be tastefully provocative, and speak a concise but compelling message. Inspired by the cute, feminine aesthetic of kawaii culture, I began by sketching various concepts that incorporated playful imagery and bold typography. After several iterations, I settled on a design featuring a whimsical illustrated uterus behind the slogan “HANDS OFF” in a dynamic, eye-catching font. The pink color palette was chosen to evoke feelings of female empowerment.
Reflection: This project was a total blast from start-to-finish. The cheeky uterus illustration was printed as a one-color design with hot-pink colored ink onto high-quality, cream-colored tees. Priced at $15 plus shipping, each purchase of this tee contributed $10 directly to Reproductive Freedom for All; providing an accessible and affordable way for supporters to contribute to the cause. Between our two marketing campaigns, we sold a total of 7 shirts! Paul posted a few times on social media over the 2-week sales period, and I ran two 5-day ad-campaigns on Facebook and Instagram to boost my own views and product sales.
Only offering pre-ordering with products like this can sometimes be tricky… the customer is operating on blind faith that the order will be fulfilled within a reasonable timeframe, and that it will be the quality you’re expecting. As both the artist and a customer (because of course I had to order one for myself…), I was practically stalking my mailman, nose pressed to the window, until mine arrived. So far, I’ve worn mine at least 5 times out in public (and complimented on it every time), washed and dried it three times, and removed coffee stains and the ink is still as vibrant as the day I got it. I will wear this tee until it falls off my body. Stay tuned for modeled pics!
Since 1969, Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro Choice America) campaigns have created political and cultural change at every level, from the statehouse to the White House.
At both the state and national level, this organization works to pass proactive policies for reproductive freedom and hold anti-abortion extremists accountable. Representing the 8 in 10 Americans who believe in the legal right to abortion, they fight for a future where reproductive freedom is a reality for everybody.
Click the button below to learn more about this organization and their fight for reproductive rights for all.