The Art of Custom Shirts
From 2016 through 2024, I had the opportunity to run a custom shirt business alongside my wife. What began as a local shop quickly evolved into a creative hub where I designed thousands of shirts for events, organizations, and retail sales. While I’ve lost count of the total number, I estimate I’ve created well over 5,000 unique shirt designs—each one built from scratch in Adobe Illustrator.
I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of custom design—balancing creativity with practical print limitations like color counts and placement. A key part of this process involved using the shirt color itself as part of the design to keep production efficient and visually striking.
The designs featured below were created for our shop’s own collections, sold at craft fairs, homeschool conventions, and community events. Each piece reflects not just design expertise, but the thoughtful planning and real-world production knowledge that comes from years in the apparel industry.
Seamless Identity: Cohesive Branding
Throughout both Shirts Galore and More and Grounded Ink and Thread, I’ve always placed a high value on consistent, intentional branding. From logos and color palettes to font systems and tone of voice, every detail was designed to create a cohesive experience across products, packaging, and promotions.
While the style evolved between the two brands, the goal remained the same—build trust through clarity and recognition. Whether launching a new sub-brand like Grounded Joy or designing a retail window graphic, I approached each piece with purpose, making sure it aligned with the bigger picture.
Strong branding doesn't just look good - it connects, communicates, and leaves a lasting impression.
Tailored Touches: Designing Stickers with Personality
Every sticker I design starts with a story—whether it’s a brand’s message, a client’s inside joke, or just something that makes people smile. My process blends intentional design with playful creativity, ensuring each sticker stands out with purpose.
I use Adobe Illustrator and other design tools to fine-tune every detail—layout, typography, color, and composition—making sure the final product reflects both style and substance. Some stickers are meaningful and message-driven; others are just plain fun. Either way, no two are ever the same.
From quirky one-liners to faith-based designs and everything in between, my goal is simple: make something worth sticking with.
Websites
Ehret - Plumbing Heating & Cooling
I built the Ehret website to reflect the company’s long-standing reputation for quality service and community trust. The site is designed to be both user-friendly and informative, offering clear pathways for customers to schedule service, explore offerings, and learn more about plumbing and HVAC solutions. From seasonal promotions to emergency service access, every detail was crafted to support both the customer experience and the company’s operational goals.
Grounded Marketing Agency
Grounded Marketing Agency site was built to showcase the full range of creative and marketing services I offer—specializing in branding, design, and automation for small businesses, churches, and community-focused organizations. The site is designed to reflect a clean, modern aesthetic while making it easy for clients to explore service packages, view past work, and book consultations. It serves as both a portfolio and a launchpad for helping others build strong, consistent brands with purpose.
Black Sheep Brews
Black Sheep Brews site was created to highlight the unique blend of kombucha, kava, and CBD wellness products offered by this locally rooted brand. The site focuses on education, community, and accessibility—giving visitors a clear understanding of the benefits behind each product. With an earthy, modern design and easy navigation, the site invites customers to explore the drink menu, learn about ingredients, and stay connected to the heart of the Black Sheep mission: mindful wellness with a rebellious twist.
Strong branding doesn't just look good - it connects, communicates, and leaves a lasting impression.
Email: [email protected] | Site: ryanwisnasky.com