The Eurofurence Forum

Eurofurence Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: RealZero on 15.02.2010, 20:02:37

Title: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: RealZero on 15.02.2010, 20:02:37
To say this at the very beginning, this is not intended to be a rant, but just a peaceful discussion as I am interested in people's opinions.^^

So, at last EF I got into a conversation with some other furs, of course. And somehow we started talking about the EF t-shirt. Along this discussion one of them brought up that he didn't like the way the EF shirts are done as they're simply "plain shirts with a little picture put on them", or something like that.

So yeah, I kinda thought about it myself then. I have to say, I personally like the EF shirts I got from the last two years, although the first one, from EF 14, is kinda losing some of the pics quality already, tehe.

But yeah, like I said, I personally like them. IF there was something to improve, I'd personally love to have something printed on the back as well, maybe just the EF's logo without a pic, or something like that.

You see, I'm not very creative here, that's why I normally leave such stuff to others. And that's what I'd like to read here.
What's your opinion on the shirts? Do you like them? Would you prefer to have them any other way or style?

Oh, and I say it again, this is not intended as an insult to whoever is responsible for planning the shirt's "printing", I'd just like to hear different opinions on that topic, nya.

Greetings,
RealZero
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: nifela on 15.02.2010, 20:42:21
The T-Shirts have definitely got a cheaper feel over the past years, I agree.
I'd love to see motives on the front and back - but most of all: black shirts with white print. Black T-Shirts rule, especially the black and white EF ones! :)
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Honey on 15.02.2010, 21:47:26
I would love some more form fitting ones. Especially for ladies. I always buy the EF t-shirt but end up mostly sleeping in it as i perfer more formfitting cloths.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Whitefang on 15.02.2010, 23:29:55
*giggles* I can see this topic striking a terror in the EF staff's eyes and them thinking "Oh no. Now we will have to deal with as many different opinions on t-shirts as the number of furs out there. As if it wasn't big enough problem with the rooms." :P

Anyway, regarding black t-shirt, I'm afraid it's not an option to me. You see, you wear a t-shirt during summer, when it's hot. Black absorbs much more heat and I sweat so much that in black t-shirt I would be boiling, thus I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it.
As for the picture, I think it's a good idea to have something on the back and EF logo would look good there. Also, at the last EF I heard people that they didn't buy the t-shirt because they didn't like the picture on it. So I was thinking, would it be possible for the staff to pick few pictures suitable for t-shirt and make a survey to let attendees choose which one they like the best?
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Cheetah on 15.02.2010, 23:54:28
It's a difficult topic, because essentially, everyone wants something different :)  Does anybody still want EF13 and EF14 shirts? We still have some:

(http://www.tigress.com/cheetah/lj/ef-shop1.jpg)

In contrast to the EF13 and EF14 shirts, last year's shirt was one of the best selling we had. The leftovers fit in a single box. So I guess it was a step in the right direction to go away from the pure "cartoon" motives and try something more complicated :) Unfortunately, having a lot of colors on the front means it's hard to find something matching on the back ... both technically, and artistically. Unless of course we could find an artist that would be willing to do a front and a backside.  And I predict, if we did double-sided shirts and offer different cuts other than the standard fruit of the loom shirts ... everyone will complain about the prices. Because, special features cost money :) And I thing EF has become expensive enough ... the last thing we need is another thing that costs more :)


Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Zefiro on 15.02.2010, 23:57:48
Personally I enjoyed the blue color of last year (what about a dark brown this time?), since white has obvious disadvantages (apart from dirt it also looks quite cheap) and black is not only too hot, but also quite cliche - too many black-based tshirts are already around.

*purrrr*
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Whitefang on 15.02.2010, 23:59:11
It's a difficult topic, because essentially, everyone wants something different :)
I knew it. :P

And what about the idea of letting the attendees choose the picture they would like to see on the EF t-shirt?
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Ralesk on 16.02.2010, 00:17:32
Personally I enjoyed the blue color of last year (what about a dark brown this time?), since white has obvious disadvantages (apart from dirt it also looks quite cheap) and black is not only too hot, but also quite cliche - too many black-based tshirts are already around.

*purrrr*

The blue was great, yes! :D
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Nightfox on 16.02.2010, 00:21:24
We had a T-Shirt Contest for many years.
We had to stop it for several reasons. One of the main reasons are the technical requirements for the picture itself.
And such a contest can end up very unfair, we already had that experience.


Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Stripe Kazama on 16.02.2010, 00:23:27
I like the shirts :D No complaints there!

Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Kamuniak on 16.02.2010, 00:36:43
I liked EF15 t-shirt. It wasn't black (nothing against black except its hot and too common like Whitefang and Zerifo already mentioned). And I personally loved that picture.

But most of all, it wasn't too in-your-face furry :D How to explain... If I'd wear EF13/14 t-shirt, random people might stop asking what is this Eurofurence thing? EF15 shirt instead looks quite normal t-shirt with just somewhat unusual picture on it.

Now of course someone can very validly ask that shouldn't convention t-shirt exactly be very furry with convention name with big letters on it :) Maybe yes, but that above is why I myself liked last year t-shirt very much.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: RealZero on 16.02.2010, 06:39:04

In contrast to the EF13 and EF14 shirts, last year's shirt was one of the best selling we had. The leftovers fit in a single box. So I guess it was a step in the right direction to go away from the pure "cartoon" motives and try something more complicated :) Unfortunately, having a lot of colours on the front means it's hard to find something matching on the back ... both technically, and artistically. Unless of course we could find an artist that would be willing to do a front and a backside.  And I predict, if we did double-sided shirts and offer different cuts other than the standard fruit of the loom shirts ... everyone will complain about the prices. Because, special features cost money :) And I thing EF has become expensive enough ... the last thing we need is another thing that costs more :)


In general I'd say "Fuck higher prcies for shirts, if it's 3-5 Euro more, damn, I can afford that once in a year", but yeah, seeing the photo you posted, hehe, I guess it might end up bad with more people being unable to buy it and having more leftovers.^^
But still, I'd personally be very willing to pay more fore "special features". Maybe have some kind of preorder someday, together with the registration, where you can sign up for something like that. To me that would be nice, but of course I can understand that you surely have enough planning and other work to do which is far more serious than printing t-shirts.
But yeah, I still wanted it to be said, after all, if no one states his or her opinion in the world, there'll be never any "improvement", right.
So, basically, I get all your points and can understand them, but MAYBE in the future there'll be other possibilities as well.
And regarding the leftovers, even I might find people willing to buy them, soo, we already had the topic of an official EF shop once, didn't we? Would surely be nice, and I need stickers for my car windows for this year, dammit. *chuckles*
And you even still have those energy drinks? I'll take a pallet of them, too! :D

Personally I enjoyed the blue color of last year (what about a dark brown this time?), since white has obvious disadvantages (apart from dirt it also looks quite cheap) and black is not only too hot, but also quite cliche - too many black-based tshirts are already around.

But, but, but...I like the blaaa~ck.^^ Seriously, I personally love black, but in fact I like all dark colours, the blue last year looked nice as well. Not a fan of brown, though, so I hope that won't be the colour of choice this time, but well, in the end there'll always be people not liking the final result, so I guess we'll just have to wait. About black being to hot...well...to me that always is a very little difference and I think more people suddenly feel hotter in them  after they learned about that physical fact on TV all of a sudden, but yeah, personal matter once again, I'm not going to attack people's personal opinions, nya.

Now of course someone can very validly ask that shouldn't convention t-shirt exactly be very furry with convention name with big letters on it :) Maybe yes, but that above is why I myself liked last year t-shirt very much.

Just to state my opinion on this: Like I said, I also liked that shirt, so, it surely wasn't bad and the art was nice, AND I especially liked the blue/yellow combination. But still, about furry shirts in general, "I" want them to draw attention on them. Damn, I wear those shirts in public and anime conventions especially to get the attention of other furs, which rarely works out, ssadly, so I personally hope they'll not become "more casual" at any point, but again, matter of taste I guess.


I'll be looking forward to this year's shirt as well, let's see if there are any changes, although I doubt it for the points mentioned by Cheetah, but nya, we'll see.
And if not, maybe EF can provide us with a .png file of the year's logo somehow, so we could print our own shirts in different versions...but that'd spoil the sales I guess, hm? But it would also allow me to print those window stickers and foils which are not officially available at all...maybe I'll ask staff about that at a later time, we shall see, nya.

That's it so far, I hope I insulted no one with my comments, everybody's opinion is highly appreciated, nya.

Greetings,
RealZero
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Ralesk on 16.02.2010, 13:07:50
The T-Shirts have definitely got a cheaper feel over the past years, I agree.
I'd love to see motives on the front and back - but most of all: black shirts with white print. Black T-Shirts rule, especially the black and white EF ones! :)

I just looked at my EF10, EF12 and EF15 T-Shirt, all are Fruit of the Loom Super Premium shirts :)  If anything, I don't feel any significant difference between them.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: nifela on 16.02.2010, 13:53:11
Come on, I wear black all the time and I'm not hot - at least in a thermal way ;)

If it isn't black, I wont like or buy it :(

P.S.: Are there any EF12 shirts left?
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Tekumseh on 16.02.2010, 14:43:43
How about making the big picture on the backside and a smaller one (like a logo or small part of the large picture) on front  - similar to what was done at MMC8. Both pictures frome same artist -> same style. Yes, that will most likely be more expansive to print... but doesn't have that "empty" touch to it :)

Nifelan: not all people like black. Actually I expect there to be more people going "black? bää!" then "coloured? bääh!"
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: RealZero on 16.02.2010, 14:49:03
How about making the big picture on the backside and a smaller one (like a logo or small part of the large picture) on front  - similar to what was done at MMC8. Both pictures frome same artist -> same style. Yes, that will most likely be more expansive to print... but doesn't have that "empty" touch to it :)

Mh, that also sounds like a nice idea, nya. Would be something I'd also be happy about, maybe even better than printing both sides with something big.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Runo on 16.02.2010, 16:47:31
How about making the big picture on the backside and a smaller one (like a logo or small part of the large picture) on front  - similar to what was done at MMC8. Both pictures frome same artist -> same style. Yes, that will most likely be more expansive to print... but doesn't have that "empty" touch to it :)

Nifelan: not all people like black. Actually I expect there to be more people going "black? bää!" then "coloured? bääh!"

Having the picture on the back presents a problem for all the long haired furs, though. It conceals the picture. That's why I prefer it the way it has been since ef13, with the pic on the front side.

Agree about the color, though.

Jojo
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Cheetah on 16.02.2010, 17:10:55
I would love to have someone set up a "EF Fan Shop" at the dealers den, and offer the previous years unsold merchandise. However, this would need a team of at least three TRUSTWORTHY people (job involves handling money on EFs behalf), who would be willing to come to Kettwig before the con, pack and re-count all wares, set up shop at EF, man the dealers table for the whole length of the con, re-count and pack everything for the transport back to Kettwig, unpack everything in Kettwig and sort it back into storage.

For the last 5 years, we have not been able to find a crew that matches the criteria AND would be crazy enough to do it :)
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Skie on 16.02.2010, 21:11:07
A longer lasting print, as in more durable one, is the only thing I would ask for.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Cheetah on 16.02.2010, 21:34:58
A longer lasting print, as in more durable one, is the only thing I would ask for.

What are you people doing to wash these shirts out? The shirts are made using the standard silk screen process, there is no other :)
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: RealZero on 16.02.2010, 21:57:32
What are you people doing to wash these shirts out? The shirts are made using the standard silk screen process, there is no other :)

Well, in fact in the case of shirts from services like Cafepress for example, the pics are kinda directly dyed into the fabric, don't know how that is called.
Most likely that's done because it's a cheaper procedure, don't know, but one thing is for sure: There never is a case of the pic "coming up" like, you know, when it seems small parts of the colour are "breaking" from the shirt after quite many washings.

In theory the cafepress-method would be subject to washed out colours and all, but so far my Cafepress shirt endure much longer than the "regular" shirts, like bandshirts, EF shirts and such.

But well, that is not something I blame on EF, oc course, it's a matter of the process and nothing I'd really complain about. Although it's sad that my EF 14 shirt already looks kinda "used" through it.

But yeah, that's not something that'll change and like I said, all the bandshirts I know also have this "problem" after some years already.

So, just to add my experience with shirts to this, nya, but let's get back to the EF topic again:

The shop at EF would be great, but I can understand the crew problem. Damn, I'd love to help EF, but being occupied for the whole con would be bad, and yeah, I guess as you don't know me I'm not 'trustworthy' to begin with.

Asides that, it would be a shop for only about a week. An online shop that's open the whole year would be much more convenient.
OF COURSE I know that would me much work with staff members and all, as well, so I don't expect that to happen soon, but I think IF it would happen, that would be great, nya.

Greetings,
RealZero

Edit: Just to repeat again, I love my EF shirts, I love wearing them, and I'll continue to buy them, I just want to exchange opinions here, so please, don't take my words as insult or attack or anything.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: SupernovA on 19.02.2010, 16:41:11
A longer lasting print, as in more durable one, is the only thing I would ask for.

What are you people doing to wash these shirts out? The shirts are made using the standard silk screen process, there is no other :)

They probably love the t-shirts soooooooo much, that they wear it day and night  ;D
I bought a t-shirt last year, but never wore it. Guess I have the same ' problem' as Honey. I hardly ever wear a t-shirt and if I do, I would rather have a female fit. But I'm not complaining. The t-shirt is a nice remember of a great time at EF 15!

It's just impossible to please over a 1000 furs! But you guys are doing a great job to aat least try!  ;)
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: BluePaw on 20.02.2010, 01:18:43
from what i've learned at school, we have quite a busy graphics design hall there. and even if i'm not in that class, i'm there a lot of time anyways, and i've picked up a few things.

yes, there are quite a few ways to print a thing on fabriks.
but ther's only 1 easy and cheap way, if more then 1 way at all, to print a full-collor-picture.
and that is the 4-collor silk screen print.
and the screens can be used however many times they're needed.
and that kind of print is mostly only guranteed to last for a duration of up to 50-200 washes.
depending on how good the printing-collor is, and the ones printing it.

there are ways of doing prints that are permanently guaranteed of course, or at least for as long as the fabric it self survives, but that is transfer, (vinyl beeing melted in to the fabric), but that's mostly just for printing 1 collor (makingi t 2-collor due to counting the collor of the fabric to). and is very hard to make good if more was to be added, unless it's very simple patterns. but it's allso very expencive.
and theese can only be used once, then you have to cut out another piece of vinyl.

so i'd guess it's a matter of trying to keep the costs to an affordable level.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Jumpy on 20.02.2010, 17:53:02
I agree to the poster who said that last year's EF T-shirt was great in that it wasn't too in-your-face about the convention. Small lettering, and a very beautiful picture that speaks of a somber mood.

I have worn the EF 15 shirt in places where I wouldn't consider many of the shirts from previous years.

The color ... well, I still prefer black t-shirts because I simply like black, but the dark blue was also acceptable. I'm not so fond of dirt green/brown.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Elfasi on 24.02.2010, 22:42:26
It's a difficult topic, because essentially, everyone wants something different :)  Does anybody still want EF13 and EF14 shirts? We still have some:

(http://www.tigress.com/cheetah/lj/ef-shop1.jpg)

In contrast to the EF13 and EF14 shirts, last year's shirt was one of the best selling we had. The leftovers fit in a single box. So I guess it was a step in the right direction to go away from the pure "cartoon" motives and try something more complicated :) Unfortunately, having a lot of colors on the front means it's hard to find something matching on the back ... both technically, and artistically. Unless of course we could find an artist that would be willing to do a front and a backside.  And I predict, if we did double-sided shirts and offer different cuts other than the standard fruit of the loom shirts ... everyone will complain about the prices. Because, special features cost money :) And I thing EF has become expensive enough ... the last thing we need is another thing that costs more :)





Please please please please.  I've been wanting to buy a few spare EF14 t-shirts for ages now, so I can wear them more without worrying about them wearing out.  Where do I sign up? :)
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Olven on 26.02.2010, 10:54:05
I have to say I really liked the last EF T-shirt as it moved the whole line of EF T-shirts to a new level when the T-shirts stop being black. And I really love the idea of this year's T-shirt having different color again, possibly brown or dark brick red as someone already said here. :) It would fit the Serengeti theme perfectly.
I also agree the main picture should stay on the front side (long hair rock! :D ) and I wouldn't mind a smaller picture on the back too. But depends on the price. If it would be still under 20 Euros, I think it's affordable, especially when there's a really nice motif on it.

If you have problems with washing the T-shirts, make sure you wash them at 40 °C (or whatever is the alternative for american washmashines). Or wash them in hand if they're precious to you. I remember there were some minor problems with the printing. I got a EF 11 or 12 T-shirt for my dad and now when I compare his T-shirt to mine, the parts of the picture on his T-shirt are almost gone (guess the material wasn't washed well before printing). But AFAIK since then everything is okay with the newer T-shirts.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Pony on 03.03.2010, 10:00:15
Personally, I love the EF 15 t-shirt. It indeed isn't too much in-your-face and I have no shame wearing it at work or other common places at all.
If the EF 16 t-shirt takes inspiration from last years t-shirt I will be one happy equine.
Then again, I don't have a high criteria and I'm pretty easy going. I am already happy people take the time and effort to make a wonderful t-shirt each year.
To preserve the t-shirt, I only wear it if there is nothing clothed over it. So typically the summer and such.
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Drift on 09.03.2010, 22:22:20
I would love to have the opportunity to buy shirts from previous EFs.
Cheetah, if you want to get rid of the old shirts, perhaps you could create an option for sponsors to choose their shirt? Like if they want their free shirt to be from this EF or from previous EFs (as long as stock lasts)? ???
Title: Re: EF (16) t-shirts - hopes, opinions, improvements?
Post by: Thygrrr on 06.07.2010, 23:26:08
I will pay good money for XXXL or XXXXL Horrofurence shirts. (EF 14, IIRC). :)

Those were my favourite EF shirts... I also liked the 15 shirt, mostly because I'm a Nimrais fan and because the shirt quality was really good, but my girlfriend found it ridiculous and laughed when I wore it.  :-[

Best Con shirt ever is probably MMC 8. I will pay really good money for some mint-condition ones of these, if they are my size.