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Writer's pictureIG Short

MLK Jr "Humble But Rich" Gildan

Updated: May 29

Atlanta is a hub for streetwear, especially for riffs on classic T-shirt tropes. Over the weekend, I was asked to do a rush order for Ace at Humble but Rich. Initially, he was going to get them DTG'd (direct to garment) because he was told "It's a high-quality photo." The misconception about screen printing a photographic element also allows me to geek out over a print.


Screen printers know this is the best possible type of artwork for the press. It's one color, it's big, and when white water-based ink is used, you can take a Gildan t-shirt and turn it into a custom must-have. The biggest hurdle in reproducing the artwork was the size. This print is 17" wide, pushing up against the seams on smaller garments. A current trend on social media is the all-over print (AOP). While this print of Martin Luther King Jr. is not quite all over, the artwork is transferable using a standard-sized screen charge with a print covering most of the shirt. Had these been DTG'd, the mix print area would likely be 12"x12".


Because of the water-based ink, the print is softer than DTG before its first wash. The subtle movement of the t-shirt becomes another layer of discharge, simulating a glow.


politics and history aside, I have been less than grateful at times for the latitude my job gives me. Without taking for granted making art for a living, something that struck me with this HBR drop is I've never printed a photo of MLK Jr. before. The hairline is a little funky, but I'm happy with the end result as a vintage screen print.

Words, photos, and print by IG Short

MLK Jr Humble But Rich Tshirt


Tips for the order:

-- 100% Cotton

-- 1clr Print


Size shown - XL




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