T-Shirt Reviews Blog

Posted: 14 Aug 2010 04:17 AM PDT

I received a comment on a recent post from Budi Satira Kwan, the guy behind Concrete Rocket, and realised I’ve never featured his label, which is rather insane seeing as he knocks out such great tees. he has a really unique drawing style, simple at a glance and intense on closer inspection. There’s something spidery about his illustrations that reminds me a little of British artists in the Seventies, almost a blend of styles by quirky characters such as Quentin Blake and Gerald Scarfe although most definitely influenced by far edgier street artists of more recent times. Lovely little airbrush bursts and some very fine stencilling on offer. Don’t expect much in the abstract department, he does produce the occassional vector beauty like the Colourful Morning tee at LaFraise but it’s a rarity.

Budi also steers away from the gags and puns of designers like Glennz, sharing more in common with artists like Rob Dobi of Full Bleed when it comes to sentiment, choice of subject matter and composition. There are a few stand out classics at Concrete Rocket that having been doing a good trade for what seems like years now, and a couple of newer additions in his collection that I’d like to share with you. With a little bit of luck I’ll see if I can’t wangle a discount from Budi and add it to our permanent discount code section in the sidebar. All the tees at Concrete Rocket are available in a wide range of sizes (except the ones that have sold out!) and most in cuts for both girls and guys. Here’s a few to give CR newbies an idea of just how well Budi does what he does…

Realism Tee

We all need a little more realism in our lives, I know I do, but this tee turns the premise on its head, a life imagined can be so much more fun. Available for guys and girls for $22.90 each in all sizes.

Peanuts Tee

“Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love” ~ Charlie Brown. I love this shirt, especially the idea of adding some realism to a cartoon character. Something along the same lines was doing the rounds on the Net a few years ago, it was a hand drawing of the kids from South Park as real kids and not imagined characters. I’d love to see Budi’s “real-life” interpretation of Charlie Brown ;) Peanuts is available for girls and guys at $19.50 each in all sizes.

The Great Plunge Tee

I might be one of the only people who never cried whilst watching E.T – everyone else at the local Odeon blubbed their eyes out for some reason. I loved Close Encounters as a kid and definitely wanted to see a sequel, this was about as close as you’re gonna’ get, packed full of sap and corny feel good moments, the E.T character sucked, even the fake Roswell video guys could have done a better job. For those who do believe (and happen to be carrying an alien on their handlebars) make sure to give the Moon plenty of space when you’re doing your wheelies. Get The Great Plunge Tee for $19.50 for guys and girls in all sizes.

Balloon Man Tee

Loving this one, a classic as far as I am concerned. It kinda sealed Budi’s fate early on as a top t-shirt designer. It’s almost like the “Banksy that got away”. Great piece of surreal illustration nicely presented on a t-shirt for all your delectation. Get this shirt for girls (S-XL) and guys (M-XL).

If you fancy seeing more checkout Concrete Rocket, and if you want to keep up-to-date with all Budi’s art then you can find him at Twitter, Facebook and at his blog.

Lifestyle World

Sunday, 15 August 2010