Nike T-Shirt Storytellers

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but how about a T-shirt?  The simple medium is a banner for self-expression that can express distinct messages, often without saying a single word. Designs give voice to team pride, heroes, brands and cultural trends in an instant, according to Nike.
Nike Basketball’s T-shirt design philosophy is simple: Set a new standard with colors, graphics, illustrations and art that excites. While fit, graphics, athletes and color trends come and go, Nike stays focused on saying something new and relevant on a wearable canvas.
New printing techniques, advanced material blends, sustainability, multiple silhouettes and athlete storytelling allow the design team to blaze new territory in what may appear on the surface as a simple apparel design mandate.

Jack Aguirre is an integral member of the Nike Basketball’s T-shirt design team who brings a hand-illustrated artistry to apparel. He’s been a dedicated artist since age four, when he began painting on T-shirts. Today, a delicate mix of distinct illustration and bold graphics define Aguirre’s style.

The new summer Superhuman-themed T-shirt collection brings heroic personas to Nike athletes LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Aguirre hand sketched the illustrations with a deeper narrative in mind: his goal was to visually showcase their specific superhuman skills on T-shirts. Listening to the likes, dislikes, hobbies and overall ideas of James, Bryant and Durant is an ongoing part of Aguirre’s role.  He regularly meets with the three for ongoing feedback and thoughts.