I need opinions from veterans outside of our race team.

2015-09-08T03:20:11-04:00

Would you buy this shirt? Price is $18 plus shipping and tax. It takes $8 just for us to get the shirts. The profit is then invested in our non-profit veteran racing team, AVR Cares packages, and vet training programs. All opinions appreciated.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Sep 8 at 2015 3:57 AM

2015-09-08T03:57:49-04:00

I wouldn't. Why have American Veterans represented by what looks like Charlie's Angels. I personally don't like flags in black and on the back of a shirt. I think I would buy one if it was on the front and the figures looked more like Soldiers or Vets. Though even that is technically a violation of the flag code. Often ignored, I have worn those July 4th shirts with the flags that Old Navy makes.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Sep 8 at 2015 4:45 AM

2015-09-08T04:45:14-04:00

I think the design is ok looking but I wouldn't buy it. I am not into racing though so my opinion probably doesn't matter, lol. It would maybe look better if you had a design of the type of vehicle being raced with some geared up Combat Military personnel around it somehow. Perhaps a fire team in various positions aiming their M4's

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 8:13 AM

2015-09-08T08:13:43-04:00

No i wouldent, I do not wear shirts with women on them because they dont honor my wife.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Sep 8 at 2015 8:14 AM

2015-09-08T08:14:44-04:00

PO3 Amanda Doughty I really don't like the back of the shirt. If it was just the front, maybe, although I really can't see the design too well from this picture. You need to have a detailed view of the logo on the front. I also think you are going to get a lot of flack from the "old-timers" about the black and white flag. Keep me in mind if you decide to do your runners club logo on the top left chest, as shown, with nothing on the back.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Sep 8 at 2015 8:48 AM

2015-09-08T08:48:48-04:00

I personally don't like how the women are portrayed on the back of the t-shirt. So I'll pass on buying one.

Response by SGT Apollo Sharpe made Sep 8 at 2015 8:52 AM

2015-09-08T08:52:47-04:00

Were I a female veteran, I'd most definitely wear this shirt. It's very nicely done. However, since I'm a male, I don't think it adequately reflects me.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 8 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-09-08T09:35:19-04:00

No - I don't think what appears to be 3 females with weapons imposed over a black/white American flag would represent ALL America's Veterans.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Sep 8 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-09-08T12:15:15-04:00

I have to agree with most PO3 Amanda Doughty. If the flag was in color and maybe had the boots/Kevlar/and rifle on the side or something reflecting veterans themselves. Maybe all the services on the back. Then you might get more takers. I wish you all the best.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-09-08T12:40:06-04:00

No, because it doesn't represent racing, or veterans.

Response by PO3 Amanda Doughty made Sep 8 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-09-08T13:03:14-04:00

It isn't supposed to represent all veterans. It represents the women on the team with our team logo on the front. It is to be sold at racing events so the target audience isn't primarily veterans but those of the nascar demographic. We were trying to go with a design that appealed to everyone, not just veterans or racers. Our first shirt design was obviously veteran designed with the "Honor First, Racing Second" on it. It didn't appeal to a large enough audience and so sales were limited due to such a small group of people who identify with both veterans and racing. This shirt is meant to appeal to the masses. So yes the females on the back aren't great but it's what an average person would think is cool. The girls are not meant to represent all veterans or even all female veterans, they stand for the three main women on the team. Also the shirt will be in color on subsequent printings. Problem being is it takes $13 to make a three color hand printed shirt rather than the $8 for the black ink version.

Thank you for all your input. I should have clarified the figures and the target audience in the original post.

Response by PO3 Amanda Doughty made Sep 8 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-09-08T13:04:52-04:00

This is our logo in full color. This is what is pictured on the front of the shirt. Thanks for looking.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 1:10 PM

2015-09-08T13:10:50-04:00

Although I think that what is done with the profit from the sell of the shirts is noble, I wouldn't consider buying one. Maybe if the flag was in color, remove the Charlie's angels girls and maybe add something a veteran can identify with. I think that might be a winning combination! Best of luck!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 8 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-09-08T13:20:41-04:00

I like it!

Response by LTC John Shaw made Sep 9 at 2015 6:32 PM

2015-09-09T18:32:15-04:00

PO3 Amanda Doughty I really like the logo on the front and I share the opinion that many other folks have shared about the back. I have a wife and two daughters and don't want to reinforce the gender contextualization. (see I went all fancy on the lawyer speak...) I would go with just the American flag and then sell the same shirt for the men and women's teams.
If you plan to do the less 'contextualized' design, I am willing to purchase one.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Sep 9 at 2015 6:35 PM

2015-09-09T18:35:07-04:00

The front logo looks good, but the back needs work.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Oct 29 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-10-29T11:03:45-04:00

You, more than most of us, know your target audience/market. Some of us may have a hard time 'feeling' it, because it isn't our world (racing).

I'm a graphic artist, too. I have been creating military inspired gear for over 15 years, and designing stuff for well over 25 years.

What some may not realize is that adding colors to your design also increases setup costs and overall cost per shirt. So a 1-color design is often what most people do if they are looking to create a low-cost fund-raising type of design.

I love the flag, and love my shirts that portray our flag on the front, back, sleeves, etc. Sounds like the Charlie's Angels silhouettes aren't a hit here. I use http://www.istockphoto.com for vector art, they have a huge selection of military silhouettes. If you cannot take your own photos of your the girls on the team, then make silhouettes out of them, perhaps buying a vector of female military members is the way to go.

Final thoughts... thick skin. It is a double edged sword opening yourself up to feedback from people, especially when it is your creativity being shared. People slamming your work hurts. So take their comments with a grain of salt, step back, and see if you agree with the things they are pointing out. If you do NOT agree, then do your own thing.

Good work, my friend.

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Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made Oct 29 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-10-29T12:13:20-04:00

Does it make people look as sad wearing it as the silhouette in the picture?

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Mar 10 at 2016 1:31 PM

2016-03-10T13:31:24-05:00

Guess the questions would be is it a female race team? and do you have a better image of this? The logo on the front is lacking and to make people buy this what is the incentive. Most people who want a shirt want it to say something about themselves. What do you want this shirt to say and does that message echo through the people you want to buy it.