Q: To start, tell us about Oasis Designs! What does Oasis Designs do?
A:  Oasis Designs prints a range of custom designs that we sell directly to the public at markets and festivals and we supply shops that have their customers. 

We also do print runs for clients and there we’re happy to do runs with a small number of units that the bigger print houses might not do.

Q: What’s your role at Oasis Designs? What are you working on day-to-day?
A: It’s a very small company so I do most things. At the moment it is post-festive season (which went well), so now it's new designs for the next event. 

Q: When thinking about custom t-shirts for Oasis Designs clients  — what are the qualities that make a good t-shirt?
A: From a seller’s perspective I need consistency of quality and sizing across all my designs. So when a customer buys one shirt and likes the fit and feel, it washes well they know if buy they any other shirt from me they’re getting the same thing.  

From a customer perspective, it's mainly about trust. They may like the artwork but do they trust they shirt?  My business relies on return customers so we know the customer likes and trusts this shirt as well as our printing. 

Q: T-shirts have a stigma of being pretty corny — do you have any tips on how to design one that people will actually want to wear?
A: Yes, the beginning was quite a challenge to find designs that actually sell. Generally, I stay away from slogans, jokes, or any writing on the designs and just use the image. I also listen to feedback from my customers and respond. 

It’s surprising what people buy, so typically we do a small run as a tester and then see if there’s any response from the customers. Quite often those testers end up on the sale rail but now and then there’s a winner. 

Q: What has been your favorite part about working with Vic Bay Apparel?
A: I started this business in 2017 and shopped around for T-shirt suppliers. I found Vic Bay in 2018 and have been with them ever since. I needed a reliable product from a supplier that could also still supply me as my business grew and I’ve had that. I’ve also always had very friendly service from the sales staff and I can collect get my order same day which is a win on the u