With a love for both self-propelled and petrol-powered transport, 'Stralian Twain Forsythe built his ace art skills from the ground up to become a veritable freelance armstrong. Though being your own boss at Design by Twain isn't always easy, it has allowed him to laser-focus on what he's most passionate about, and in the process tee-up such blipshift beauts as "GT Won", "Late Brakers", and "Work of Cart".

Twain hit CTRL+S and stopped the presses to answer  a couple questions:

How did your interest in cars start?

As far as I can remember I've been into cars and my love most likely started with my first matchbox car and a bucket load of micro machines. I've had that designer streak in me from an early age too and it showed in my Lego collection which were mostly cars and trucks.

How does your interest show itself?

I grew up religiously watching the older Top Gear before it became a bit panto. Modern-day, I probably watch quite a lot of YouTube car vids to inspire my car design tees. Nothing like drawing a Mazda 787B with the rotary engine on full song in the background.

What is at the top of your automotive bucket list?

Current bucket list is having my own successful business and being able to work remotely if I have to. I don't really put possessions high up on my list, it's more experiences and creating legacy type things that inspires me at the moment... that said I wouldn't say no to one of those new Audi RS6 Avants.

What's in your driveway, and what makes it special?

Embarrassingly, whilst calling myself a petrol head I drive a bog standard Kia Cerato. I spend much more money on bicycles which are probably worth more than the car. A sporty car is too much of a luxury for me at the moment and I don't mind the anonymous A to B car to just do what its supposed to do. I do browse for upgrades to something sporty but timing isn't ideal.

I used to have a few bikes but down to one good one at the moment. It is a Trek Emonda SL6 with some Dura-ace C24 wheels. I love it as I bought it with money I earned on my own after moving to Australia. It gets more attention by me than my car for sure.

 

What was your first car? Any sort of brand loyalty?

First car was a shared Peugeot 306 D-Turbo which i shared with my bro and mum. I then got a VW Bora for myself. I have had a few VWs since as I like that brand but like to try out others.

What is your dream car?

Money no object, I would drive a Shelby Daytona Coupe replica by Superformance, but realistically something like an Audi RS3 would tick the boxes for me... I'm a hatchback guy and 5 cylinder burble would be pretty nice to have too.

What do you do besides designing awesome shirts?

I'm a freelance illustrator currently working on commission work for clients in various sectors alongside launching my own clothing brand with a cycling theme. I love to learn and do as much as I can so pretty much everything I do has been self-taught and is there simply by working quite a lot of my spare time. It beats the 9 to 5 working for someone else, I felt my talents were going to waste. It is not easy but if it was everyone would be doing it.

 

I have always created basic illustrations as a hobby, but roughly a year and half ago I decided to quit my kitchen design career to pursue something more matching my interests. I spent a few months training myself up to use Illustrator at a more professional level and still doing it so people must like my work.

 

What are some of your non-car hobbies?

Main non car hobby would be cycling and I play the odd video game too but mostly car racing. I am one of those mates who had the full racing rig setup in his living room.

What have the funds from blipshift helped you accomplish?

All my blipshift funds have went into setting up my business so I am very thankful to be able to get paid for drawing things I love.

What influences you as a designer?

Biggest inspiration would have been @likehelldesign and @8380laboratories as I followed them way before Instagram and even when Facebook was in its infancy. They still produce amazing work and I was inspired to eventually get paid to be an illustrator like them.

You could get a blipshift shirt of any car or spec. What would it be?

What's your favorite blipshift shirt?

Any advice for fellow artists? How did you find the process overall?

My main advice is to learn as much as you can and don't be afraid of revisiting old projects when you learn new skills. Most of my first blipshift tee designs were designs originally worked on before I even knew what screen print separations were. Just figure out what you are good at and lean towards your strengths.

Thanks again Twain for the continued cornucopia of great torso artwork. Apex Everything!