Behind the Designs: Inspiration for My First Etsy Sweatshirt Collection
They say Etsy is a numbers game, and I’m finally diving in! This year, my goal is to list at least 100 products, starting with a collection of cozy, statement-making sweatshirts. My first batch is officially live, featuring designs inspired by self-love, sarcasm, and a little everyday humour. I wanted to create pieces that speak to introverts, book lovers, and wanderlusters—or anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Because let’s be honest, we all need a little reminder to take life (and ourselves) less seriously.
In this post, I’m sharing the inspiration behind my first designs, why I chose these statements, and what’s coming next.
Let’s jump in!
No Room For Drama.
I’ve always loved a bold heart print, so I knew I had to include one in my designs. But since my brand is all about funny, sarcastic self-love statements, it had to come with a twist. That’s how No Room for Drama was born—a big heart for the things (and people) that matter, with no space for unnecessary chaos.
Nope. Not Today.
I love how powerful the line "Not today" is from Game of Thrones, but I wanted to give it a fun, lighthearted twist. Enter the Nope. Not Today. design—because some days, you just don’t have the energy (and that’s okay). To make it even more relatable, I paired it with a sleeping panda, the ultimate mood for setting boundaries and embracing rest as an act of self-love.
No. Smiling is Optional Today.
Smiling is optional today is all about being unapologetically yourself—whether that means radiating joy or just not being in the mood to force a smile. My original idea was to shape the design into a playful face, with hearts as eyes and the text forming a curved smile. But when I couldn’t find the right heart graphics to complement the flow, I pivoted. Instead, I used a bold NO as the eyes, with the statement completing the expression. The end result? I believe this design perfectly contrasts the message with its light and playful look.
This is my self love uniform
I’m all about self-love, so I wanted to create a statement that serves as a daily reminder—something you can wear as a declaration of self-care. Unlike my other designs, this one is simple and straight to the point, without the usual humour—but just as powerful.
I can buy myself flowers. But I’d rather read for hours.
I wanted to create a design that celebrates both flowers and books—two things that bring me joy. While brainstorming, I couldn’t help but think of Miley Cyrus’ song (which I absolutely love!). Her lyrics were the perfect inspiration for this design. I took the "I can buy myself flowers" line and, as I crafted the full message, I decided to add “But I’d rather read for hours” to emphasize my love for books, making it the perfect self-love mantra for anyone who enjoys getting lost in a good read.
Remember your why or write it down
My mantra this year is "Remember your why"—it helps me stay focused and align my tasks with the goals I’ve set. To keep myself on track and monitor my progress, I rely on journaling. That’s when the idea for this design came to me: "Remember your why or write it down." It’s a reminder that sometimes, writing it down is the best way to keep your goals clear and front of mind.
Mentally Elsewhere
I came up with this design while at work, daydreaming about my next trip (fingers crossed it happens soon!). That’s when the phrase "Mentally Elsewhere" popped into my head, perfectly capturing the feeling of being lost in thoughts of travel. Paired with a paper plane graphic, this design is for anyone who’s dreaming of their next holiday or just needs a mental getaway.
A lot of times, I can get over my head. I suppose creating this first batch could have been easier if I had not overthought every detail—designs, fonts, graphics, and wording. But I truly wanted these sweatshirts to reflect my personality, my values, and the humor that drives my brand. Sure, it took longer than expected, and I may have second-guessed myself more than I care to admit, but the process was worth it. I believe that every little bit of effort will pay off in the end. I can’t wait to see how these designs resonate with you all, and I’m excited for what’s next!
Thank you for joining me on this journey! Stay tuned for more designs, and don’t forget to check out my Etsy shop for all the cozy, statement-making sweatshirts. Until next time, remember to laugh, love, and, of course, wear your self-love uniform!