Tennis Textures & Shapes

With school taking up most of my time these days, I haven’t been able to play tennis much. In fact, it had been since Spring Break. I was really missing it this week (the weather certainly played a role). So after our Photoshop lecture this week, and decided to phone a friend and drag my exhausted self to the courts to hit a few balls.

I remember once reading a book called The Inner Game of Tennis. In it the author spoke of the zenful qualities of being dialed in, focusing on a single object (the ball!). Over the years, the game of tennis has evolved into more of a spiritual journey for me. A place I can disconnect. A place where I can allow myself, despite the aggresive physical exertions of the game, to actually unwind. Somehow it helps me come back to my art feeling freer, more refreshed, less obstructed.

Finding ways in life to find that special place is key, I think. Below are some images of the textures, shapes, and points of view that often make me think of a joyous day of playing tennis.

Coachella Firebird Jersey

I adore the desert! The warm sand, the vibrant colors, and the fresh air just put me in such a happy place! And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like busting a move to some funky tunes in the middle of a desert oasis, surrounded by beautiful art and free-spirited dancers. It’s pure magic, and it always brings a big ol’ grin to my face.

When I was given this blog assignment, I knew I had to come up with something that would perfectly capture the essence of both the team and the festival. And what better way to do that than by channeling the mythical Firebird, AKA the Phoenix? I decided to add some feathery flair to the sleeves and fiery flames to the shoulders to really bring that legend to life.

For the color scheme, I went with hues that would transport you straight to the desert: vibrant pinks, oranges, and purples. It’s a nod to the festival’s colorful nature, and it just feels so dang festive!

Oh, and that number 22 on the back? It’s actually a clipping mask that blends a cactus with a gorgeous shade of purple. It’s just another nod to the incredible desert landscape that inspired this design.

Overall, I’m super happy with how this jersey turned out. Sure, if I had more time, I could have tinkered with it even more. But hey, we’re all still learning! I used a bunch of selection techniques in Photoshop to make this design sing, and I hope it makes you smile as much as it does me. Check out the front and back below!