Illustrated Machines
Growing up, I was always sketching sports cars—captivated by the lines, speed, and personality each one held. That early passion stuck with me, and I’ve been fortunate to channel it into real-world creative work. This collection highlights three automotive-driven illustrations: CJ Illustration, a fun and playful character design originally created in 3D and reimagined as a bold 2D piece; Hustler Only, with gritty, culture-first visuals; and Morning Shift, a sticker-style concept created for a Cars & Coffee event, blending playful design with community-driven car culture. Together, they showcase how car culture continues to fuel my work.
Hustlers Only – Drift Team Tee
Illustration + T-Shirt Design for a California Drift Crew
A bold back graphic featuring a Nissan GTR in front of a retro diner-style pit stop, created for a California-based drift team. The front design includes a sticker-inspired graphic with the phrase “Hustlers Only”, giving the shirt street cred and car culture edge.
Final Illustration for Tee
Final Printed Left Chest Design
Final Printed Tee
The Unveil
A behind-the-scenes look at the final shirt reveal—printed, worn, and ready to hit the street. Captured in motion for the full vibe.
Left in the Dust
An alternative concept that explored a different visual direction. It didn’t make the final cut, but it helped steer the project where it needed to go.
CJ Illustration
Flat Character Illustration + Merch Concepts for a Chrysler Jeep Dealership Mascot
Flat character illustration and merch design for a Chrysler Jeep dealership in Henderson, Nevada. Tasked with adapting an existing 3D mascot into a clean, print-ready vector, I aimed to preserve the character’s playful energy while translating its Pixar-inspired charm into a simplified, 2D format—one shirt design even went into production.
Final Flat 2D "Sticker-Ready" illustration
The Original 3D Character CJ, designed and built by Tony Gist
Black & White version with t-shirt "BEEP BEEP" slogan design
The dealership selected this design from several options. Their only request? Print it on a black shirt—easy!
Final mockup featuring the chosen design on a black shirt, just as requested.
Morning Shift - Sticker concept
Illustration Practice + Concept Play
An illustration concept originally designed for a Cars & Coffee event, this sticker idea didn’t make the final cut—but it still stands as a fun showcase of my illustrative style.
The concept blends two loves—coffee and cars—into one playful graphic: a classic glass coffee pot acting as a keychain, with a little red toy car floating in the brew. It’s quirky, clean, and full of character, created to stretch my visual storytelling muscles and explore design just for the joy of it.
