Vintage Nautical Apparel Graphics

I’m launching an apparel line for cancer survivors and their supporters, and I need a talented illustrator to bring the brand’s story to life. The look I’m after blends vintage sailor-tattoo aesthetics with clear maritime survival symbolism—think old engraving plates, weather-beaten textures, ropes, anchors, and any iconography that quietly says “we made it through the storm.”

These graphics will appear on T-shirts and hoodies only, and everything must hold up when produced as DTF transfers, so clean, print-ready files are essential. I lean toward a strictly monochrome palette; depth and impact should come from line work, stippling, and distressed shading rather than color. The overall finish needs to feel rugged and worn, almost as if the art has braved years of saltwater.

Deliverables
What I Need From the Designer: I am looking for someone who can recreate multiple vintage engraving style graphics that fit the brand aesthetic.

Design types include:
• skull nautical designs
• whale / ocean themed imagery
• anchors / rope / maritime symbolism
• cancer ribbon integrations
• survival themed graphics

If this style speaks to you, I’d love to see a quick sample or link to comparable work. ."Do not submit generic stock illustrations. I am looking for custom artwork that matches a vintage, engraved maritime style.