Wil Fry

Graphic designer, Wil Fry, is infamous for his popular printed tee-shirt designs on tees. Having attended school in New York for his degree, Fry has earned himself the reputation of a risk-taker and a rebellious designer. His collection of tee-shirts include images from the vandalized Marc Jacobs store, a compilation of printed clothing tags with the name of fashion designers and labels, and Givenchy’s “Birds of Paradise Print”. Critics and the public see harm or none at all in his designs so Lively has taken the opportunity to share with you on what Fry thinks of his creations.

Which artist or event has inspired you to take this career path?
A spirit more than anything.

Are you a solo-based artist or are you employed by a particular company?
I’m constantly crediting my team; I sleep better at night knowing I’ve been really honest with what my part in it is and who else was involved in making it.

“Limited T-Shirt” by Wil Fry

Have other designers or the public asked you to design specific pieces?
I’ve had conversations with designer friends, but no.

What message are you hoping to convey through your graphic designs?
It’s sometimes said that I’m rebellious and I do things to push people’s buttons, but I just like the challenge.

You have technically established a signature style of printing tees on tees and using images related to high fashion. How did you come up with this idea?
It starts out the same way every time. I just sit there with my team, and I say, “Does anyone have any ideas, anyone have any thoughts?” I’m very arbitrary. I like to take on the thing I don’t like at the moment. I like to find something that looks wrong or feels off.

Prediction as to how the Brooklyn Nets jersey will look by Wil Fry

Can you become liable for using other designers’ work on your tees?
I guess the thing is, I’m kind of tortured by the thought.

What inspired you to produce only one tee of Kanye West’s Air Yeezy II sneakers and price it for over $90,000?
Some women and some men. It feels almost in spite of ourselves.

Do you plan on launching a collection? What can we expect from you in the next year?
I doubt that, but everything changes.