Meerkatsu Art: Gentle Ape orangutan themed rashguard

The photo here shows my new rashguard design for the www.meerkatsu.com store. Modeled by UK BJJ fighter Dominic Heydon, it is actually my very first own brand rashguard, so I'm a little nervous how well it will go down.

Here are more details about the rashie...



After a good run of success designing gorilla and mandrill themed rashguards for various other clients, I decided it was time I made something for my own brand. I chose the orangutan because it is a true gentle ape - with great intelligence. It is also mighty strong. Good metaphorical references for jiu jitsu I think. It is also one of the key characters in my favourite film of all time, Planet of the Apes!

Making rashguards is not necessarily an easy task. Finding reliable and good quality factories is difficult - though that task is left with my business partners who run the Meerkatsu store. Anyway, after extensive sample testing I think we have something pretty damn hot.

For sizing, check out the diagram below and compare the sizes to your current favourite long sleeve rashguard.

I normally wear a small in most sizes but I found my size small Gentle Ape rashguard to be quite short in the sleeves for me so a medium is actually perfect (I am 5'7'' and 60kg with long arms).

These rashguards will sell for £35 plus shipping (we ship internationally with tracking) at my store - www.meerkatsu.com.

Below are my original notebook sketches for the concept. I will normally sketch ideas for something this big over something like a dozen or more drafts before I get to work on inking it up properly.

I hope you enjoy the rashguard, it's definitely a labour of much love.
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