Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process of NorthPoint's Dagger Graphic Tee

At NorthPoint, we’re always pushing boundaries when it comes to our graphic tees, and the Dagger Graphic Tee is no exception. Inspired by bold tattoo art and the raw energy of rock music culture, this design slices through the noise with unapologetic style. For all the ink lovers, head bangers, and creative spirits out there, this one’s for you. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we brought this cutting-edge concept to life.

Ink-Spiration: Finding the Perfect Vibe

The foundation of the Dagger Graphic Tee was laid in a mix of two worlds: tattoo culture and rock’s rebellious spirit. We loved creating our first rock-inspired tee, the Panther Graphic Tee, so much that we were inspired to make a part 2, but with a different spin on it. Our creative team dove deep into the archives of traditional tattoo designs, drawing from old-school American ink—think bold lines, classic black ink, and iconic dagger motifs—and fused it with the energy of vintage rock album covers. The goal was to channel the edge of a classic flash sheet with the defiance and grit of a killer guitar riff.

Sketching the Vision

The design process kicked off with rough sketches, each one sharper and more daring than the last. Our team experimented with intricate details like coiled snakes, roses, dripping blades, and fiery accents. After narrowing down the options, we landed on a dagger that felt dynamic and symbolic—a design that would feel at home on both skin and fabric. The final concept featured a dagger wrapped in a snake, surrounded by roses and a subtle nod to the electric chaos of rock with our our logo outlined in barbed wire.

Tattooed in Style: Choosing the Tee

For a design this bold, we needed the perfect canvas. We chose the Volunteer Chore tee, a 6 oz heavy-duty tee with grit and longevity. Its rugged construction matched the boldness of the design, while the deep black fabric provided the perfect backdrop to make every detail pop. This tee is built to last, just like your favorite tattoo or a timeless rock anthem—ensuring it looks as good after a hundred washes as it does fresh out of the box.

Color Play: Bringing the Design to Life

In this design, less was more. We opted for a stark and striking contrast by using only white ink on the black tee. This minimalist approach mirrors the bold simplicity of traditional tattoo flash while amplifying the gritty, no-nonsense aesthetic of rock culture. The crisp white lines carve out every intricate detail of the dagger and surrounding elements, making the artwork stand out like a spotlight on a darkened stage.

Adding the NorthPoint Edge

To keep the branding sharp and rebellious, we placed the NorthPoint logomark on the front left chest of the tee, where the solid fill is replaced by a barbed wire outline. This small but edgy detail echoes the gritty toughness of the dagger design while staying true to the minimalist aesthetic. It’s a subtle nod to our brand’s presence—bold enough to make a statement, yet understated like a backstage pass to something exclusive.

Print Precision: Bringing Ink to Fabric

Our production team pulled out all the stops to ensure the design’s details were as crisp as a freshly inked tattoo. Using high-quality screen printing techniques, we captured the bold outlines of the white ink with precision. Each tee was meticulously inspected to ensure perfection, because no one wants a botched tattoo—or a graphic tee.

Packaging That Slays

For the Dagger Graphic Tee’s packaging, we took the art beyond the shirt. The custom poly mailer mirrored the bold dagger and snake design, creating a seamless unboxing experience from the moment it hits your hands. We included a hang tag featuring a QR code that links to this very blog, offering customers a backstage pass to the creative process behind their new favorite tee, as well as a second hang tag with a peel-off sticker, giving a little extra piece of the art to use however they'd like.

The NorthPoint Dagger Graphic Tee is for the inked and un-inked alike—anyone who appreciates bold design and the creativity that goes into making something unforgettable. Keep an eye out for what’s next from NorthPoint—we’ve got more killer designs on the way! Until then, throw on your Dagger Tee, crank up the music, and let your style do the talking.