A Fresh Start (and a New Tee Shirt Brand)

It’s been a minute since I’ve written one of these, but it feels like the right time. If you're new here—welcome. If we've lost touch—here’s what I’ve been up to.

The last few years have been a wild ride. Like so many others, the pandemic pressed pause on my day-to-day and nudged me in a new direction. After 20+ years working in advertising and, more recently the art departments of TV and film, I found myself wanting something different. Something closer to home. Something of my own.

I’ve always had a creative streak, and my past work—whether running a university tee shirt shop in college, creating props for tv, or building signage for small businesses—kept bringing me back to a familiar space: making cool stuff with my hands and a heat press.

That seed has finally grown into something real.

I’ve been vending at markets, making stickers, stationery, and wearable art from my paintings and illustrations. And now, I’m bringing it online. I’m launching a new brand: Fulano D. Tal—a playful, illustrated tee shirt line rooted in storytelling, identity, and some irreverent joy.

I’ll be opening the virtual doors in just a few weeks, and I’d love for you to be part of it from the ground up.

If you're into bold visuals, offbeat ideas, and wearing artwork that says something, sign up for the email list. You’ll get sneak peeks, launch updates, and first dibs when the shop goes live.

Thanks for being here. Here’s to fresh starts and fun tees.

— Ray Ortiz