This cartoon sketch is part of a series of illustrations commissioned for a book that never got financed. Now reset for men t-shirts, this graphic expression needs to be rated at time. The artist expressed the negative impact of not getting paid and what happens when deals go wrong. There are specific vulnerabilities that can lead to someone being a bully. These may include a lack of personal awareness, low self-esteem, and the need to feel in charge (or not getting paid). These are formed at a young age and if not acknowledged…can lead to a lifetime of pressure. Women shirts of this design can also be printed.
 
In the artwork, the artist unleashes his narrative and imagination about a fictional character called “The Tough Guy” invented by the artist. It's a visual story of a guy who was bullied at a young age. His terrible experiences eventually sent him into this world of wrong practices. The artist illustrated ‘The Tough Guy’s’ life's situations and moments and warns you to beware.
 
WINDOW PAIN
Window Pain represents the will to survive at all cost. Taking what’s not yours no matter the risk. Leaving victims wishing they had secured all their belongings before Tough Guy showed up. This t-shirt reminds us to be careful of the things we leave behind in the car – there are a bunch of guys out there lurking.
 
HOLLER AT ME
Holler at me represents the artist's view on being friendless and not being able to communicate what’s inside of you. So the fact that you have people around you that tend or seem to avoid you, you eventually find yourself screaming … Are you trying to avoid me punk! The real answer even if you never hear it is … Yes, I am. 
 
SLICE IT UP
Slice it up represents the artist's view on using sharp weapons to strike fear in others. Playing with knives and other objects to intimate your victims is another form of punkish behavior that eventually leads you Mr. Tough Guy into darkness. Don’t do it.
 
DEAD AND GONE
Make sure you get out your last words because you will as a Tough Guy be soon dead and gone. It doesn’t pay to have a life of intimidation and power over others. You won’t be liked and most people that surround you aren't for the reason you think. Keep in mind that it is written to keep your friends close and your enemies’ closer.
 
RAT-A-TAT-TAT
Rat-a-tat-tat. Playing with guns as if it’s an extension of your livelihood. This will certainly attract the wrong crowd. Gun play is heating up and so are the inexperienced users. Tough Guy is hoping that you have access to one of these metal side-arms so that there will be justification for brandishing his metal opportunity. Good luck on the experience showdown.
 
SHUT YO FACE
Shut your face up, said your best friend. Don’t find yourself speaking about these hooligans on social media because they will eventually find out. You may have the upper-hand on the keyboard but in real-life hitting someone named Tough Guy with a keyboard is not going to hurt as much as you think. Let the people that hand these goons handle them; tell the authorities.
 
HITTING THE RED ROAD
Hitting the road is when Tough Guys find that right vein, the right roadmap to pumping their blood full of anything that can fill-up in a needle. The recklessness of this life-style has several opportunities at the end; eventually they will come to terms and the road will end.
 
HOW BOUT SOME PUNCH
How about some physical love? Since you didn’t get any affection while you were young or you had too much affection (called abuse); you now go around looking to give off some of that steam to others. Your way of communicating love and affection doesn’t come in the form of hugs but in the form of thugs. We know it’s not your fault but you’re the one that needs to figure that out.
 
PUSH IT REAL GOOD
Ahhh Push it. This is a good way to express your companionship, push hard and you’ll surely have the world falling at or near your feet. No one likes to be pushed around and if this is your only way of saying hello, then you deserve to be ignored and avoided. Intimidation-styled relationships have very short time-lines. 
 
THROW THE FIRST STONE
Sticks and stones may break my bones and that’s where this rhyme ends. This is the calling card for Tough Guy. Whether it’s a stick or a stone he’s not afraid to be the first one to show he’s not afraid to sling alone. It’s so easy to get him started that there isn’t any concern about the impending results of this action. 
 
STRESSED A** F**K
When you stop caring and feel that others aren’t caring anymore we call this ‘Island Love or basically shipped wreaked. You think that you’re the only one that understands where you are in life and all others are enemies. In your head (as shown here), you are right. You’re not seeking help because you know it all, all that you need to know to get STRESSED0 a** F**k!
 
STANDING ALONG
Wondering why he’s waiting in the cut, the dark alley – he’s waiting on you. Looking at your life-style and wondering where you get your balance from. Be careful because he’s looking to take It away. Don’t let your life get mixed up by someone seeming to need a good friend - Tough Guy will be-friend you and he will also change you; not for the better! Welcome to becoming Tough Guy’s companion … if you dare.
 
This classic tee is very comfortable and will last you a long time. The Gildan 980 is made of thick cotton with a high stitch density. With a tubular construction, it's less fitted than other t-shirt models.
100% ring-spun cotton
Fabric weight: 4.3 oz/yd² (145.79 g/m²)
Pre-shrunk
Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
Double-stitched sleeves and bottom hem
Blank product sourced from Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, or Bangladesh