Merch Design for BQR x Oakes Garage
When Josh from BQR hit me up about a merch design to celebrate a decade of friendship with Jimmy Oakes, I was all in. This wasn't just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt – it was about capturing the energy and history between these two, who’ve been at it for ten years, ever since they first met filming BMX webisodes with Adam LZ in Florida. Fast forward a decade, and here we are, with Jimmy making his way to the UK for the first time ever, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a tee?
The design draws from everything that’s made their journey so iconic – their BMX roots, their love of cars, and the garage culture that’s been a big part of both their lives. I wrapped it all in the gritty, timeless vibe of classic American car garage branding. The end result? A design that reflects the sweat, creativity, and shared passion that’s built this partnership over the years. If you want to grab one, the BQR x Oakes Garage tee is available here.
For those who follow BQR and Jimmy Oakes, you’ll know their story is rooted in BMX culture, car builds, and a shared love for the grind. Josh and Jimmy first crossed paths while filming BMX edits with Adam LZ, who’s another big name in the BMX and car scenes. Since then, their journeys have taken them all over the map, but that connection has always stayed strong. You can check out what they’re up to on their YouTube channels: BQR and Jimmy Oakes are constantly sharing their latest builds, adventures, and everything in between.
When working on this merch design, my goal was to merge those BMX roots with their love for wrenching on cars. The design had to have that gritty, hard-wearing feel that’s reflective of long nights spent in the garage, yet still bold enough to stand out. Think of it like a nod to the classic American garage – a place where passion and hard work come together. And that’s what I wanted the design to represent: a decade of friendship and creativity, with plenty more to come.
This project with BQR has been a blast, but it’s not the end. Over the past few months, we’ve been working on more merch designs, and there’s plenty more coming down the line. I’m excited to share a full project breakdown soon, once everything in the pipeline drops. We’ve got some killer designs on the way, and I can’t wait to show you what’s next.
In the meantime, make sure to grab the BQR x Oakes Garage tee here, and stay tuned for more!
If you’re looking for merch design for your brand or project, feel free to reach out! I love working on projects that bring a brand’s vision to life through custom designs. You can also check out similar projects, like my work with Scottish brand Pict Moda, where we took inspiration from the world of tattoos and turned it into a unique clothing line.