Welcome to a brand new edition of the GSHQ Designer Unlocked interview series !

……Where have literally searched long lost lands, climbed the highest mountains and even cheated at Monopoly to bring you the best independent designers out there.

Today we have a designer that that has a style has a mixture of Geek/pop culture references and an ecological message in his designs. Exactly who is the man behind Yanmos Designs? He was found in the caves on the infamous Mount Doom, where he carved out his existence by drawing the local landscapes around him it wasn’t until the destruction of ‘that’ ring’ Nowadays he is an awesome designer, currently finishing off his a book, with an avid fan base. Geek Shirts HQ welcomes Yanmos Design, the latest designer to get unlocked.

There is also an opportunity to check at the end of the interview for a chance to win one of 2 tees from Yanmos.

Can you start by giving some background about yourself? Where you are from? What is your background? How did you get into design?

I’m a self-taught graphic designer, living and work in Thessaloniki a city in northern Greece. I studied fashion design in Greece and in Denmark at the early '90s. From the last November I am the ambassador of T hreadless Greece

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?

Inspiration comes in many ways, depending on the moment and the mood. It happens sometimes to see something I like and develop an idea or ignore it and later on when time is right it may turn to a whole project.

When you create a new t shirt design, what is sort of process do you follow?

Initially I work on ideas through sketching that can then be manipulated on Illustrator and even Photoshop some times.

Here is the development for Trust Me I Am A Ninja

Looking at your own portfolio what is your favourite design and why?

The “Green palette”. It is a very simple one but very abstract and relaxing to look at.

What current projects are you working on now? And can we get an exclusive peek?

Working on finishing my first book which will contain about 200 pieces of my work. I promise to give "Geek" fans and readers some free copies!

Who are your favourite designers?

I can't give you names but I can tell you that I’m a big fan of the Scandinavian graphic style. Elegant, minimal and simple.

Do you try to convey any message in your designs?

Yes, most of the time. Particularly on environmental and ecological awareness.

Star Wars or Star Trek? Which do you prefer?

Neither, though I do like most of Star Trek TV series. However, Star Wars gives you much more material to work with.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A healthy, non-smoker and better person.

What do you prefer designing for, something wearable or a print?

Definitely wearable!

What other interests and hobbies do you have when you're not designing?

Listening music, walking with my dog, drinking coffee or wine with friends and watching a movie.

Do you have any advice for budding designers?

To really love what they do and to work hard. But it’s up to how honest and settled they are with what they do as designers through constant research and personal development.

Anyone you want to give a shout out to?

I’d like to thank everyone supporting my work and express my deepest feeling to all my dear friends for putting up with me.

Where is the best place to find your designs and buy some of your shirts? And of course get in contact with you

redbubble store. Most of my work is available on my Additionally, selected designs are available at Society6 Goodjoe and Mysoti

Thank you for an awesome interview but wait there is more! A contest to win one of 2 tees!

Yanmos Design Contest

Yanmos Designs are giving away two of their tees in a special contest EXCLUSIVE to Geek Shirts HQ Readers!