May 22, 2013 9:30 AM

Gallery: How Disney and Threadless Built a 200K-Person Design Team

01
threadless-monsters-inc-mike-w-doors-wired-design
One of 487 submissions in the Threadless/Disney design contest, the winning submission, shown here, earned its designer $2,500 and some serious bragging rights.
02
threadless-monsters-inc-mike-w-faces-wired-design
Designs in these competitions cover a considerable range of design styles from impressionistic interpretations to hard, flat, colorful representations.

03
threadless-pixar-monsters-inc-sully-psychadelic-wired-design
Opening up valuable media properties to crowds can be dangerous; this design references posters that came out of the drug-fueled psychedelic scene of the 1960s, but more overt references to substance abuse, sex, and other adult matters are strictly prohibited.
An image from the interior of TROLLS (Text copyright © 2012 Wendy Froud; Illustrations copyright © Brian Froud)
04
threadless-pixar-monsters-inc-key-holes-wired-design
Disney and Threadless have figured out how to unlock the potential of a global creative team, creating value for all of the stakeholders.

05
threadless-disney-pixar-doors-wired-design
Subtlety is a common theme among designs that win these competitions. None of the marquee characters are present in this design, but fans would immediately recognize the reference.
06
threadless-monsters-inc-mike-w-wired-design
While some designs push the envelope of content or style, others are just well executed interpretations of the characters that could have easily originated in Disney's famed "Imagineering" labs.

07
threadless-disney-marvel-iron-man-watercolor-wired-design
*Monsters Inc* is the latest Disney title to get a Threadless contest, but they've previously sponsored design competitions for *Iron Man*, *Muppets*, and others, birthing new t-shirt designs like this expressionistic watercolor, an homage to *Iron Man* that would almost certainly be rejected at a Disney design review.
08
threadless-disney-marvel-iron-man-latin-wired-design
*Iron Man* meets *Low Rider* — another design that would be unlikely to come from Disney's officially sanctioned design team.

09
threadless-disney-marvel-iron-man-launching-wired-design
This minimal design subtly evokes *Iron Man*, without featuring decidedly uncool elements like a logo.
The author's copy of FAERIES, the seminal fantasy art book by Brian Froud and Alan Lee, first published in 1978 (Photo: Ethan Gilsdorf)
10
threadless-disney-marvel-assembly-wired-design
Global media brand meets hipster ethos in this DIY-inspired design.

Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home

Protect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.

Molly Higgins

The Best Duffel Bags for Commuters and Chronic Overpackers

Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.

Louryn Strampe

The WIRED Guide to Los Angeles for Business Travelers

A tech industry guide to where to stay, eat, work, and play while visiting LA.

Jordan Michelman

The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Every Trip

Our team evaluated a ton of toiletry bags to find the best storage, organization, and design options for all your essentials.

Kat Merck

Quell the Heat With Our Favorite Window Air Conditioners

These are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.

Matthew Korfhage

The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)

Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.

Simon Hill