The A New Leaf Tshirt design by Rob Dobi features a silhouette of a man with a pair of hedge clippers within the middle of a maple leaf that is stemming from nothing as he trims around it as if it were full branches. The the silhouette is probably Rob himself. This design like much [...]

The A New Leaf Tshirt design by Rob Dobi features a silhouette of a man with a pair of hedge clippers within the middle of a maple leaf that is stemming from nothing as he trims around it as if it were full branches. The the silhouette is probably Rob himself. This design like much of Dobi’s works is inspired by a clichéd phrase.

To “Turn over a new leaf”:

Fig. to begin again, fresh; to reform and begin again. (Fig. on turning to a fresh page. The leaf is a page—a fresh, clean page.) I have made a mess of my life. I’ll turn over a new leaf and hope to do better. Why don’t you turn over a new leaf and surprise everyone with your good characteristics?

This design is not reflecting the “new page of a book” definition, but rather a literal sense. The figure is reinventing the leaf completely. With many more leaves to serve and many more possibilities of improvement, reinvention and creativity.

Only one color was used. Therefore, making use of the negative space to complete the illustration. The solid dark color over a light background provides enough contrast to make out the details of the hedges.

The planned layout has the design elements needed to make a good tee. It is clean, simple and balanced.

The film Edward Scissorhands comes to mind when viewing this and while considering the aforementioned themes.

Now, Rob may just be designing things that he thinks will look good and cool. But it is impossible to look at his work and not come to conclusions.

A New Leaf like the rest of his work forces people to think.