Welcome

Welcome to DonWillisJrArt.art, the creative home of Don Willis Jr., a visual artist and designer based in South Carolina. This shop is an extension of my lifelong passion for art — blending fine art training with a love for illustration, humor, and everyday storytelling.

My journey began in 1993 at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. I later continued my studies in London, completing a Master of Arts in Fine Art Painting at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2000. This helped shape both my artistic discipline and my belief in art as something to be lived with, worn, and shared — not just admired on a wall.

What you’ll find here is a curated mix of hand-drawn illustrations, vintage-inspired graphics, and artistic designs applied to items like hats, shirts, mugs, prints, and more. My goal is to take the sensibility of fine art — attention to detail, texture, composition — and bring it into the world of functional design, as well as fine art.

Some pieces are whimsical, like a golden retriever holding a golf club or a kitten tangled in yarn. Others are witty or nostalgic, often influenced by nature, Americana, and the quiet charm of ordinary moments. Everything starts with a sketch — drawn by hand or digitally — and is then thoughtfully adapted to a wearable or giftable format.

I believe good design enhances our story. Whether it's an embroidered hat that sparks a smile or a print that brings warmth to a room, each product is made to connect. This shop is more than a store — it’s a space where creation meets personality and fine art meets daily life.

If you’re here as a fellow artist, a dog lover, a plant dad, a gift-giver, or someone who just enjoys unique, thoughtfully made things — thank you. Your support helps independent creators continue doing what they love, and I’m truly grateful to share this work with you.

Explore. Enjoy. And thanks for being part of the journey.
– Don Willis Jr.