In October 2020, like so many others, I found myself jobless for the first time in over 20 years due to COVID-19. My plan had always been to retire from my previous company, but instead, I was left feeling lost and uncertain about my future.

While commiserating with others in similar situations, one conversation stood out. A talented graphic designer and I would often discuss politics, history, and the state of the world. Being new to the U.S., he frequently responded with, "I didn’t know that," when I shared historical insights. These exchanges sparked the idea for WTF—he would handle the art, and I would provide the history.

A few weeks later, I decided to go back to school and study UX/UI design. Though I quickly realized it wasn’t for me, I discovered a passion for graphic design and began teaching myself everything I could. Around the same time, my friend had to step back from WTF due to new opportunities, though he continued to mentor me as I carried the vision forward.

With money running low, I knew I had to make a choice: put my dream on hold for a job or focus entirely on making WTF a reality. I chose the latter.

WTF is my way of keeping history alive, using each t-shirt design to spark curiosity and encourage deeper understanding of the past. My hope is that these designs inspire conversations and exploration of the events that shaped us.

This is WTF.