Whee! Studios: Creativity in Action

Blending Art, Advocacy, and Imagination in Every Venture


Titan Niagara

A Comicon Erie T-Shirt Concept

I was bummed my Titan Niagara design wasn't selected for the 2024 Comicon Erie T-Shirt contest, but I loved it so much, I decided to make it a reality anyway.

Inspired by the awesome Brig Niagara, I wanted to create a cool, anime-style mech that represented Erie's maritime heritage. Titan Niagara is the result – a towering, robotic version of the ship, standing tall over Presque Isle Bay.

As a transplant who's called Erie home for over 30 years, I've always looked up to the Brig Niagara. It's a symbol of Erie's history and spirit. I hope Titan Niagara can become a new symbol for the city, a fun and imaginative way to celebrate our maritime heritage.

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Out of Oz Collection

Inspired by the Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Are you ready to step back into the magical world of Oz?

Our Out of Oz collection is a love letter to L. Frank Baum's classic stories. We've taken the iconic characters and scenes from the original books and given them a fresh, modern twist.

Whether you're a fan of Dorothy's journey, the Wicked Witch of the West, or the lovable Cowardly Lion, you'll find something to adore in this collection. From flying monkeys to the Yellow Brick Road, we've captured the spirit of adventure, friendship, and a touch of mischief that made the original stories so beloved.

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More Than Just Rainbow Stripes

Celebrating the First Pride Flag

Pride Flag Friday: Genderfluid Pride Flag

As Pride Month begins, it's important to reflect on the symbol that has become synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community – the Pride flag.

Designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the original flag holds deep meaning and serves as a powerful symbol of inclusion and diversity.

The Pride flag first appeared at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. Created at the request of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, the flag was intended to represent the diverse LGBTQ+ community and its vibrant culture. Each color carries significance:

  • Pink: Sexuality
  • Red: Life
  • Orange: Healing
  • Yellow: Sunlight
  • Green: Nature
  • Turquoise: Magic and Art
  • Indigo: Serenity
  • Violet: Spirit

Since 2021, the last remaining fragment of the original Pride flag is now on display at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco, a powerful reminder of the symbol's rich history.

Fun fact: the original flag had eight colors, but the hot pink and turquoise colors were later dropped due to fabric availability, resulting in the familiar six-color design we now recognize.

The rainbow flag has evolved to become an iconic representation of love and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality. The history of the Pride flag is a tale of resilience and community, reminding us of the progress made while inspiring hope for a future of acceptance and pride for all.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's honor this iconic symbol and the rich history it represents.

We needed something to express our joy, our beauty, our power. And the rainbow did that.

Gilbert Baker

Celebrate Pride with the Zone and Whee! Studios

A Month-Long Calendar of Inclusive Events

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH THE ZONE & WHEE! STUDIOS!

The Zone Dance Club and Whee! Studios are thrilled to present a vibrant calendar of queer events for Erie Pride this June! We're committed to creating a space that celebrates the diversity and joy of the LGBTQ+ community.

This listing will be your one-stop shop for all the exciting happenings throughout the month. Get ready for dazzling performances, heartwarming gatherings, and opportunities to connect with fellow community members.

Stay tuned! We'll be adding more events as they're confirmed. In the meantime, mark your calendars and prepare to paint Erie with the colors of Pride!

Show Your Pride in NWPA with the 2024 Pride on the Bay T-Shirt!

Erie, get ready to shine! Pride Fest is moving to a brand new location this year – Liberty Park! Mark your calendars (Saturday, June 29th) because Pride on the Bay 2024 promises to be bigger and better than ever. To celebrate this exciting new chapter, I'm thrilled to unveil the official 2024 t-shirt design! This year marks my sixth year collaborating with the NWPA Pride Alliance and I'm really excited to bring this new design to you all!

This collaboration with the NWPA Pride Alliance has been a true honor. It all started with me winning the design contest for the t-shirt years ago. After a couple of years I was directly contracted to create the design, and now I have the privilege of providing my design services as part of the board.

This year's design draws inspiration from Erie's magnificent bayfront. The vibrant colors of the Progressive Pride Flag wrap around the shoreline, creating a beautiful abstract bay visual.

We'll be using a printing technology called 4-color process screen printed transfers for create the shirts. This allows us to include all the colors of the Progressive Pride Flag for a truly inclusive design, while still keeping the shirts affordable for the community. Plus, this technology delivers high-quality, super colorful prints that everyone will love!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your limited-edition 2024 Pride on the Bay t-shirt and head down to Liberty Park to celebrate with the Erie LGBTQ+ community! It's going to be an unforgettable event. These shirts (along with hoodies and tank tops) are now available for pre-order on the NWPA Pride Alliance web site under Shop at: nwpapride.org. See you there!

Team Up for Savings: Exciting Volume Discounts on Premium Tees!

Hey there, Tee Lovers!

Big news from Whee! Design—our beloved Premium T-Shirts now come with fabulous volume discounts! Whether you’re gearing up for a group event, outfitting a class, or prepping for the epic 2024 Eclipse, our discounts let you mix, match, and save!

Here's the deal: the more you buy, the more you save—across any combination of sizes and colors, as long as the design is the same. And yes, all these fantastic tees are just a click away. Find your perfect match in our Premium Tee Collection!

Check out these savings!

QuantityDiscountDiscounted Price
Buy 6 - 11$4.50 off each$17.49 each
Buy 12 - 24$6.00 off each$15.99 each
Buy 25 - 49$7.00 off each$14.99 each
Buy 50 - 74$8.00 off each$13.99 each
Buy 75 - 99$9.00 off each$12.99 each
Buy 100 - 149$10.00 off each$11.99 each
Buy 150+$11.00 off each$10.99 each

So, whether you're a small group or a grand gathering, we've got you covered with a deal that's sure to please. Get your favorite designs, from casual to the celestial, and enjoy a little extra in your pocket.

Need something special? Need one of our designs on a group of hoodies or tank tops? Let us know and we'll be happy to work with you! You can email us at: support@wheedesign.com

Stay stylish and save big—your wardrobe (and wallet) will thank you!

With warmth (and awesome discounts),
The Whee! Design Team

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Please Note: This special volume discount offer does not apply to Marvel brand shirts. Thank you for understanding!

The Fluid Spectrum: Exploring the Genderfluid Pride Flag

Unfolding the Colors of Identity

Pride Flag Friday: Genderfluid Pride Flag

Welcome back to our vibrant celebration of identity and expression on Pride Flag Friday! It's a wonderful journey each week as we delve into the rich tapestry of Pride flags that wave boldly in our community. Today, we're embracing the fluidity of identity with the Genderfluid Pride Flag, a symbol of adaptability and boundless self-expression.

History of the Genderfluid Pride Flag

The Genderfluid Pride Flag was created to give a visual identity to the genderfluid community. Introduced to the world in 2012 by JJ Poole, it represents the flexibility and diversity of gender beyond the binary. Each color on the flag was chosen to reflect the variety and nuances of gender fluidity, and since its inception, it has become a powerful symbol for those whose gender identity is not fixed.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

Every hue on the Genderfluid Pride Flag has a specific meaning that resonates with the fluid nature of gender. Pink stands for femininity, white for all genders, purple for the combination of masculinity and femininity, black for the absence of gender, and blue for masculinity. Together, these colors weave a narrative of freedom and the spectrum of gender experiences.

Genderfluid Identity and Community

Genderfluidity defies the constraints of traditional gender norms, embracing the concept that gender can vary over time. For those who identify as genderfluid, their experience of gender can shift and change, often depending on different circumstances or feelings. The Genderfluid Pride Flag is not just a symbol; it's an embrace for those who flow between genders.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Did you know that the Genderfluid Pride Flag is increasingly seen in Pride parades around the globe? It's a testament to the growing recognition and acceptance of non-binary and fluid gender identities. Another fun fact is that genderfluid characters and icons are gaining visibility in media, helping to foster a deeper understanding of the genderfluid experience.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the beauty and complexity of the Genderfluid Pride Flag, let's remember the importance of inclusion and the acceptance of all identities. In a world that's learning to cherish every shade of the human condition, this flag is a beacon of hope and celebration for gender diversity.


Before you go, why not bring a piece of this pride into your everyday life? Swing by Whee! Pride for an array of Genderfluid Pride Flag-inspired goodies that are perfect for anyone looking to wear their pride or simply celebrate diversity. Because here, every day is a chance to stand out and stand proud and live life out loud!

The Intersex Pride Flag: Unity and Visibility

Pride Flag Friday: Intersex Pride Flag

The Creation of the Intersex Pride Flag

Introduced in 2013, the Intersex Pride Flag breaks from traditional gender symbols and colors. Morgan Carpenter of Intersex Human Rights Australia designed it to celebrate the intersex community. The flag’s yellow background and purple circle stand for unbroken wholeness and completeness.

The Meaning Behind the Colors

The choice of colors for the Intersex Pride Flag was intentional. Yellow and purple are not traditionally associated with gender, offering a neutral ground. The purple circle is central, symbolizing the right to bodily autonomy and integrity.

The Impact and Importance

This flag has played a crucial role in raising visibility for intersex individuals, often overlooked in the broader LGBTQ+ discourse. It’s a beacon for inclusivity, rights, and recognition within the community and beyond.

Little Known Facts

Did you know that the Intersex Pride Flag is one of the few LGBTQ+ flags not modeled after the traditional rainbow flag? Its unique design ensures it stands out, just like the individuals it represents.

Wrapping Up

The Intersex Pride Flag is more than just a banner; it’s a symbol of pride, unity, and the ongoing fight for recognition and rights. It encourages us to broaden our understanding and embrace every part of the diverse LGBTQ+ spectrum.


Interested in showing your support? Check out our vibrant Intersex Pride collection at Whee! Pride.