About

So How'd We Get Here?

One day, while watching a Formula 1 race, Doofus (a big fan of clever phrases on t-shirts) turned to Goober (a big fan of Doofus) and said, "I'd wear that on a t-shirt." After Doofus searched and failed to find such a shirt, and then Goober also searched and failed to find such a shirt, Goober suggested Doofus make one. Because a cleverly t-shirted Doofus is a happy Doofus.

And so it began. At Goober & Doofus -- (yes, we're real people!) -- our mission is pretty simple: offer quality-made, fairly-priced t-shirts and other merchandise with subtle, straightforward designs that reflect our particular interests. From Formula 1 racing to technology and beyond, you never know what might show up once something takes our fancy. If it just so happens to be relevant to your interests, too? We always knew we liked you!

Our designs are intentionally simple, sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and sometimes come with a sly *wink, wink* and a playful *nudge, nudge.* Once you get it, though, well... It's our hope that while you're wearing one of our designs, an equally like-minded person will walk past and say, "I like your t-shirt!" Now our people are your people and your people are our people and maybe you just found a new friend who gets it.

And that's what we're here for. For those who get it!

Our Products

There's a simple guiding principle behind the products we sell: Would Goober or Doofus buy it?

One year, while visiting Kodachrome Basin State Park in Utah, Doofus bought a t-shirt to support the park. Doofus then proceeded to rave about the quality of the shirt. Some time later, Goober and Doofus were enjoying the vibes at a local brewery, and Doofus bought a t-shirt to show love. Again, Doofus sang the praises of that t-shirt's fit, feel and construction. That same summer, Goober and Doofus spent a Sunday afternoon cheering on the local minor league baseball team and -- you guessed it! -- Doofus bought a t-shirt. A really really good t-shirt.

All those shirts, of course, ended up being the same brand and it's the same brand we've chosen for our unisex styles. Sure, it's not the cheapest option, but it's a long-lasting, quality product. The kind of shirt Goober and Doofus would buy.

Similarly, if our women's relaxed t-shirt also happens to have lots of kindred spirits in Goober's drawer, well...

Whatever comes next, we'll be sure to stick this principle: if we would buy it and be happy with it when it showed up, it's a contender for the site.

Our Process

Large e-commerce companies have set consumer expectations for delivery to be same day, next day, maybe within two days. So let's be clear: Goober & Doofus is not a large e-commerce company.

We partner with a production and fulfillment company to produce the product when you order it. After placing your order, the selected item is picked and inspected, then moved into the production process where your chosen design is printed on the product. It's then inspected again for quality assurance, packaged, and sent to your delivery address.

Yes, this takes a few more days than you may be used to. On the up side, this means less waste, less warehousing, and it's all round better for our planet. We firmly believe it's worth it, though, to send you something brand new whilst respecting the planet's resources. We hope you agree.

The Production Process

Goober & Doofus products have different production processes. And let's be honest, this impacts the price. But based on our guiding principle of "Would Goober or Doofus buy it and be happy with it," we have done our best to choose the right process for each product.

Direct-To-Garment Printing

This method of textile printing applies a water-based ink directly onto the garment, allowing for high-quality, detailed prints. The fabric is treated with a bonding agent to ensure the ink adheres, then the design is printed directly onto the garment, after which the garment is dried to set the ink. This results in a print that is soft, breathable, durable, and wash resistant. Due to the lack of extensive set up needs, it's also cost-effective. However, the color ink requires a white base to sit on, and this detracts from the design on products where color is key. That's why we use this print method on two-color designs only, i.e. black or white text on a solid-color shirt.

Direct-To-Film Printing

This method is fairly new and increasing in popularity. It involves printing designs onto a special film using water-based inks. The film is then transferred onto the garment using a heat press for about 15-20 seconds, after which the film is peeled away, leaving the design on the garment. The multi-step process makes direct-to-film more expensive, but it makes for more detailed, durable, and color-accurate prints on a wide range of materials. That's why we've chosen this method for our color-rich designs.

Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is a digital technique that uses high heat and pressure to transfer dye onto various materials. The design is printed onto a special sublimation transfer paper, which is then applied to the product, after which both are subjected to immense heat and pressure, turning ink into a gas that the material readily absorbs. This method is great for creating vibrant, long-lasting prints on fabrics, because the dye permeates the material. As a result, the print becomes part of the substrate rather than sitting on top of it. We use this method on products like mouse pads.

Our Commitment to Creators

Goober & Doofus is an AI-free zone. Just like Goober and Doofus are real people, all our designs are created by real humans who are paid directly for their creative services. To the extent that we are able to trust and verify, we have done our best to only license images that are also created by real people, as well.

No AI Training

Similarly, we expressly prohibit any entity from using our designs for purposes of training AI technologies to generate text or images, including without limitation technologies that are capable of generating works in the same style. We reserve all rights to license use of our designs for generative AI training and development of machine learning language models.