Sun-Soaked Style with Outback Market Club

Outback Market Club is an emerging label making its mark with playful nods to Aussie culture, brought to life through a sun-soaked, nostalgic aesthetic. From cheeky slogans to classic Australiana motifs, their designs capture a laid-back spirit that feels right at home on both kids’ and adults’ apparel.

We’ve been lucky enough to partner with Outback Market Club on their journey – printing their bold designs across t-shirts, children’s wear, and even some new embroidered pieces. Their creativity, humour and eye for nostalgia make them a dream to work with, and a brilliant example of how a strong brand vision and quality printing can go hand-in-hand.

We sat down with their lovely designer behind the brand Erin to chat about their creative process, what inspires their work, the joys (and quirks) of designing for kids, and what’s next for this vibrant label.

Can you tell us a little about how Outback Market Club came to life? What inspired you to start the brand?

Honestly, it all started with my son, Olly. We were in the middle of a very lazy homeschooling session—just cutting out pictures from old Australian Geographic magazines, looking at native plants, trees, and wildlife. He was scrapbooking, totally in the zone, when he looked up and said, “Far out, Mum, these would look so sick on a shirt.” And that was it. I basically stole his idea and ran with it!

It was such a simple moment, but it really sparked something. I loved the idea of turning those beautiful, educational visuals into something wearable—something that could carry a message, start a conversation, or just make someone smile. That’s how Outback Market was born: from a bit of curiosity, a love for Aussie nature, and a kid’s brilliant observation.

Your designs have a very distinct Australiana feel – balancing nostalgia, humor and also weaving through a message of conservation. Where does that love for Aussie culture and visuals come from? And do you have any primary sources of inspiration?

Australia is such a vast and biodiverse place, and yet so much of its history—especially the parts that matter most—gets skimmed over in school. I didn’t want my kids growing up without a real understanding of both the beauty of this country and the truth of its past. We’re incredibly lucky to live here, but there’s also a deep, ongoing story—one of resilience and injustice—that Aboriginal people are still living and fighting through today. That awareness is a big part of why I do what I do.

One of my designs has the phrase “Please Drive Carefully, We Live Here Too” on the back, and for me, that line holds a double meaning. It’s about protecting the land and the wildlife, absolutely—but also a reminder that kids live here too. They deserve to take up space, to be loud, to just be. And people really do need to chill out on the roads! So a lot of my inspiration comes from this place of wanting to protect, to educate, and to express love for the country we’re lucky enough to call home. It also comes from being a mum—trying to explain the world to my son in ways he can understand, in ways that feel cool and fun but also truthful, and hopefully resonant for other kids and adults too.

Inspiration hits in waves. I’m always looking for it, and it comes from everywhere—like the time I saw two kangaroos boxing on the side of the road and it sparked the idea for my Kangaroo tee. We spend so much time in our phones that we forget to look up—there’s magic everywhere if you’re paying attention. I also love trawling through op-shops for old books, scrolling Pinterest, rewatching cartoons like Rocket Power, or just thinking back to the clothes and designs I loved as a kid. Fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be exciting—it can be slow, meaningful, and carry a message, too.

We’re always playing music in The Print Bar offices while we’re working, do you have anything you’re listening to at the moment?

Currently I have John Prine – In Spite Of Ourselves on repeat but I love to multitask so I am also listening to a Tony Robinson book & Mami Onami self-help book, cause everyone deserves to grow & heal.

There’s a really cool collage-inspired vibe to your designs. What does your design process look like from idea to final product? 

I’m definitely a hands-on kind of gal—if someone tries to explain something to me just by talking, I’m secretly panicking inside! I need to see it, touch it, play around with it. My process usually starts with cutting out pictures, flicking through old books or magazines, and building mood boards—both physical ones and on Pinterest. I love gathering bits and pieces that spark something, then bringing it all together digitally to see what sticks.

Sometimes it all just clicks, and other times I look up and three hours have disappeared and I’ve gone down a rabbit hole… but honestly, I love that part of it. That messy, playful exploration is where the best ideas often come from. The collage feel you see in the designs really reflects how I work—layered, textured, a bit nostalgic, and always led by curiosity.

Designing for children can be its own unique challenge. What do you enjoy most about creating for little ones?

What I love most about designing for kids is their brutal honesty. There’s no sugar-coating it—they either love something or they don’t, and you know pretty quickly which way it’s going! It keeps you grounded and really focused on what matters.

There are so many kids’ brands out there now, but I still believe there’s always room for something original. I wanted to create pieces that are affordable, sustainable, educational and fun—something that feels thoughtful, not just trendy. Have you ever walked through a general store looking for kids’ clothes? It’s a sea of dinosaurs, monster trucks, rainbows, and unicorns. Which is fine! But also—can we get something a little different? At the same time, I’m not about to spend $80 on a shirt my kid’s going to smear food on and outgrow in six months. Outback Market is my way of offering something playful and meaningful, without the hefty price tag or the same old prints.

Are there any specific reactions from kids or parents that have stuck with you?

Yes! Honestly, some of the reactions I’ve had from kids and parents are what keep me going. One parent told me their child refuses to take off their shirt—so they have to sneak it into the wash when the kid’s asleep. That absolutely made my day. Another time, a kid jump-scared me at the shops because we were both wearing the same “Pick Up Your Rubbish” tee—he was so excited, and so was I! Moments like that are the best.

Then of course, there’s Olly—my toughest critic. I once made him a shirt in his favourite colour and he told me it was the ugliest thing he’s ever seen. It was… humbling. But also exactly the kind of honesty that makes designing for kids so fun and unpredictable. They’re not pretending to like something just to be polite—when they do love it, you really feel it.

You’ve entrusted The Print Bar to bring your designs to life. Do you have any tips for other designers who are just getting started with custom printing?

Just go for it! Ask all the questions—seriously, no question is a dumb one. If you’re just starting out, chances are you have no idea what you’re doing (I definitely didn’t), and the only way to learn is by diving in. Find a company—like The Print Bar—that actually works with you. One that’s invested in your vision, takes pride in the quality, and really cares about the final product.

Starting something new and putting your name out there can feel scary, but honestly? It’s even scarier not giving it a go. What’s the worst that could happen? You learn something. You make something. And you grow from it. That’s the whole point.

What’s on the horizon for Outback Market Club? Any new designs, product ranges or exciting projects you can share?

There’s always something brewing! I’m constantly working on new designs, but one idea I’m really excited about is running a workshop where kids and adults! can submit their own drawings, photos, or collages—and then see their creations screen printed onto shirts or totes. I think it would be such a fun way to get more people, especially kids, creating and feeling proud of something they made.

I’d also love to collaborate with other brands that share the same values around creativity, sustainability, and education—so if that’s you, definitely reach out! Outback Market Club is still growing, and there’s so much I want to explore. It’s all about keeping it fun, thoughtful, and community-driven.

Are there any dream collabs or markets you’d love to break into next?

Dreams, honestly! I’d love to branch out into beachwear—things like towels/rug, umbrellas—that whole summer lifestyle vibe, but with our Outback Market twist. A kids’ book is also high on the list—something fun and educational using my animal graphics to tell stories or teach little lessons. And stick-on tattoos! That idea pops into my head at least once a week.

I’m also really keen to branch into enamelware— durable pieces for camping or picnics, with our signature designs. I can already picture little mugs and plates featuring the animals from our prints.

One thing that’s really close to my heart is finding a way to give back. I’d love to run a fundraiser or partnership to support Indigenous communities in meaningful ways, but I’m still exploring the best approach—so if anyone has connections or ideas, I’d love to hear from you. I’m always bursting with ideas—it’s just a matter of finding the time and learning how to bring them all to life, one step at a time.

If Outback Market Club were an animal, what would it be and why?

Outback Market Club would 100% be a dingo. They’re strong, resilient, adaptable—and they can run fast, which is such a flex. There’s this incredible sense of survival and history tied to them too—dingo bones have been found in the Nullarbor dated back between 3348 and 3081 years old, which just blows my mind. They’ve been part of this land for so long, quietly powerful and deeply rooted.

And on the lighter side—who doesn’t remember “Maybe the dingo ate your baby?” An iconic moment in both Australian news and Seinfeld history. The dingo’s got mystery, humour, history, and grit… it just fits.

You can shop the range from Outback Market Club here and keep up to date with them on Instagram here.

Pictured below: Owner of Outback Market Club Erin and her son Olly.