My t-shirt and design print shop: Gayle McGinty Art

I’ll never forget the day my dad gave me a beautiful antique compass. It was more than just a tool for finding north; it was a symbol. “Always know the direction you’re headed,” he said, and with those words, the compass became a reminder to navigate life with purpose and clarity.

This simple brass instrument became my GPS—not the one on my phone, but a personal guide. It taught me that getting lost isn’t just about wrong turns on a road. It’s about losing sight of your goals and letting life’s noise cloud your judgment. My dad’s gift was a constant nudge to stay on a positive path, to think clearly, and to never lose my way.

As I held that compass, I began to see it not just as a tool for travel, but as a metaphor for modern life. We’re surrounded by technology that tells us where to go, yet we often feel more lost than ever. The idea that a simple map and a trusty compass can be the most reliable GPS of all—both on the road and in life—stuck with me.

This concept inspired a painting and, ultimately, a t-shirt design. I called it “My GPS.” It’s a tribute to that antique compass, the simple wisdom it represents, and the timeless advice from my dad. It’s a reminder that our truest north is found not on a screen, but within ourselves.

More t-shirt and design art prints: Gayle McGinty Art