For decades, local graphic artist Derek Hess has designed rock artwork for local and national acts. His life, however, hasn’t been easy, and he discusses his battles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder in the award-winning documentary film Forced Perspective.

Now, in support of Mental Health Awareness Month, Hess has announced that he’ll take part in several activities to raise awareness for the cause.

He’s partnered with the e-commerce company Threadless to create a T-shirt to benefit Hope for the Day, a global non-profit organization that provides outreach and mental health education designed to promote suicide prevention.

Dubbed “Hemorrhage,” the design will be available on shirts and triblends in a variety of colors only during the month of May. All proceeds will go to Hope for the Day and anyone who purchases the T-shirt will get access to the Forced Perspective documentary.

You can find the design at hopefortheday.threadless.com/.

This article appears in May 10-16, 2017.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.