These Old Navy Tees Tell Kids Not to Become Artists

Old Navy is facing backlash over their latest toddler T-shirt design which critics claim "discourage" kids to become artists.

The fashion retailer's shirts in question are sold at their toddler section, and they bear slogans reading "Young Aspiring Artist" -- but the word "artist" is crossed out and replaced with "president" or "astronaut."

Naturally, people on the Internet were not forgiving. Old Navy's shirts caught the public's attention on social media, with people on Twitter ferociously reprimanding and questioning the motives of the retailer for their "artist" shirts.

A female artist said on the social media site, "Thanks @OldNavy for telling kids that art is a less viable career path than astronaut."

Another female artist named Kelly McKernan, who's also a mother, said on Facebook Tuesday that Old Navy's toddler shirts were promoting "anti-art mentality" in kids.

"As a mother and a career artist, I'm astounded that a company as large and influential as you are could approve of a design that encourages toddlers to stifle their creativity," McKernan said.

Twitter user @DanceJudgeProbs said the company is "ignorant," while @lextercv claimed Old Navy is underestimating the profession.

Some people pointed out that an artist probably designed the shirt, and one person even offered a redesign of the controversial tees. Check out other reactions here, here and, here .

Meanwhile, others offered their own "artist" T-shirt design.

Even company RAYGUNshirts made their own design as retaliation. Check out their work here.

As told by the Hollywood Reporter, the shirts can still be found on Old Navy's Chinese site.

As for the company's reaction to the controversy, according to Today, spokesperson Debbie Felix sent them the following statement:

"At Old Navy we take our responsibility to our customers seriously. We would never intentionally offend anyone, and we are sorry if that has been the case. Our toddler tees come in a variety of designs including tees that feature ballerinas, unicorns, trucks and dinosaurs and include phrases like, 'Free Spirit.' They are meant to appeal to a wide range of aspirations. With this particular tee, as a result of customer feedback, we have decided to discontinue the design and will work to remove the item from our stores."

It may be seem no other brand will attempt to pull off another design stunt like this, lest they want to face the wrath of outspoken individuals on social media. Mashable notes it would be best not to put labels on children's career paths before they can even talk.

Below is a video of other t-shirt design fails in the past.