stevenbshaffer needed a new t-shirt design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 72 designs submitted by 23 freelance designers.
A college educated, professional, black man faces a unique challenge as he bridges two worlds. In one, he must be smart and action-oriented, direct but not intimidating, and careful never to slip into ebonics or slang. In the other world he must be careful not to seem too "educated" and 'uppity', or act too "white", and should absolutely slip into ebonics or slang where appropriate. I want a shirt for that man, a shirt for me. The shirt says in effect, "I'm a black man, I'm educated, and I still got plenty of soul".
I happen to be a college educated black man with a BS and an MBA in Marketing. I'd like a t-shirt design that contrasts the "non-stereotypicalness" of an educated black man, with stereotypical black themes. For instance, one concept I thought of includes a profile of an afro'd old school brotha wearing a graduation cap. Like http://www.barsputnik.com/admin/ima…erookk.jpg and http://www.cscc.edu/ets/graduation%20cap.jpg, love to see someone bring that concept to life.
I'm also interested in other ways the overall theme might be represented however. Manipulate and message freely using any black related themes like hip-hop, the barbershop, chicken, ribs, and watermelon, etc. I won't be offended, and indeed, I'm looking forward to it. I've seen some great designers on this site and I'm excited to work with you all.
Steve
- "Educated Black Man" is the only wording that can be included on the design. If you think your design is strong enough to carry the message w/o words you don't have to include them.
- Don't use too much color.