The submission period for the 2021 HBCU Design Challenge has now closed.
The first officially recognized Celebration of Black History in the U.S. began in 1926 founded by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week, the second week of February. Woodson purposely chose to place Negro History Week – now Black History Month – in February as it is the month in which the African American orator, reformer, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, 16th President were born. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State 1970. It began being celebrated as a month-long event six years later across the U.S. in educational institutions.
The celebration of Black History Month has grown far beyond educational institutions and in February 2020 Forbes noted that "much of corporate America is commemorating" black history month including The Coca-Cola Company, Google, Target Corporation, Macy's, United Parcel Service and Under Armour. (Wikipedia)
This project is meant to tap into the roots of Black History Month in celebration of a long and cherished history of Black artisanship and design.
design project option #1:
For Design Project Option #1, you are asked to design a placed graphic/illustration or allover print design that honors creators from Black history. The history or past achievements of African-Americans and/or members of the African diaspora and their contributions to design, creativity and ingenuity help inspire and elevate us all today.
Review the inspiration board and color direction and use them as guidance to create your design submission.
- Designs should align with Target's purpose of bringing joy to all families.
- Designs should be inclusive, for adults and/or children.
- Designs must be original and not infringe on existing copyrights or intellectual property ownership
- Artwork must be designed to be printable on a standard t-shirt knit top.
- Files should be high resolution (150dpi+) and to scale. Low resolution submissions may need to be resubmitted if the applicant reaches the finalist phase of the competition.
- Acceptable formats include: jpg, tiff, .pdf, .ai, .psd, or .png.
resources:
Reference the resources below, as well as primary and secondary research, to inform your design.
- Review the design project descriptions, associated resources (mood board, palette, reports and articles) and program FAQs for additional context to inform your proposed solution(s).
- Develop a design for one or both design project option(s).
- Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning April 1, 2021 until 11:59 PM CST on April 30, 2021.
- You are welcome to also submit a maximum 1-page note giving additional context for your design. This is optional.
- Entries will be reviewed and evaluated by a cross-functional team based on the judging criteria below.
After submission of your entry you can add the HBCU Design Challenge to your resume using the following language: "Competed in Target's 2021 HBCU Design Challenge to propose creative design solutions the 2022 Black History Month collection".
judging criteria:
Entries submitted to the HBCU Design Challenge are reviewed by a company-wide cross-functional team. The decisions of the judges are final. We are looking for design solutions that meet the following six (6) criteria:
- Superior design and aesthetic sensibility
- Exemplifies creativity and original thinking
- Clearly articulates a solution to the surfaced design question
- Positive impact on the guests we serve and communities we operate in
- Ability to be executed physically on apparel
- Ability to be sold in Target stores and online
more about us
Target is one of the world’s most recognized brands and one of America’s leading retailers. We make Target our guests’ preferred shopping destination by offering outstanding value, inspiration, innovation and an exceptional guest experience that no other retailer can deliver. Fueling the continued success of our brand is our distinctly capable, creative and innovative Owned Brand Product Design & Management organization. Innovation is part of everything we do—and it all comes together with exclusive products that make our shopping experience unlike any other.
We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, and you’ll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the product that surprises and gratifies our guests..
For more on what it's like to work at Target, hear from a few of our past interns and recruiters.
Legal Disclaimer
By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.
Participation in the HBCU Design Challenge is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Target. Individuals who do choose to participate will not be compensated for the time spent on their submission or for their submitted artwork.
By participating in this Contest, Participants are confirming that you understand that submitted concepts may or may not be part of Target’s previous, current or future business endeavors. By uploading a submission you agree to give Target a royalty free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, license for incidental use of your submission in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, only for historical, promotional or marketing purposes.
