Target HBCU Design Challenge FAQs

The submission period for the 2021 HBCU Design Challenge has now closed.

For additional context and direction, review the following answers to common questions regarding the 2021 HBCU Black History Month Design Challenge.

getting started: questions you may have at the beginning of your design challenge journey...

why is this challenge happening?

Our Target Black History Month team is looking for ways to help Target create an even deeper connection with our guests and our community. HBCU’s students and grads offer a unique perspective and we love the idea of cultivating relationships that put Target into consideration as applicants look for new career options.

what is the difference between the two design project options?

The two design project options offer applicants two opportunities to showcase their design point of view. One option may resonate more with an applicant versus the other. Applicants are welcome to try their hand at both options or just one though there can only be one winning option per applicant. For more detail, please refer to our contest rules.

who is eligible to participate?

Students currently enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are 18+ years old.

design submission: it’s time to submit your entries; questions you may have before you submit...

what is Target looking for from a design submission?

Target's Black History Month team is 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

where can I find inspiration?

Your inspiration can come from anywhere. We’d love to know how you were inspired if there is an interesting story behind your inspiration or creation. We want to see original ideas that do not infringe on other artists’ or designers' creations, brands or copyrights. It is essential not to copy or create a design that is too similar to someone else’s design. It is essential that your design is original and has not been sold by anyone in the past and is not planned to be sold by anyone in the future.

The information you gather to inform your design solution may depend on the project option you choose. A mood board has been provided for each project, and additional primary and secondary research is encouraged. However, we want to see original ideas that do not infringe on other artists’ or designers' creations, brands or copyrights. It is essential not to copy or plagiarize.

In addition to the reference materials provided for each project, you may also review the Target resources below to help make your design especially relevant to Target and Target’s market:

what aesthetic/style is Target looking for?

Your work should align to the design direction but we are open to any style of art that can be printed on or applied to a garment and worn by a human being.

are there specific artwork/design limitations or submission guidelines?

Submissions should be designed for t-shirts for the Target 2022 Black History Month Campaign. Items may or may not be used on tees within the final assortment. Applicants must submit digital files. No mailed or in person submissions will be accepted.

what are the file size/format limitations?

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.

can I use the Target logo?

Applicants cannot use the Target Logo or any Target brand in submissions.

how do I submit my design?

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. By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.

how will designs be selected?

Entries submitted to the HBCU Design Challenge are reviewed by a company-wide cross-functional team according to the judging criteria.

who owns the rights to the submitted designs?

Since the winning designs may be used on apparel sold at Target, Target requires that the Winners assign all rights to their submitted designs to Target. Winners and Finalists will need to sign a “release and waiver” in order to receive their prize. The Winners will be required to sign an “assignment agreement” in order to receive their prize. The assignment agreement will transfer all intellectual property rights in your design to Target.

submission review and support: questions after you submit your application...

what is Studio Connect?

Studio Connect is an app that Target developed as a way to communicate with people that do not work for Target. We can share images, videos, ideas and get feedback from members. By applying to the HBCU Design Challenge, you will receive an invite to Studio Connect and if you accept the invite and download the app, you will have a chance to learn more about Target and our Black History Month process. Joining is free and optional. We hope you join!

can I tell friends about the HBCU Design Challenge?

Yes! We encourage you to share this unique opportunity with anyone eligible to participate.

what is the difference between a finalist and a winner?

A Finalist is an applicant that has made it through the first round of judging. Target will let you know if you are a Finalist. Finalists will be contacted by our Black History Month Team to ready the submissions for possible final selection as we further narrow down applicants to choose winners. Winners are applicants who have made it through the Finalist phase and their work has been selected by Target as a viable option for Target to include in the Black History Month collection.

when will I know if I am a finalist or a winner?

Target will contact you if you are a Finalist or a Winner.

Contest Finalists will be notified by email on approximately May 15, 2021.
First Place Prize Winners will be notified by email on approximately June 15, 2021.
Prizes will be awarded on approximately September 1, 2021.

what if I have more questions?

If you find you have additional questions after reviewing the challenge home page and FAQs, email us at HBCUDesignChallenge@target.com.

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.