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 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 should I design?   

Applicants should refer to the project description and rules to understand the creative guardrails, inspiration and direction for their design submission. 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 will depend on the project. A description of how we are directing our collection for the season has been provided in order to inspire you and additional primary and secondary research is encouraged.       

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

• Corporate.Target.com 
• Target YouTube 
• @target Instagram 
• @target Twitter 
• @targetstyle Instagram 
• Target Finds 
• Target Young Adult 

what aesthetic/style is Target looking for?   

Your work should align to the design project direction 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?     

Applicants should submit artwork images, sketches, or illustrations. Submissions should be graphics designed intentionally for the Target 2026 Black History Month Campaign. Items may or may not be used as is within the final assortment. The Target design team will work with winning applicants to refine their artwork to be viable for Target business and production guardrails. 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+) or vector based 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 October 13th 2024 until 11:59 PM CST on November 15, 2024. 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 or as product sold at Target, Target requires that the Winners assign all rights to their submitted designs to Target. Winners and Finalists will need to sign an NDA,  “release and waiver” and W9 in order to receive their prize. The Winners will also 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. Finalists that are not Winners will retain the intellectual property rights to their designs.  

are the prizes negotiable or changeable?  

The prizes are as stated in the contest RULES and are non-negotiable.  

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

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.   

For First Place Winners, you will agree to the following terms:  

• Ownership. You must transfer ownership of all rights in your artwork to Target. You will be allowed to display the artwork in your portfolio publicly after the BHM (Black History Month) assortment has set in stores (February 2026), but not prior.  
• Finalists and Winners may not make commercial use of the artwork in the future.    
• Target may or may not use the artwork on products for sale or in marketing or advertising.    
• Artwork editing. Target’s strategies may require adjustments to your artwork. You agree that Target may make revisions and changes to your artwork.  You will not have the ability to approve any revisions.  For example, we may change color, scale, layout and other elements.  Target will strive to maintain your original design intent.  
• Artist crediting. You agree that your name and image may be used to give you credit as the artist.    
• Disqualification. If you do not follow the rules of the Challenge, you may be disqualified and will not be awarded any of the Prizes.  
• Contract. You will be provided with a legal contract that must be signed in order to receive the Prizes.  You will also be required to provide a W-9. 

For Runner Up Winners, you will agree to the following terms:  

• Disqualification. If you do not follow the rules of the Challenge, you may be disqualified and will not be awarded any of the Prizes.  
• Contract. You will be provided with a legal contract that must be signed in order to receive the Prizes.  You will also be required to provide a W-9. 

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 December 2, 2024.  
• First Place Prize Winner will be notified by email on approximately February 03, 2025.  
• Cash prize will be awarded by approximately September 1, 2025.  
• Marketing & Apprenticeship compensation will be awarded according to participation timing but by December 31, 2025 at the latest.  

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.  

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.