The 2024 HBCU Design Challenge is returning for its fifth year.
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 students and grads offer a unique perspective. We love the idea of cultivating relationships that put Target into consideration as applicants look for new career options.
What’s the challenge?
For the 2024 Design Project, you are asked to create a placed graphic/illustration or allover print design that speaks to our theme of Remixed Traditions.
Black history is American history, and Black style is continuously influenced by the past. With Remixed Traditions we will remember the past and modernize it for today.
Your artwork should speak not only to Black tradition, but also bring joy and inspiration for positive progress within Black communities for the future.
We are excited to have you participate in an apparel & accessories assortment that has Black Creators at its center.
African-Americans and members of the African diaspora have made and continue to make historical contributions that have helped us all. Your design should be a reflection on Black history, the diversity of ways that Black people showcase their excellence from popular culture to STEM, to presence and participation in subculture movements and trends that subvert stereotypes and defy expectations.
Review the above direction and use it 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 (1) be original,(2) not infringe on copyrights or other intellectual property rights, and (3) not be in use or for sale elsewhere.
- Artwork must be designed to be printable on a standard t-shirt knit top.
- Please limit number of colors in your design to 12 colors or less. For photo real artwork, more than 12 colors is acceptable, but garment color may be impacted and revisions may be necessary for production.
- 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.
- Target prefers that participants not use AI tools. However, AI tools may be used as long as the following conditions are met: (1) your design must have significant contributions from you, (2) you must disclose which AI tool you used, (3) you must disclose the original AI generated design, and (4) you must ensure that the terms of service for the AI tool allow you to own the design, transfer ownership to Target and allow commercial use.
How do I submit my design?
Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning October 16th 2023 until 11:59 PM CST on November 17th, 2023. By submitting your entry, you’re confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.
Who is eligible?
The HBCU Design Challenge Contest (“Contest”) is open to residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older at the time of entry, who are currently enrolled in a Historically Black College or University (‘HBCU”). Employees of Target, its affiliates, subsidiaries and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited by law. *Please see RULES for additional essential details.
Rules & FAQs Available: September 15, 2023
Submissions Open: October 16, 2023
Submissions Deadline: November 17, 2023
Finalists Announced: December 1, 2023
Winners Announced: January 28, 2024
Prizes:
There are a total of six (4) Contest Prize winners.
First Place Prize Winners (2) - Total Value $6000-$8000:
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$4000 Cash prize
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$2000 minimum as Marketing compensation (“Marketing Prize”).Approximately $2000. Winners will be eligible to apply for a six week paid virtual apprenticeship with the Target Owned Brands Product Design team. A maximum of one (1) winner may be invited to participate in the apprenticeship.
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Exclusive 1-hour consultation with Target senior design leaders.
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Possibility of having their winning design included in the Target Black History Month product assortment for sale in 2025.
- Their story will be featured in our Black History Month 2025 marketing program.
Runner-Up Prize Winners (2) - Total Value $1000:
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$1000 Cash prize
All Participants Receive:
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Access to view Target HBCU Design Challenge exclusive videos and webinars as a virtual introduction to Target’s product development process and team.
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Eligibility to be invited to Bullseye Insiders, Target’s exclusive guest engagement platform.
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The opportunity to add The HBCU Design Challenge as a line item on their resume.
Winner Selection & Notification:
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Contest Finalists will be notified by email on approximately December 1, 2023.
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First Place Prize Winners will be notified by email on approximately January 28, 2024.
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Cash prizes will be awarded and apprenticeship notification by September 1, 2024.
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Marketing Prizes will be awarded by December 31, 2024.
