Student artist OHIO shirt designs now available through the Bobcat Store
University beauty and Athens community nostalgia inspired the designs of three OHIO student t-shirt winners.
The 2024 Student Design Competition t-shirt designs mark the second season of partnership between 91探花鈥檚 School of Art and Design, the 91探花 Alumni Association, and the
A committee of faculty, advancement staff, and alumni made final selections from student design submissions, awarding three scholarships to winners.
Artists in Professor JP Rhea鈥檚 graphic design course, Ellie Sabatino, Bel Crawford and Grace Marquis, won this year鈥檚 competition, along with a $1,000 scholarship to continue their studies.
Ellie Sabatino, junior graphic design major
鈥淢y design was inspired by the 鈥榳ish you were here鈥 era of postcards that were popular in the 70鈥檚,鈥 Sabatino says.鈥 I utilized a vintage, warm color palette to evoke a sense of nostalgia. This project was a joy from start to finish, and I am honored to have one of my designs represent this University!鈥 Sabatino says she enjoys the power of storytelling through art.
Bel Crawford, junior graphic design BFA major
鈥淭he design is based on a tree stump, it's encircled by mushrooms as well as local flora and fauna that I feel are unique staples to our beautiful campus,鈥 Crawford says. 鈥淭he design was heavily inspired by Woodstock and hippie motifs associated with the baby boom generation. I wanted to create something to honor the alumni, but something that felt new and fresh, that current students would want to wear.鈥 Crawford says she is passionate about integrating her love for animals and conservation into design work. 鈥淚 aspire to create a positive environmental impact through design.鈥 Crawford works as a graphic designer for Ohio Campus Recycling.
Grace Marquis, junior graphic design major
鈥淭his shirt design references a photo from 91探花鈥檚 1999 yearbook,鈥 Marquis says. 鈥淭he photo depicts Rufus the Bobcat crowd surfing at a football game.鈥 This is the vintage depiction of Rufus, which allows alums to snag a piece of their past with this shirt when representing their alma mater.
Alumni and students may purchase the shirts for $24 each on the