Visual Communication

What You’re Doing

• You will design an original t-shirt graphic

• You get to choose ONE creative pathway

• This project is about expressing ideas visually, not convincing people what to think

• Your design may be printed on a real shirt using DTF
  
  

Big Rules (Read These)

• No political parties, politicians, or current policies by name

• Your grade is based on design quality, not your opinion

• Focus on symbols, imagery, color, layout, and typography

• Think: Would this work on an actual shirt?

Choose ONE Design Pathway (Idea)

A. Universal Theme

Pick one theme:

• Belonging

• Resilience

• Identity

• Hope

• Community

• Change
  
  

Show the idea visually using symbols, images, colors, or type.

B. Quote from Literature, Art, or Music

• Choose a school-appropriate quote or lyric

• The design should interpret the meaning, not just place text

• Typography should support the message
  
  

C. Symbol Without Words

• No text allowed

• Use images, shapes, and color only

• The viewer should understand the feeling or idea visually
  
  

D. Past → Present

• Choose a historical era, movement, or moment (before 2000)

• Re-design its core idea using a modern visual style

• Focus on imagery, not explanation

• Students will select a historical quote (pre-2000) that addresses universal human themes such as justice, perseverance, unity, freedom, identity, or change.
  
  

E. Community Without Names

• Design something that represents community

• You may NOT use names of cities, countries, or groups

• Focus on shared experiences, values, or symbols
  
  

Design Requirements

• Size: stay within 11 x 11 inches 

• Color mode: CMYK

• File type: Illustrator

• Avoid tiny details or super-thin lines, and no stand alone strokes smaller than 2pts
  
  

What You Turn In

• 1 short paragraph explaining your concept

• ~3 ideas or sketches, showing your inspo and ideation process, as well as evolution of design.

• Final polished digital design

How You’re Graded

• Idea & Meaning (25 pts): Is the concept clear and thoughtful?

• Layout & Design (25 pts): Does it look balanced and professional?

• Typography & Imagery (20 pts): Do visuals work well together?

• Technical Quality (20 pts): Is it print-ready?

• Reflection (10 pts): Can you explain your decisions?
  
  

Final Reminder

• This project is about design, not persuasion

• You are free to express ideas visually

• You will NOT be graded on whether others agree with your message