T-Shirt

Challenge

The objective was to design a limited-edition t-shirt for the What’s Your Proximity? video project, which bridges gaps in the industry by encouraging connection and proximity to individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system. The design needed to reflect Bryan Stevenson’s philosophy that "proximity changes us," highlighting the transformative power of getting closer to societal challenges. The challenge was to create a visually compelling and meaningful design that resonated with actors, industry members, and audiences while maintaining clarity and simplicity for practical printing.

Transformation

The project began with an initial design that was bold and dynamic, featuring busy visuals and layered typography. While the first concept embodied energy and connection, feedback indicated that it felt too crowded and did not fully capture the nuanced vision of proximity. The design then shifted focus toward a more streamlined approach, emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and impactful visual elements.

Drawing inspiration from earlier works, the final design utilized vibrant gradients, abstract circular shapes, and figures in motion to symbolize the journey of proximity. The silhouette of the figure, outlined with bold, organic strokes, creates a sense of movement and engagement. The text "Get Closer," "Almost There," "Move Closer," and "Too Far" guides the viewer through the conceptual theme of proximity, encouraging reflection on their relationship with the issue. Simplified yet striking visuals allowed the t-shirt to maintain balance between artistic expression and clarity.

Story

The final design is a powerful visual metaphor for the What’s Your Proximity? initiative. The abstract spheres represent levels of closeness, while the central figure conveys motion, transformation, and connection. The vibrant color palette evokes energy and hope, tying the design to the project's mission of creating transformative change through proximity. The text reinforces the message that engaging directly with societal challenges can lead to profound personal and collective growth.

This t-shirt not only serves as a wearable piece of art but also as a conversation starter, inviting participants and viewers to reflect on their role in addressing systemic issues. It embodies the initiative's commitment to fostering agency, respect, and community through proximity.