Student artist OHIO shirt designs now available through the Bobcat Store

An OHIO student wears three shirts designed by OHIO students in these three image

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 Ohio University’s School of Art and Design, the Ohio University Alumni Association, and the Bobcat Store.

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’s graphic design course, Ellie Sabatino, Bel Crawford and Grace Marquis, won this year’s competition, along with a $1,000 scholarship to continue their studies.

Ellie Sabatino, junior graphic design major

“My design was inspired by the ‘wish you were here’ era of postcards that were popular in the 70’s,” Sabatino says.” 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!” Sabatino says she enjoys the power of storytelling through art.

An OHIO student wears the shirt designed by Ellie Sabatino — The shirt designed by Ellie Sabatino

https://bobcatstore.org/ohio-university-college-green-retro-t-shirt/

Bel Crawford, junior graphic design BFA major

“The 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,” Crawford says. “The 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.” Crawford says she is passionate about integrating her love for animals and conservation into design work. “I aspire to create a positive environmental impact through design.” Crawford works as a graphic designer for Ohio Campus Recycling.

An OHIO student wears the shirt designed by Bel Crawford — The shirt designed by Bel Crawford

https://bobcatstore.org/ohio-university-1804-woodstock-t-shirt/

Grace Marquis, junior graphic design major

“This shirt design references a photo from Ohio University’s 1999 yearbook,” Marquis says. “The photo depicts Rufus the Bobcat crowd surfing at a football game.” 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.