Client Brief + Show Research for T-Shirt Design
Today you are stepping into the role of real graphic designers. There is a real need and you get to help solve it. Students in Show Tunes want shirts made for each show, but Dawn does not have the time to design them. That is where you come in. Your job is to create the designs.
There are a few important rules from the “client.” First, all designs must be digital, not hand drawn. Second, you can only use three colors in your design. These rules are not random. Using only three colors keeps printing cheaper, and digital designs are easier to reproduce and print clearly on shirts.
You will be working with one of these shows:
Music Makers and Show Kids – Don’t Say No to the USO
Show Tunes Jr – Guys & Dolls
Show Tunes – The Music Man
You will be placed into a team and assigned one show. Your first job is to research your show. Learn the story, the time period, and the overall mood. Pay attention to symbols, music style, costumes, and the feeling the show gives.
Then you will create a simple planning sheet that includes:
The name of your show
Who the shirt is for (the audience)
Your three color choices and why you picked them
Key words that describe the vibe of your design
Next, you will sketch two different t-shirt ideas, either digitally or on paper. As you sketch, think about your layout, your main graphic idea, where the text will go, and how everything feels balanced on the shirt.
At the end, you will share one of your sketches with the class. You will explain why your design fits the show and why you chose the colors you did. Then you will listen to feedback so you can make your design even better.
Scripture
Proverbs 16:3 (HCSB) – “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Planning before creating matters because it gives direction to our effort. Without a plan, we can waste time, energy, and even our gifts. When we slow down to think, pray, and organize before we act, we are being good stewards of what YAH has given us. It also helps us avoid working in confusion or reacting emotionally instead of intentionally.
Good planning honors YAH because it shows that we are not just doing things for ourselves, but with Him in mind. When we commit our ideas, goals, and steps to Him first, we invite His wisdom into the process. That leads to work that reflects excellence, integrity, and purpose. It shifts our mindset from “What do I want to make?” to “What does YAH want to build through me?”
Course Content
Scenario & Client Brief
Show Tunes T-Shirt Design Project – Outline
I. The Real Design Situation
A. Students want shirts for each show
B. Dawn does not have time to design them
C. Students will create the designs
D. Design rules from the client
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Digital design only
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Maximum of three colors
II. Show Assignments
A. Music Makers & Show Kids – Don’t Say No to the USO
B. Show Tunes Jr – Guys & Dolls
C. Show Tunes – The Music Man
III. Why the Rules Matter
A. Three colors keeps printing costs lower
B. Digital designs are easier to reproduce and print clearly
IV. Research & Mood Board Planning
A. Students work in teams
B. Each team is assigned one show
C. Research focus
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Story and theme
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Time period
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Mood and tone
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Symbols, music, and costumes
D. Planning sheet must include -
Show name
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Target audience
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Three color choices with reasoning
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Key words describing the design vibe
V. Concept Sketching
A. Create two t-shirt concept sketches
B. Sketches may be digital or on paper
C. Focus areas
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Layout
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Main graphic idea
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Text placement
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Visual balance
VI. Share & Feedback
A. Students present one sketch
B. Explain why it fits the show
C. Explain color choices
D. Receive feedback from classmates
Homework
Due Next Class (Submit in Google Classroom):
Upload your 2 finalized concept sketches
• These can be digital files or clear photos of your paper sketches
Then answer in 3 complete sentences:
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What is your main design idea?
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What message should your shirt communicate?