Graphic design and illustration senior Emma Allman is trying to add a little something more to her graphic design career. Allman refuses to settle for producing content that won’t have an impact on her community. She wants the things she designs to have meaning.

Her involvement in the 2018 Be A Bear T-Shirt Contest was prompted by the Missouri State publications office where she interns. The goal of the contest (to raise money for the Emergency Scholarship Fund) falls in line with Allman’s recent work.

Design for a Purpose

“I’ve moved in my last year of doing design in college from just designing things, to make them into designing things because they have a purpose,” Emma said.

She has balanced her course work and design projects for organizations she’s passionate about.

Allman has worked with a coffee shop called Lucky Ones Coffee in Utah. Lucky Ones employs only people with disabilities. Allman worked with this organization building their brand.

She’s also the social media director for a new campus organization, the American Association of University Women, which works to empower college women and encourage growth as leaders.

Most recently, however, Allman is working on a project to bring the homeless population of Springfield a little more comfort. Her vision of a traveling winter clothes and coat donation shop is in the works and will hopefully come to fruition in the coming months.

“I feel like I’m in a new point in my very early design career. Just doing stuff that matters.”

Finding inspiration in Missouri State tradition

Allman is accustomed to seeing her work in her everyday life because of her internship and design projects. However, people purchasing her designs in the bookstore may be a whole new experience. “The idea of people owning my design is really fun… It’s personal. People get to interact with it and wear it,” she said.

Allman found her inspiration from common university icons around campus such as the façade of Carrington, the spirit icons, and the public affairs statue. These symbols of Missouri State are united by an intertwining pattern of lines and intricacies. The careful weaving of the design was made with all Missouri State students in mind. “I think we have a unique mix of people and as far as college campuses go, everyone is very nice,” Emma said.

Allman loves Missouri State and isn’t quite ready to leave in May. Emma concluded, “I’ve had a lot of fun here. It’s going to be hard to leave.”

About the Be a Bear T-Shirt Content

The Be a Bear T-Shirt Contest is a way MSU students can engage with the university and help their fellow students. Each year students submit their designs for consideration, and a committee of professionals and students chooses one as the final design. Proceeds from the T-shirt help support the Emergency Scholarship Fund.

This year three designs were chosen and now, it’s up to you, the student body to decide which one you want. Voting begins February 19 at 8 a.m. and will close at noon on Friday, February 23.