When freshman Makenna Johnson visited Missouri State, she knew it was the place for her.

“Brick City is an old, beautiful downtown building with art on the walls,” she said. “I didn’t visit anywhere else after that.”

Johnson has always enjoyed art. “In high school (Blair Oaks High School), I was on yearbook staff and joined art club,” she said. “My middle school art teacher always encouraged me to submit my art into contests.”

Johnson currently works as a graphic designer at the Missouri State bookstore. If her design wins, she will have a shirt of her own for sale.

From concept to T-shirt

Johnson began the creative process with a mood board of images and colors.

“I’m drawn to vintage designs inspired by the 70s and 80s,” she said. “I merged some of my favorite colors and designs together.”

Her love for Missouri State also inspired pieces of her design. “Missouri State is known for strong traditions and history,” she said. “When we celebrate Missouri State, we also celebrate those who came before us.”

After trial and error, she landed on the final design. “It is simple, easy to read, and vintage,” she said. “I really liked how it turned out.”

Johnson isn’t the only who liked it. Her design won the 2022 Be a Bear T-shirt contest.

Purchasing the 2022 Be a Bear T-Shirt

This shirt is now for sale in the MSU Bookstore, and it will be sold through Homecoming weekend this fall.

Buy the T-shirt

Proceeds support the SAA Degree Completion Fund, which offers scholarships to students in need of extra help, allowing them to complete their degree while here at Missouri State.