It was passion for art and a connection to Missouri State that inspired Julie Mason’s design for the Be A Bear T-shirt contest.

Julie, like other graphic design students, was assigned the task of creating a T-Shirt for class.

“I was just looking at some T-shirts I liked, just the traditional college T-shirt you would see in the bookstore. I looked at some posters and got inspiration from them,” Mason said, “I took some things I thought represented Missouri State and added it to the design that made it a trendy T-shirt.”

Missouri State memories that connect us as Bears

Mason’s design features a few key items that you would see as you walk through campus; those items include textbooks, beautiful trees, a football, and a building inspired by Carrington Hall.

“I think all these items have special meaning as they all symbolize the college experiences we are all having together,” she said.

Her design not only represents Missouri State, but forms a connection to past, current, and future students.

“With this shirt, I want students to be reminded of the memories they made at Missouri State and what makes us who we are – for past, current, and future students as well,” she said.

Passion and inspiration

Mason began her academic journey at another university. After speaking to friends and other people about Missouri State, she knew this was the right place for her.

“I talked to some people that knew about the graphic design program. They said it was a really great program, and it really is. I’ve learned a lot by being here,” she said.

However, it was not just the graphic design program that caused this change in universities, but a teacher that encouraged and uplifted Mason throughout her high school career.

Megan Johnson at Nixa High School inspired Mason to attend Missouri State and chase after her dreams.

“She is the one who made me believe in myself, and made me believe I was good enough to turn this into a career. She inspired me to go to MSU because she went to MSU. She’s been a huge impact for me and my career field,” Mason said.

Mason hopes one day to become a graphic designer for either a company or as a freelance designer. She has even created an Etsy shop to showcase her work and jump start a career.

About the 2022 Be a Bear T-Shirt Contest

The 2022 Be a Bear T-shirt contest runs from February 14 – 20. Students, Alumni, and friends of MSU are encouraged to vote on their favorite design in hope of seeing it come to life in the bookstore.

Vote now

The winning shirt will be released for sale in the MSU Bookstore on March 18, MSU’s birthday, and sold through Homecoming weekend this fall.

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.

Julie hopes her design can help inspire other Bears.

“I really have a passion for everything I do. I just really like creating and making things that can make other people happy as well,” she said.