Annual commemorative
t-shirt design for foundU
Design Brief
Each year, as part of foundU’s employee engagement initiatives, I’m tasked with designing the company’s annual commemorative t-shirt. This long-standing tradition is both a creative expression and a keepsake, celebrating the year’s key moments, inside jokes, and milestones. The design is built around a theme that reflects the company’s unique culture, serving as a fun and personal memento for employees.
Company
Role
Timeframe
Platform
2 months
Apparel
Visual Design Manager
foundU
Design Objective
The goal is to create a design that employees genuinely connect with - celebrating both collective achievements and the spontaneous, lighthearted moments that shape our workplace. Each t-shirt should feel inclusive and relatable across departments, incorporating hand-drawn illustrations and playful elements that embody foundU’s approachable, employee-first spirit.
Design Considerations
Hand-Drawn Illustrations
Hand-drawn visuals are at the heart of each design, adding a personal, organic feel. These illustrations spotlight memorable office moments, milestones, and humorous situations - capturing the creative energy of the team and reinforcing the laid-back, authentic tone of the company.
Inside Jokes & Memorable Moments
The t-shirts subtly weave in references to running jokes, office quirks, and standout events from the year. These moments create a sense of shared history and connection, while the overall design remains visually appealing.
Reflecting Company Culture
To reflect foundU’s relaxed and collaborative culture, I use a bright colour palette, loose sketch-style illustrations, and informal typography. The result is a design that feels fun and expressive, yet still polished enough to wear beyond the office.
Impact & Results
The annual t-shirt has become a highly anticipated tradition at foundU. Employees look forward to the reveal each year, and the shirts have become a source of pride and connection. By highlighting shared experiences through custom illustrations and inside jokes, the design helps foster a stronger sense of belonging and team spirit. More than just a t-shirt, it’s a tangible expression of the company’s culture.
Conclusion
This ongoing project is more than a design task - it’s a creative reflection of life at foundU. Through playful visuals, personal touches, and thoughtful storytelling, each year’s t-shirt becomes a snapshot of the company’s journey. It’s a tradition that not only celebrates the year’s highlights but strengthens the sense of community among the team.