Spelman College student Cadence Patrick is carving out her own piece of Black history with her new pieces designed for Target.
If you’re making a trip to Target this month, you’ll get to see a few pieces designed by Spelman’s own. Patrick was one of only three students selected for Target’s HBCU Design Challenge. The aspiring designer discovered the challenge in a Spelman app and decided to apply.
“I hadn’t exactly heard of it before, so I was like, ‘Oh, this sounds really cool. Might as well give it a shot and throw my hat in the ring and see what happens,’” Patrick told Fox 5 Atlanta.
As far as her design that landed on shelves, “The subject is my younger brother, because he’s a big inspiration to me. He’s one of the best people I know; he’s just really imaginative, creative, and kind. I wanted to pick something that represents happiness, hope, and sort of looking toward the future,” Patrick said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
In addition to the important visual, Patrick also wanted to have a meaningful narrative.
“The message that I chose, that I landed on, was Black Futures are Bright,” Patrick said. “And when I was thinking of that, I was thinking, what is something I can say that is positive, that is forward-thinking, that will resonate hopefully with a lot of people when they see it.”
Patrick’s design is featured on adult and youth t-shirts, along with baby onesies and a journal. The Spelman student and the two other winners were also flown out to Los Angeles to star in a commercial for the designs. Patrick was also selected for a six-week-long internship with the Target Brands design team.
“Obviously Black History Month is about reflecting on our history and that kind of stuff, but I also think a big part of it is about looking toward the future and the Black history that we are creating every single day.” Patrick said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.