Rottnest Channel Swim T-Shirt 2017

Project Background

The Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim is an iconic event in Western Australia, attracting swimmers from around the globe. The 2017 Rottnest Channel Swim T-Shirt Design Competition was part of the event's effort to engage the community and promote creativity. The competition aimed to find a design that not only represented the spirit of the swim but also stood out for its originality and artistic flair. The winner received recognition in the event's official yearbook, a complimentary T-shirt, and a cash prize.

Target Audience

The design was aimed at participants, supporters, and fans of the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim. This includes swimmers, their families, event volunteers, and sports enthusiasts who value commemorative merchandise that celebrates their involvement in this prestigious event. The design needed to appeal to a broad audience, ranging from serious athletes to casual spectators, offering a stylish and memorable keepsake that captures the essence of the swim and can be worn proudly both during the event and beyond.

Design Brief

The task was to create a T-shirt design for the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim, featuring the Rottnest Channel Swim Association (RCSA) swimmer logo. The design needed to creatively incorporate 50% of the swimmer logo's essential elements, ensuring it remained recognizable. Participants were encouraged to think outside the box, with no restrictions on colors or adherence to the original lines. The design was intended for the back of the T-shirt and had to be A4 size in portrait orientation. It could use up to four block colors, with white as an optional fifth color. The winning design would be used in the 2017 Year Book, on official merchandise, and possibly in other promotional materials.

Concept & Inspiration

Being inspired by the profound artistry of Aboriginal art, which resonates with the spirit of connection, community, and the land; I approached my work with deep respect for the rich cultural heritage of Australia's First Nations peoples. Incorporating these elements into my design, I aimed to celebrate and honor the inclusion of Aboriginal culture in our shared journey toward reconciliation. My intention was to create a design that can be worn with respect and pride, reflecting a commitment to moving forward together into a bright and promising future. I believe that, through art, we can build bridges and promote understanding, ensuring that the beauty and significance of Aboriginal culture are appreciated by all who wear this T-shirt.

Design Process

In developing my design for the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim 2017 T-shirt, I drew inspiration from the intricate dot work characteristic of Aboriginal art. I incorporated this busy and complex dot work into the swimmer logo, using it to fill in the stencil while retaining the essential elements of the swimmer's form. This approach allowed me to merge traditional artistic influence with a modern, dynamic representation of the swimmer, creating a design that is both visually engaging and deeply respectful of Aboriginal culture.

Collaboration

After winning the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim 2017 T-shirt design competition, I was thrilled to receive positive feedback on my design which incorporated elements inspired by Aboriginal art. Understanding the importance of cultural sensitivity, the RCSA, in consultation with Reconciliation WA, reached out to ensure that my design was respectful and did not unintentionally include any culturally significant symbols. I fully embraced the feedback provided, recognising the significance of honoring Aboriginal culture in a way that was both respectful, appropriate and worked closely with the RCSA to make thoughtful amendments, ensuring that the final design celebrated Aboriginal culture in a meaningful way.

The collaboration continued with esteemed artist Jilalga Murray, who integrated elements of my original design into a new artwork that told a profound and important story of Aboriginal history. Jilalga’s adaptation honored the memory of those who suffered at Wadjemup from 1841-1903, blending her cultural expertise with my initial concept. This collaborative effort resulted in a design that not only commemorated the Rottnest Channel Swim but also paid tribute to Aboriginal history and supported the spirit of reconciliation. I am proud to have been part of this process, which transformed the design into a powerful symbol of respect, pride, and the journey toward a brighter, more inclusive future. The final design serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness and the role that art can play in fostering understanding and unity.

Reception

The final design for the Karma Resorts Rottnest Channel Swim 2017 T-shirt underscored the importance of collaboration, as I worked closely with the RCSA and esteemed artist Jilalga Murray to refine the design and ensure it was both respectful and meaningful through the integration of Aboriginal-inspired elements. This experience highlighted my ability to work effectively with other designers, blending different perspectives to create a piece that honors Aboriginal history while celebrating the essence of the Rottnest Channel Swim. The resulting design not only serves as a testament to the power of collaborative creativity but also stands as a symbol of respect and pride. I am proud of the role I played in contributing to a design that promotes cultural awareness and unity, and I look forward to future opportunities to create work that resonates with both artistic integrity and cultural appreciation.