The Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes (WISLI) is thrilled to announce its inaugural t-shirt design competition! We invite all students to create a design that promotes and celebrates language study at WISLI.
We’re especially looking for designs that go beyond individual programs and represent a community dedicated to learning less commonly taught languages (LCTLs).
You are welcome to collaborate with others and/or submit more than one entry.
All designs must be submitted to wisli@lpo.wisc.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on July 6, 2025.
Design Theme: Language Matters
Designs should reflect themes that support and advocate for language learning, intercultural understanding, and a global perspective. Some ideas to spark your creativity:
- The power of language: How does language connect people, bridge cultures, or deepen understanding across borders?
- The value of studying a less commonly taught language (LCTL): What unique perspectives or opportunities come from studying languages not widely offered?
- Multilingualism as a superpower: How do multiple languages empower individuals—academically, professionally, or personally?
- WISLI’s Global reach: Consider how WISLI’s programs open doors to diverse world regions and communities, from Central Asia to Africa to Southeast Asia and beyond.
- Language and identity: How do languages shape who we are, and how we engage with others?
Designs can be artistic, abstract, symbolic, or humorous, as long as they align with WISLI’s mission and appeal to a broad audience.
Design Requirements
- Creating Your Design – You can create your design by hand or using digital design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. We accept the following file types: PDF, PSD, or TIFF.
- Image Quality – Your design should be high resolution, at least 600 dpi (dots per inch) at its final printed size. This means your image should look crisp and not pixelated when zoomed in. Typical t-shirt design sizes range from 8 to 11 inches wide and 8 to 12 inches long.
- Use of Color – Use black & white or use up to three light or dark colors. Keep in mind that fewer colors are more cost-efficient, so one or two colors are preferred.
- Incorporating Language and Culture – Your design can include words, symbols, or scripts that represent the languages taught at WISLI or the world regions where these languages are spoken.
- Want to use a language or script you’re not familiar with? Email wisli@lpo.wisc.edu with your idea, and we’ll see if we can help.
- You can also create a new slogan or catchphrase that captures the value of learning languages at WISLI.
- Design Placement Options – Your design can appear on the front, back, and/or top sleeve. Keep in mind: the more places your design appears, the more expensive it is to print. In your submission, be sure to indicate where your design should be placed.
Deadline and Timeline
All designs must be submitted to wisli@lpo.wisc.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CDT) on July 6, 2025.
Please include the original design file, and if possible, a mock-up of your design on a blank t-shirt to show how it would look when printed.
Next, WISLI students will vote on their favorite designs. Winning designs will be available for purchase and as prizes at WISLI events throughout the summer.
If you have any questions or need help with your submission, please email wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.