An OCAD University student is bringing their creative vision to life through the Roots x OCAD U Artist Series, a new collaboration between the University and Canadian outdoor lifestyle brand Roots.
The project began with a design contest launched during OCAD U’s GradEx111, Toronto’s largest free art and design exhibition, giving current students an opportunity to showcase their work and develop an original design in partnership with Roots. Three students were selected to develop designs for the brand, with Shina Kang selected as the winning student.
Following her selection, Kang spent a day at Roots’ head office working alongside the company’s design team. The experience provided her with an opportunity to learn about the creative and production considerations involved in involved in translating an artwork or concept into a finished product, while gaining firsthand insight into professional design practices. Kang’s designs were incorporated into four shirts as part of a new limited-edition streetwear collection.
The collaboration officially launched on Sept. 8 as part of OCAD U’s back-to-school street fair, where students had the opportunity to shop the collection firsthand. The partnership with OCAD U reflects Roots’ ongoing commitment to championing the next generation of Canadian creative talent.
The new collection is available online.
