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4. [OCAD U X Roots Merch Design Open Call](/markdownify/node/4431)
 
  

 May 15, 2026 

# OCAD U X Roots Merch Design Open Call

 

 

  

 

 

  

 ![ocadu x roots](/sites/default/files/styles/1_5_1_large/public/2026-05/ocaduXroots_cropped.png.webp?itok=c5vu3tXc) 

 

 

 

 

 



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OCAD U students are invited to submit samples of **existing work** to be considered for a paid opportunity to collaborate with Roots on a new OCAD U **limited-run** merch design (for example for a t-shirt, hat or hoodie) to be sold this fall.

PROCESS

1. Students can send samples of **existing** work to [shopocadu@ocadu.ca](mailto:communications@ocadu.ca "mailto:communications@ocadu.ca") with subject line “ROOTS” by **May 15, 2026.**
2. Shortlisted students will be chosen, given a design brief and paid $200 to create a concept sketch.
3. One student’s concept sketch will be chosen and that student will work with Roots designers to complete the merch design. This student will be paid an additional $250 and 5% of profit of the sales of the product and be featured in Roots promotions (which could include social media content).



Established in 1973, Roots is a Canadian lifestyle brand that grew from a dream into a global brand with over 100 retail stores across Canada. Roots has always championed Canadian design and craftsmanship. Through this partnership with OCAD U, they’re creating a platform for emerging talent to contribute to the brand and connect with a wider audience.

 



 

 [ Send your samples of existing work here
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 ](mailto:shopocadu@ocadu.ca) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

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