One doesn’t graduate design school without clocking a few hours of art history. At the time, my mindset was more focused on meeting a requirement. Turns out, that was a bit short-sided.

The truth is I’ve referenced those ‘warm, 2 p.m., post-lunch, dimly lit, hum of a slide projector whirring’ classes in my professional career more than I ever thought likely.

How wonderful was my trip in 2019 to remind me of college days and the power of design. Seeing the sketches, process and product of Cooper Union Design School leaders later inspired these shirts for Memphis Pride Week.

Founded in 1859 by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offered an unparalleled education in architecture, art and engineering. Turns out it is still inspiring 160 years later.