TYT ‘90s Tee
Retro-inspired merchandise built around ‘90s nostalgia
Final members-only t-shirt inspired by the iconic 1990s concert tee aesthetic
OVERVIEW
As Taylor Swift's Eras Tour sparked renewed interest in vintage-inspired concert apparel, TYT's marketing team saw an opportunity to reinterpret the trend for the network's audience. Inspired by iconic 1990s music t-shirts, I designed an exclusive members-only shirt featuring TYT's flagship hosts. The goal was to create a collectible piece of merchandise that celebrated the network while encouraging viewers to become paid members.
Role: Concept development, merchandise design, and photo compositing
Tools: Adobe Photoshop
Year: 2023
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THE CHALLENGE
The brief was to convincingly recreate a very recognizable aesthetic and simply to make the hosts look cool.
The design needed to capture the visual language of classic 90s band merchandise while featuring TYT personalities. I researched both the Taylor Swift examples provided by marketing and authentic vintage shirts from hip hop artists to understand what made the style instantly recognizable.
To sell the aesthetic, I incorporated many of the era's signature design elements:
Tall condensed serif typography
Soft color overlays
Glowing photographic portraits
Dramatic lightning background
Vintage grain texture
Each host also reviewed and approved the photo selected for them, making collaboration an important part of the process.
THE SOLUTION
Rather than simply placing headshots on a shirt, I focused on recreating the composition and style that made the original designs memorable.
I developed multiple layout concepts, experimented with different typography treatments, and created both pink and blue colorways inspired by specific vintage concert shirts. I also explored several title options—including TYT, The Young Turks, and TYT: Home of Progressives—along with different font combinations before the marketing team selected the final direction.
The finished design was produced in Photoshop using composited photography, lighting effects, texture overlays, and carefully balanced typography. It was released as a limited-edition members-only t-shirt to reward existing subscribers and encourage new memberships.
REFLECTION
This project taught me that good design isn't always about creating something entirely new. Sometimes it's about understanding why an existing visual style resonates and adapting it successfully for a different audience.
I'm particularly proud of how closely the finished piece captures the feel of authentic 90s merchandise while still feeling unmistakably TYT. If I were revisiting it today, I would push for the version featuring The Young Turks across the top and print it on a black shirt, which I think would feel even more authentic to the era that inspired it.
Contemporary and vintage references helped identify the typography, composition, and visual effects that defined the aesthetic.
THE CHALLENGE
Recreate the unmistakable look of ’90s concert merchandise while adapting it to TYT’s hosts.
I explored different typography, wording, and color options before the marketing team selected the final direction.
THE SOLUTION
Layered photography, lighting effects, texture, and typography transformed TYT’s hosts into a convincing piece of vintage-inspired merchandise.
Subtle lighting, texture, and typography helped recreate the nostalgic look of vintage music merchandise
REFLECTION
The project reinforced how understanding an established visual style can be just as important as creating one from scratch.
The completed design was promoted as a limited-edition members-only exclusive