Makhulu Polane (loosely translated means Big Idea) was started in 2006 by local fashion retailers Big Blue in an effort to discover and support South African design talent. The annual Makhulu Polane t-shirt design competition has become a firm favourite on the annual SA design calendar and attracts entries from aspiring and professional graphic, illustration and fashion designers.

This year’s design theme is ‘Funny-Galore’ - the funniest, smartest, coolest design will win R20 000 in cash and will be sold in all Big Blue and Kitsch & Kool stores nationwide for two months.

Since it’s inception in 2006 this original Big Blue idea has become a great success; this award winning online marketing initiative is unique in that it reached both online and offline audiences and translated into real in-store sales. Winning designs from 2006 and 2007 sold out and were reprinted several times and a number of the top 10 2007 Makhulu Polane designs are still being printed and sold. View last year’s ‘AfroKaaner’ designs.

The competition is not limited to submissions from registered students or designers but is open to anyone who feels they have a unique t-shirt design. Designs do not need to be digitally created – they do need to be submitted via the Big Blue website www.bigblue.co.za - hand drawn illustrations can be scanned and uploaded.

The award winning Makhulu Polane campaign is an original, award winning annual event that encourages and celebrates South African design. Check out the competition details and guidelines on how to submit your design.

Show us your Makhulu Polane and we’ll make you famous!

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