Graphic design major wins campus t-shirt design competition

When University of North Florida graphic design major Matt Ducusin entered the Adobe x UNF Esports Fan T‑Shirt Design Competition last fall, he didn’t expect his design to draw much attention — if any at all. 

Created using Adobe Express, Ducusin’s design — depicting a flying osprey grasping an Xbox controller with its talons — was produced and submitted on the last day of eligibility. 

To his surprise, he was announced as the winner in September, and his design has since been printed on more than 1,000 t-shirts.  

They have been given away during Market Days in Osprey Plaza throughout the spring semester, and they will also be given away during the grand opening of the UNF Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena on Friday, Feb. 27. The new arena will help UNF attract more students interested in STEM-related careers, host competitions that bring in visitors and help with local economic development and help ensure a highly skilled workforce is prepared for regional industries. 

Ducusin said he’s still taken aback when he sees someone wearing a shirt with his design.  

“I’ve actually seen a couple people wear the shirt on campus, and I honestly get surprised to see people are wearing a design I’ve made.” 

His design is heavily influenced by a popular graphic design trend known as brutalism, which emphasizes bold typography, high contrast and intentionally rough visual elements. 

Ducusin heard about the competition from a friend in the Esports Club and decided to give it a try. He found out he won from a co-worker during his shift as a server at a local restaurant who saw a social media post announcing that he won the contest. 

“I was at work serving customers, and my friend goes, ‘Congrats, you won.’ I said, ‘What are you talking about?’ Then he showed me the post, and I was like, ‘Oh, wow.’ I didn’t expect that." 

The winning prize was an iPad, which he graciously gifted to his mother. 

Changing majors 

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Ducusin says he always had an interest in artistic expression and recalls sketching his favorite cartoon and anime characters growing up. Although he first enrolled at UNF in fall 2021 as a nursing student, after some time he decided majoring in graphic design was the best fit for his personal and professional aspirations. 

Since joining the graphic design program in the College of Arts and Sciences last year, Ducusin says his interactions with faculty and fellow students have been amazing. He especially values the camaraderie and connections he’s made as a member of the CMD+N Graphic Design Club. 

“I’ve honestly enjoyed everything about this program. My peers are all so nice, and our professors really push us with their critiques,” said Ducusin. “I’m learning how to work with brands, how to work with AI and how to design things that others may not see.” 

Future Plans and Current Projects 

Slated to graduate in summer 2027, Ducusin says he hopes to one day work as a creative director for a global lifestyle brand such as Nike and own a design studio. 

He is currently focusing on strengthening his graphic design knowledge and skills while working on various school, personal and freelance projects — including designing a sweater graphic for the Stanton Multicultural Club (Stanton College Preparatory School). 

Ducusin hopes his work will contribute to a greater appreciation for graphic design’s influence on everyday life. 

“Graphic design is underrated,” he said. “People don’t think it’s a big thing, but it’s literally everywhere.” 

When he’s not focusing on school or work obligations, Ducusin enjoys collecting sneakers, playing guitar, exercising at the gym and running. In March, he will participate in the annual Gate River Run for the first time.