Inclusive fashion design for Target’s Black History Month
When MIAD saw on Instagram that alum Daneisha Kirksey had designed graphics and prints for Target’s Black History Month, we reached out to find out what inspires her. Here’s what Kirksey, who studied Illustration and Communication Design, and is a fashion illustrator, graphic designer and an associate apparel designer at Target, had to say.
What inspired your work/designs for Target’s 2024 Black History Month?
My designs for Target’s Black History Month are inspired by trends that were standing out within the market. There were a lot of contemporary types, produce signage, tie dyes and sun motifs. I wanted to utilize these trends and find quirky moments to add uplifting messaging to boldly stand out. I wanted to create an impact that was wearable and that everyone could connect with while being stylish.
What inspires your work/aesthetics in general?
I feel inspired by fashion and what’s trending on runway shows. The color choices, prints and silhouettes always inspire me. Virgil Abloh’s work also inspires me with how he made streetwear look so beautiful and luxe. Geometric shapes are inspiring to me as well. It’s amazing how you can take something apart and create a design from it.
Your images look size inclusive as well. Is there anything you’d like to say about that?
In the market today there tends to be an exclusion to what is supposed to be deemed as normal. I feel like times have gradually changed and progressed, so I like to advocate for body inclusivity and people of color. Being a black woman breaking into the corporate fashion industry I want to create fashion illustrations that feel relatable. So, when I get the chance to create these illustrations for my job I get to create from normal-shaped and plus-size bodies.
Follow Kirksey on Instagram @daneishakirksey.
Learn more about MIAD’s Illustration, Communication Design, and new Fashion and Apparel Design majors. Apply to MIAD.
News
MIAD Pre-College 2024 sees record-breaking enrollment
The Summer Pre-College program at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) returned with record-breaking enrollment in 2024.
MIAD instructor selected to produce work for Farm/Art DTour
Matthew Vivirito, adjunct instructor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), is one of eight artists and artist teams selected to create site-responsive art for Wormfarm Institute’s annual Farm/Art DTour.
Lubar Innovation Center concepts for Harley-Davidson Museum
Two students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked together to concept and develop fresh ideas for the Harley-Davidson Museum on a recent project through the Lubar Innovation Center.
MIAD alum named designated artist for ABCD gala event
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) alum and employee Cheryl Klein ’98 (Drawing) was selected as the designated artist for the After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) 25th anniversary gala on June 15, 2024.
Illustration and Animation faculty publishes book
Associate Professor Adam Osgood, who teaches Illustration and Animation courses at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), will publish Motion Illustration: How to Use Animation Techniques to Make Illustrations Move through Bloomsbury in August 2024.