For several years, I had the opportunity to design merchandise for country music artist Sara Evans, whose music I’ve loved for a long time. With a career spanning decades, Sara has built a loyal fanbase through her heartfelt storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and chart-topping hits like Born to Fly, Suds in the Bucket, and A Little Bit Stronger. As a fan myself, designing for her felt natural—it was easy to tap into the emotion and storytelling that make her songs so special. Whether it was for a tour, an album launch, or a fresh take on a fan favorite, my goal was to create designs that felt true to her brand while giving fans something they’d love to wear beyond the concert.
The design process always started with research and inspiration—pulling from her music, personal style, and country aesthetics while blending those influences with current trends. From there, I developed concepts, explored typography, and refined layouts to create designs that felt both timeless and fresh. For Suds in the Bucket, I illustrated a playful, hand-drawn scene inspired by the song’s story, while the Born to Fly design featured a treble clef formed from delicate, feather-like elements, symbolizing both music and freedom. The Copy That ringer tee leaned into a vintage-inspired aesthetic, reflecting the nostalgic feel of that album. I also expanded beyond apparel, creating accessories that gave fans more ways to represent their love for her music. These designs became longtime fan favorites, often selling out at shows.
Designing for Sara was a great opportunity to merge my design expertise with my appreciation for her music. It was exciting to create pieces that resonated with fans and became staples in her merchandise lineup. Knowing that these designs were worn and enjoyed for years made the work all the more fulfilling.
“These designs are fresh and creative but still consider her audience and her brand. Way to go!” — Craig Dunn, Sara Evans’ Manager
Client:Sara EvansProduction:Essential Artist ServicesServices:MerchandiseYear:2017-2020
