It's not just another t-shirt competition - we all know that if we want a truly entertaining South African t-shirt to wear or present as a gift, Big Blue is one of the definite destinations on the shopping list. Their range, humour and quality are all delicious, as for the logo... As usual, the theme for the annual competition is offbeat: 'Funny-Galore', we're sure there'll be some eye-brow raisinginterpretations. 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.

The 2008 Big Blue Makhulu Polane opened for entries end of August, and the closing date for submissions is the 1 October 2008... We're a bit late so hurry! 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 www.bigblue.co.za for competition details and guidelines on how to submit your design.