Overview

Global Shapers is an initiative of the World Economic Forum that brings together young leaders working to create positive change in their local communities. For the 2025 Global Shapers Midwest Retreat, Global Shapers Minneapolis commissioned a custom merchandise collection that would celebrate the participating hubs while reinforcing the retreat's theme of collaboration, shared learning, and community.

 

I developed the visual concept "Many Roots, One Forest," creating a cohesive merchandise collection centered around connection, place, and belonging. The collection featured a custom linocut-inspired emblem for the front of the apparel and tote bag, along with a large illustrated composition for the back of the shirt that represents each participating hub through native plants and wildlife. Together, the designs celebrate the idea that every community contributes something unique while remaining connected through a shared purpose.

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Process

Researching Place and Identity

To bring the "Many Roots, One Forest" concept to life, I researched each participating Global Shapers hub and identified flora and fauna that represented the unique identity of each region. 

These symbols were selected not only for their geographic connection, but for the qualities they represented, such as resilience, adaptability, renewal, and community.

 

From Minnesota’s lady’s slipper representing preservation and natural heritage to Navi Mumbai’s Indian giant squirrel reflecting biodiversity, each element was chosen to contribute meaningfully to the larger story.

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Creating a Connected Ecosystem

Rather than presenting each location as a separate illustration, I designed the elements as one shared environment. The root system became the visual thread connecting every city, symbolizing the relationships and shared purpose that unite the Global Shapers network.

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The linocut-inspired style helped unify the diverse elements, creating a handcrafted illustration system where each community maintains its own identity while contributing to a larger collective story.