UW–Madison alumna Emily Balsley, who graduated in 2001 with a degree in graphic design from the School of Education’s Art Department, was one of four Wisconsin artists selected to create a design for the Milwaukee Brewers’ new “T-shirt Tuesdays” promotion this season.
Balsley’s illustration, which highlights the fan experience at American Family Field, was featured on 10,000 shirts distributed to fans at the Aug. 12 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. She also threw the ceremonial first pitch that evening.
In an article in Madison’s Isthmus newspaper, Balsley said she wanted the shirt to reflect the small details of being a fan at the ballpark. “I started thinking about all of those little moments that happen when you’re in the crowd, all the different foods that you eat, someone who likes to keep score manually, high fives and beer drinking and someone with a foam finger, or the excitement of catching a ball,” she explained.
She added that the design is meant to be interactive for viewers: “What I really like about the design is once you kind of get into it, you start noticing all of these little moments,” she said. “I hope that fans see themselves in the shirt.”
Balsley has built a career as an illustrator, muralist, and designer. Her work has appeared in magazines, books, and public murals, and she has also served as a resident artist with Madison Public Library’s Bubbler program.
Check out the full Isthmus article to learn more about Emily Balsley’s design.