This is a project I hope to revisit in the future. When I originally developed the graphics for Girls Can Hoop, my understanding of apparel design was still developing. I knew the graphics needed intention and attitude, but I didn’t yet recognize how crucial the choice of apparel blank is to the final design. It’s one thing to place a graphic on sweatpants, it’s another to source the right cut, material, and style and integrate the mark as part of the garment itself.

Initially, we planned to shoot on a Cincinnati outdoor basketball court, which would’ve rooted the brand in its real environment. Scheduling challenges with talent led us to shift to a studio shoot instead. A key takeaway for me was the importance of patience and resisting compromises that dilute context or authenticity unless truly necessary. I’m confident that the on-court environment would’ve produced images that situated the brand more effectively in the culture of girls’ basketball.

Despite these constraints, the brand has grown and found visibility on a much larger stage repped by WNBA athletes at championship events and featured on jerseys, backpacks, and gear distributed to young athletes through Girls Can Hoop camps and programs. Seeing the brand in motion, in real use, and on real players has been deeply gratifying and I hope to continue building on it as the brand evolves.