Dear Em Merch Competition
We asked members of the Dear Em community to submit designs representing the theme of empowerment, to be considered to feature on official Dear Em merchandise. The theme was left intentionally broad so that people could connect to it in their own way, without needing to share personal experiences of harm or trauma. All of the submissions we received each reflected a unique and powerful interpretation of ‘empowerment’.
From all of these submissions, we have selected 2 finalists who we are asking our community to now vote on. Check out our finalists below, then send through your vote by midnight Sunday June 14th to have your say on which design will be on Dear Em’s upcoming merch!
Together we turn pain into power - by Lara Chuo
Artist statement
I got inspired by our strength in silence and togetherness. Our painful lived experiences doesn't need to be a stained memory, if we keep supporting each other, we can turn that pain into strength. As long as we keep having each other's backs, we can do anything.
Fall in love with my roots - Anonymous
Artists statement
My design explores empowerment through the idea of loving people not only in their brightest moments, but also in the seasons where they feel vulnerable, uncertain, or less “put together.”
The phrase “fall in love with my roots” is intentionally layered. On the surface, the flowers represent growth, beauty, joy, and the versions of ourselves we most confidently show to the world. But beneath flowers are roots, the unseen foundations that keep us alive through every season. The roots symbolise our histories, struggles, imperfections, identity, and inner selves.
To me, empowerment means creating relationships and communities where people are valued beyond appearances or achievements, in order to truly support one another through difficult seasons. When “winter” comes, we must learn to love the roots as much as the flowers.
I used mixed typography inspired by collage and cut-out lettering to reflect individuality and the uniqueness of every person’s voice and story. The floral elements soften the composition while reinforcing themes of healing, resilience, and growth. The statement 'fall in love with my roots' also has a duality about it - it serves as a love letter to myself and other ethnic girls in multicultural societies. It is not only an empowering statement, but a promise to myself and my heritage that I hope will resonate with others.
