Designing for History: Rialto Theatre T-Shirt Design

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of designing something with a rich historical narrative behind it. So, when I heard about the Rial-Tee Design Contest for The Rialto Theater, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. Unfortunately, I missed the submission deadline by just a few minutes—such a bummer! But I still wanted to share my design and the thought process behind it because this project was more than just an entry; it was an exploration of history, typography, and brutalism design influence.

• Finding Inspiration in Brutalism and History •

When approaching this design, I was deeply inspired by the brutalism design style. Brutalism, with its raw, geometric, and often stark aesthetic, is a style that stands out in the design world for its ability to make a bold statement. It felt fitting for a t-shirt that would represent a theater as iconic as the Rialto.

Beyond brutalism, I wanted the design to be an ode to the theater’s long and vibrant history. The Rialto has been a staple of Tucson since its opening in 1920, witnessing countless performances, ownership changes, and cultural shifts.

• Doing the Homework: Researching the Rialto’s Legacy •

I truly dove deep into the Rialto’s past for this project. I wanted my design to be more than just visually appealing—I wanted it to be a tribute. That meant researching not only the theater’s architectural and functional transformations but also the cultural significance behind each phase of its existence.

From its early silent film days to its transformation into a concert venue, the Rialto has worn many hats. It has seen legendary performances, cinematic revolutions, and even periods of decline and revival. From it’s days being a Spanish-language movie house in the 1970s to its early days premiering vaudeville performances. Every detail I included in my design was intentional, meant to reflect these shifts and the theater’s enduring presence in the community.

• The Creative Process: Merging History with Modern Aesthetics •

Creating this t-shirt design involved a careful balance between historical accuracy and contemporary design trends. I wanted it to appeal to both long-time Rialto enthusiasts and newcomers who might be discovering its story for the first time.

Brutalist elements helped achieve this by giving the design a strong, modern feel, while the inclusion of historical references provided depth and context. I played with different layouts, experimented with negative space, and refined my typographical choices to ensure the final design felt cohesive and intentional.

• Final Thoughts •

Even though my t-shirt design didn’t make it into the contest, I’m incredibly proud of the work and research that went into it. The Rialto Theatre is a Tucson treasure, and it was an honor to pay tribute to its legacy through my art.

If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s that creativity thrives when it’s fueled by passion and curiosity. Whether you’re designing a t-shirt, a poster, or any other form of art, diving deep into your subject matter can lead to some truly meaningful work.