project verdant messenger – 2025

25′ GRADUATION GIFTS – EXCLUSIVE ONLY

This inspiring project is a heartfelt tribute to just 4 exceptional seniors from St. Croix Lutheran Academy. These hoodies are adorned with the chosen confirmation verses or cherished Bible verses of each senior, reflecting their unique journeys and faith. This initiative is more than just a gift; it is a profound expression of gratitude to the 4 beloved St. Croix families who have uplifted and supported me throughout my high school journey.

From designs on the hoodie to the box sleeve graphic, each was carefully chosen to fit into each senior’s personality, as well as the color reflected on them. The project is in production from March to May of 2025, taking a total of 3 months to finish all 4 customized hoodies.

To achieve seamless yet vibrant colors on top of these hoodies, I chose to use a DTF transfer sheet. By applying heat with a heat press, the transfer designs fused into the fabric, creating a flawless surface on top.

Revelation 2:10

Romans 8:28

Luke 23-43

1 Peter 5:6 -7

detail

box sleeve design

4 Bible verses combine:

” Be faithful,
For the Kingdom of God’s Near
Humble yourself,
For you have been called for His purpose.”


design showcase


SAMMY HOFFMAN – CLICK HERE*

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ” Romans 8:28

This Bible verse was written Apostle Paul to the Romans churches/ Christians. This verse showing hope and encouragement for those follow Him on this Earth.

These three designs were actually the last out of four designs for the seniors, due to the verse being quite abstract in visual context. I changed the designs around four times just to portray accurately what I wanted to match contextually and the appeal to Sammy’s personality. Notably, these vectorized designs are sharp on the edges, suggesting a sturdy effect overall; it also creates tension for the viewer’s eyes. The chosen palette was arranged in complementary order, which means red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel, representing the blood of Jesus Christ (red) and the peace that He ultimately gave us for free (green). The front symbol is a sword with the background being the crown of thorns; the sword serves as a reminder of the cross, and His words will always be sharper than a double-edged sword – Hebrews 4:12.

With much fighting and deliberation when it comes to designing these three, I am very much satisfied that the visual elements will fit perfectly with Sammy’s personality and aspirations. Each design has been thoughtfully created to reflect not only his unique character but also the profound journey he is about to embark on. These will serve as a lasting reminder for Sammy in the future, a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout his journey with God. He has called you for His purpose, and these visuals will encapsulate the essence of that calling, encouraging him to remain steadfast in faith and to walk boldly on the path laid out for him. They are more than just designs; they are symbols of commitment and a reminder of his divine mission.


LYDIA SCHAEFER – CLICK HERE*

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7

This Bible verse was from 1 Peter letter written by Simon or Simon Peter, one of the Disciple of Jesus Christ. Contextually, this letter was sent to Asia Minor (modern Turkey) during the time of persecution of Christians. This letter encouraged to those who were persecuted to be steadfast in Him and reminding them to humble themselves to serve others.

When I read this particular Bible verse, in my head the infamous gesture of humility was Jesus washing his disciples’ feet on the night that Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, a powerful act that signifies not only service but also love and sacrifice. The symbol in the front is a broken vase, yet it is pouring out so much water, along with doves surrounding the vase, which adds a layer of tranquility and peace to the image. I emphasized the broken vase more than anything else in this design because the brokenness represents the reality of our sinful nature, illustrating that no matter how flawed we may be, the grace of God still overflows abundantly. The water and the fruit of the Holy Spirit are still pouring out strong every day, reminding us of the divine blessings that persist despite our imperfections. If you notice, the color palette I picked out for Lydia consists of complementary colors; the intentional juxtaposition between blue and orange is a perfect fit to tell a story of contrast—blue symbolizing peace and the divine, while orange radiates warmth and vitality, creating a vibrant narrative that invites reflection and inspires hope.

This is a heartfelt gift for Lydia, a beautiful reminder that God is always with us, beckoning us to embrace humility and serve others with Jesus at the center of our hearts. In this world filled with challenges that can lead to sorrow and brokenness, we must remember that we are all imperfect beings—especially in moments of fear and despair. It is in those times that we should fervently pray and lay our burdens before Him. He will be our steadfast guide through life’s fiercest storms and darkest valleys. This hoodie is not just a piece of clothing; it is a vibrant representation of Lydia’s spirited personality, uniquely captured in its graphic designs.


NOAH SCHMELING – CLICK HERE*

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10

This Bible verse was written by John in the book of Revelation (the last book of the Bible), he was one of the disciples of Jesus Christ. John himself warn those who follow Jesus will be suffer persecution or even death, yet he reminded us to not be afraid even to the point of death.

When I approached this verse, it was so vague that I couldn’t imagine something off of my head that could be a fit for Noah and the context of this particular Bible verse. I took a couple of extra days to figure out this design; ultimately, I chose Jesus’ pierced hand touching the left side of the chest where the heartbeat could be felt and located, symbolizing the intimate connection between faith and human experience. From the hand of Jesus, wonderful things were made, so this is a reminder to Noah that he should not be afraid through unexpected circumstances but rather turn to Him, knowing He is the one who is in control, guiding us through both joyous and turbulent times. The colors chosen are in a complementary group on the color wheel; blue and orange are opposite each other, creating a vibrant contrast that draws the eye and evokes emotion. The hand of Jesus is colored in blue, signifying that He has paid for all sins on Earth – and He is God (not apart from the Earth), reflecting His enduring presence among us. The bursting light color is in a gradient from yellow to red; this is a representation of His power and also commemorates the famous Bible verse Genesis 1:3 “… Let there be Light …”, reminding us that His light dispels darkness and brings hope to all who seek it, encouraging a deeper understanding of our faith and the strength it provides in our everyday lives.

At the end, this thoughtful gift encapsulates how I see Noah’s vibrant personality, perfectly suited for the hoodie it adorns. It is also a sincere reminder for him to always keep in mind that God resides within his heart, guiding him each day. I hope he embraces this truth and does not shy away from living out the incredible life that He has planned for Noah. With every step he takes, I encourage him to walk confidently and unashamed with Jesus Christ knowing that he is never alone on this journey.