The challenge was

Strike a balance between preppy and gothy.

Give us a lesson in Dark Academia.

Dark Academia has emerged from the old, dusty libraries of prestigious learning institutions to become a growing internet subculture and aesthetic. As its name suggests, it romanticizes how private universities in the 19th century emphasized the liberal arts, particularly classical literature, art, and architecture. Dark Academics also have an affinity for the unusual, often exploring dark themes such as danger, mystery, crime, and secret societies. (Shhhhh!)

For your next Design Challenge, we want you to capture the aesthetic of Dark Academia. To get started, picture what life would have been like studying at a private university in the 19th century, before smartphones and self-driving cars. Imagine stacks of leather-bound books, hand-written messages penned in calligraphy, sepia-tone photos, and the occasional plaid scarf. If you want to lean into the “dark” aspect of Dark Academia, skulls, candles, and occult symbols always set a brooding tone. You could even base your design around an old piece of gothic poetry or literature, as long as it’s public domain.

Take us to school for your next Design Challenge!

ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS BEGINNING FRIDAY 03/04/22, 10:00AM CST

Featured designs:

ROSE by CrumblinCookie
THE WITCH'S COLLECTION by lordofmasks
BOOKS AND FLOWER POTS ON BOOKSHELVES by space-kitten