Each year the OneBlood design team submits ideas for our annual Halloween T-shirt contest. The winning design is chosen by donors through a poll run on our social media channels. This year the winning design came from Jessica! 

The Save Lives Not Toilet Paper T-shirt is available now through October 31 at all donor centers and Big Red Bus locations for all blood, platelet, and convalescent plasma donors.

We asked Jessica (aka JellyBean!) what was the inspiration behind the winning design and how she celebrates Halloween. 

How did you come up with the idea for the “Save lives, Not Toilet Paper” T-shirt?

When my manager asked if the team had any ideas for this year’s Halloween design contest we thought of ideas relating to the topic of 2020, COVID-19. I thought of items that were becoming difficult to buy, such as toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I imagined what someone would do with all the toilet paper they purchased and that’s when I came up with the idea of a little kid wrapped in toilet paper saying to “save lives… not toilet paper.”

What were some other ideas you had that didn’t make the cut?

My first idea was to involve the design of bats, but I quickly passed on that. Then I thought of characters with fun masks, like Freddy Krueger standing next to someone with an average medical mask. My other idea was to have someone covered in hand sanitizer like a giant goo monster.

How long have you been a designer with OneBlood & what do you like the most about designing?

I just completed my first year this past September as a Creative Designer at OneBlood. As a designer I really enjoy getting the chance to show my thoughts as an image. I am a visual person, when someone tells me a story I immediately play the story in my head with pictures. It is very satisfying when I can successfully create that mental picture to a digital image.

OneBlood Graphic Designer, Jessica

What is your favorite thing about Halloween/ best Halloween memory?

My favorite thing about Halloween… oh wow I have a few things but I always look forward to fall food. I enjoy cold or hot drinks including pumpkin spice, ginger beer, pumpkin, or apple cider. Also, I will search high and low for canned pumpkin just to make a pumpkin pie the first day of October, it’s a must. My favorite memory about Halloween was getting to trick or treat by my grandmother’s house in Miami. I would always get candy, money, or items that were different from any other place I would trick or treat at.

How are you celebrating Halloween this year?

My husband and I put up decorations outside and every week we watch a Halloween themed movie while drinking or eating a fall related drink or dish.

What are your top 3 favorite Halloween candies?

Kit Kat, Skittles and Peanut M&M’s!

Start your OneBlood Halloween T-shirt collection this year. Find a Big Red Bus or Donor Center location here.