Made Mobb + Operation Breakthrough

In my role as a Graphic Design, Fine Art, and Textiles Facilitator at Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, my high school design students and I had the opportunity to collaborate with local and nationally know streetwear brand “Made Mobb”.

I took the role of Creative Lead, being the liaison between the Creative team at MM and my design students at OB.

Together, we put together a three piece collection centered around racecar driving, creating a Jacket, Shirt, and Hat. The goal was to incorporate things about the Ignition Lab (OB’s high school program), and our connection to Travis Kelce.

Five people standing in front of a red classic car at a parking lot, with a building with yellow and brick facade in the background. They are wearing black T-shirts with graphics and text, some with arms crossed.

From L to R: Maliyah Monroe, Suleyman Dia, Jeremiyah Bradley, Chapman Campbell, Josiah Bryant

Step 1: Facilitating Ideation 

In this 9 month long project, my students were tasked by Made Mobb to make a memorable collection — for the first three months we were ideating, concepting, and mocking up the racecar jacket. Through many concepting stages the students and I created 3+ jacket design concepts ans 10+ tshirt design concepts .

Red vintage car drifting and kicking up dust on a dirt road.

Designed by Josiah Bryant (Junior)

Designed by Suleyman Dia (Sophomore) and Josiah Bryant (Junior)

Step 2: Finalizing Designs 

After many concepts, we came to the final design of our racecar jacket, the centerpiece of the collection. We incorporated vintage patch dupes, all highlighting the different labs that are offered in the Ignition Lab at Operation Breakthrough.

There are bits all across the jacket that speak to the work done at the wonderful Operation Breakthrough, who is a staple in the Kansas City community.

Each student that participated in the project made at least one of the patches, which was an incredible feat for my students, who range from 14-17 year old.

Black and red racing jacket with various sponsor patches including 'Made Mobb,' 'Operation Breakthrough,' and 'Graphic Design,' with yellow accents and logos on the sleeves.

Step 3: Marketing the Product 

Over the course of a month, we did two large scale photoshoots to market the campaign, along with being interviewed by the local news.

Link to Article.

Each shoot highlighted different elements of the design. Every student got their shining moment, and they were celebrated by the community around them, both in person and in the media.

The marketing campaign set us up very well to sell our three items beginning at a First Friday event in April 2025.

Group of five young adults standing in front of a brick wall with graffiti, one person in the center holding a jacket with various patches and logos.

Step 4: Selling the Product 

At the Made Mobb First Friday events in April and May of 2025, the students and I had a booth selling our merchandise to the public.

Each student participated in the events and were able to explain to customers clearly all of the steps of the process.

They were celebrated by the city at large and sold the product incredibly well. The first batch of shirts sold out, and 3 weeks after releasing the jacket, 75% of the jackets had been sold.

Group of six young people standing inside a venue, wearing black and yellow varsity jackets with large red and yellow patches, posing for a photo. Background shows a glass window and a decorated wall.