FAQs: About competitions

Following is a list of frequently asked competitions questions; please read through and hopefully you'll find an answer to your question. If you don't, please send me an e-mail with the specific question.

When is the deadline?
March 7, 2008.

I was not able to make the March 7 deadline; can I still enter my work?
We will accept late entries until March 28, as long as they include the corresponding late fees ($25 PER ENTRY in addition to the regular entry fees.)

Where can I find the entry forms on the AIGA website?
You need to register your entries online and then send us the actual pieces! Go to competitions.aiga.org and see how easy it is.

What do I need to send?
Always send ACTUAL work. For oversized work (billboard, vehicles, signage) in any category, you can submit color prints (no transparencies).

How do I submit a website?
If the site will still be live at the time of the judging, write the URL on the entry form, select four to six screens of the project and send a printout of each one. If the site will no longer be available online, send a CD-Rom or DVD containing a full version of the site, plus the printouts specified above.

Where should I send my entries?
AIGA
164 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Attn: Competitions

How can I get a competition call for entries?
The updated entry system can be found at competitions.aiga.org you will be able to download the necessary forms from there as well.

Do I need to be a member to enter an AIGA competition?
You don't have to be a member in order to enter, but members are eligible for lower entry fees. As a nonmember, your entry fees will be higher.

How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees are $35 for members, $55 for nonmembers, per individual entry.

What are the accepted forms of payment?
Personal or company checks and American Express, MasterCard and Visa credit cards.

Is student work eligible?
The work must have been produced and used in the markets in 2007. School projects are not eligible.

Do I get my entries back?
Unfortunately, we are not able to return work submitted to the competitions.

How will I find out if my entry was selected?
You can check the list of selected entries in the competitions section of this website after July 1, 2008.

If one of my entries is selected, what do I need to do?
You will receive a message with instructions on what to do next.

I designed something that is still at the printer. Can I send in a printout?
No. Only work that has been designed and used in the marketplace in 2007 is eligible. We only accept actual samples; photos, printouts or comps are not acceptable.

My entry is on video; what format do you need?
CD or DVD.

Do I need to mount the entries?
Only logos, nothing else.

If I have a series entry, do I need to tape a form to each piece?
Not necessary. You must tape a form to ONE piece, and make sure you package all components together.

I want to enter the same piece in several categories; do I just check off all the selected categories in one form?
NO! You need to submit one copy of the work, with its corresponding forms and fees, for EACH category that you are entering.

Where do I place the entry forms?
Tape one copy to the back of each piece, and attach the second copy to the Master form.

I want to enter a piece that was designed in 2007 but is still at the printer's; can I submit a comp?
Work has to have been used in the marketplace between January 1 and December 31, 2007 to be eligible.

I designed a poster that was used for an event; only one print was made. Can I enter it?
You can enter an original-sized printout. Please note that you’ll need to submit four additional copies if the piece is selected.

I want to submit a piece that is very expensive to produce; can I get it back?
We’ll do our best to send it back if it is not selected, but we can’t guarantee its return. If you decide to submit it, please include a big note saying “PLEASE RETURN” and a FedEx airway bill with your account number, name and address on it. If the entry is selected, we won’t be able to return it.

Can I submit a brand identity system as a series?
Yes. Please note that a stationery system counts as an individual entry, though.

What is one-ply white board?
It’s thin illustration board; you can use any sturdy mat board to mount your logo submissions.

What is the most appropriate category for entering an exhibition?
Information design or Experience design.

How do I submit a trade show booth?
Signage and environments must be submitted as PowerPoint presentations or QuickTime video on CD-ROM or DVD, especially if the project involves moving or electronic components. Do not send photographs, slides or transparencies.

How many pieces can be entered as a series?
Up to five components. Keep in mind that items with multiple pieces, like a stationery system, count as one component.

Can I submit a foreign publication?
You can submit entries in any language as long as you provide a brief English translation of the contents.

Whom do I contact if I still have questions?
Gabriela Mirensky, director of competitions and exhibitions, competitions@aiga.org.