Student Design Competition
01.15.16
posted by Student Editors
Our 2016 Student Design Competition Official Rules
Every year we hold a Student Design Competition, and if you're a follower of this blog, you'll see many of
our past student
winners have gone on to some awesome jobs and experiences. Now's YOUR turn to get that same career jumpstart by entering our 2016 Student Design Competition!
This annual competition is a special opportunity for you to win cash,
exposure to a huge audience of amazing professional designers, and --
perhaps best of all -- a summer internship at a top magazine!
Also be sure to check out the
main information page here for lots of frequently asked questions, tips and to see previous winning work.
2016 Student Design Competition Official Rules
Pick
one of the following 5 categories and design a 2-spread* story. We LOVE
original photography and illustration, so if you can incorporate that,
even better (some categories even require it). And who says you only
have to pick one? Enter as many designs as you'd like! Don't forget, student members get their first 3 entries FREE!
***For all entries, you're designing a two-spread story ... a
"spread" consists of two side-by-side pages (
get more details here).
For the purposes of this competition, each page should measure 8" wide x
10" tall. So when you put the two pages together, the spread will
measure 16" wide x 10" tall.
CATEGORY 1
News MagazineThis
edgy news magazine is geared to the young professional and covers current
events, politics, culture and even the arts. In its pages you'll find
hard-hitting interviews, often with some of the most famous and infamous
international figures.
HEADLINE: (Name of your person of choice here) Talks
DEK/SUBHEAD: (You write the subhead ... check out various magazines for ideas).
BYLINE: By Janet Marion
Design a two-
spread
feature story for this magazine that is a Q&A interview with the
person of your choice (it can be a real person or somebody you've made
up). You don't have to fit all your questions on these two spreads, just imagine these 2 spreads are the first in a longer story. Consider using
innovative infographics, charts and sidebars, and original
illustrations.
CATEGORY 2
How-To... MagazineThis new hip and fun magazine for the young post-graduate has a broad topic reach on how to improve your home, life and career.
HEADLINE: (Fill in the Blank) Like A Pro
DECK/SUBHEAD: Follow these few simple steps to become a master.
BYLINE: By F. C. Williams
Design a two-
spread
feature story in this magazine that gives step-by-step instructions on
how to master the topic of your choice. You might want to include
original illustrations, schematics and sidebars to make it easier to
follow. Think of an innovative and fun way to approach your topic. You
don't actually have to write the story, but use real text in
display type.
CATEGORY 3
Adventure/Travel MagazineThis
independent magazine is for young professionals who love to explore cities around the world. It covers food, sightseeing spots and places to stay. It features beautiful photography and in-depth reporting on cultural hotspots such as museums and historic landmarks.
HEADLINE: Exploring (Name of city or site of your choice)
BYLINE: By the Editors
Design a two-
spread feature
story for this magazine focusing on a specific area that is special to a city, such as a certain neighborhood, museum or a natural landscape. Think about ways to incorporate sidebars, maps, timelines, and tips to make this a fun, easy design, accessible to the audience. Consider producing your own photography to give your design a fresh and creative approach to your chosen location.
CATEGORY 4
Entertainment MagazineA
hip, clever, sometimes sharp-tongued magazine, it focuses on music,
movies and television, with reviews, investigative stories, interviews
and reader polls. This magazine isn't afraid to poke fun at the subjects
it profiles.
HEADLINE: A look back at (Name of person/group of your choice)
DECK/SUBHEAD: He/She/They have forever changed the landscape of (genre of your chosen person/group).
BYLINE: By James Rodgers
Design a two-
spread feature
story that covers a person or group's legacy in music, TV or film. Think of creative ways to illustrate and design for your topic that will grab the attention of the reader. Consider adding infographics, timelines or sidebars to help tell the story. It doesn't even have to be a real celebrity--just make it convincing.
You MUST create your own photography or illustrations for this category.
CATEGORY 5
Sports/Fitness MagazineThis
publication is a must-read for young athletes and people obsessed with sports and the lifestyle associated with them. It reviews new products, covers competitions, and goes around the world to explore sports and fitness. It also contains interviews of star athletes, fitness experts as well as kids in the park.
HEADLINE: (Name of Sport/Fitness Trend of your choice): Extreme Rush OR (Name of Sport/Fitness Trend): The Thrill of It
BYLINE: By Jane Johnson
Design a two-
spread feature
story showcasing a sports/fitness figure, or sport/fitness regimen, with an emphasis on lifestyle and attitude. You can highlight the person's athletic prowess or focus on a specific discipline. As with every category, you don't have to write the story, but use real text in display type. Remember, if your design is of a sports or fitness figure, it doesn't have to be a real person. Consider producing your own photography and/or illustration to make your design unique.
HOW TO ENTER
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1. CHOOSE: Select a project from one of the five categories listed above.
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2. DESIGN: Create
a 4-page story (2 spreads) on the project you choose. Each page
measures 8" wide x 10" tall, so a spread is 16" wide x 10" tall.
Original
photography or illustration is required for the Entertainment category,
but not all; though it is welcome and encouraged in every category.
You may enter more than one design in the same or different categories. SPD Student Members get their first 3 entries for free -- you can choose to join or renew when you submit your entries or join now.
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3. SUBMIT: Either printed material or digital files as follows:
Printed Material: Full-size
spreads, not reduced copies. DO NOT MOUNT THE WORK TO ANY TYPE OF
BOARD. Tape a copy of your completed entry form to the BACK of each
submission. Staple the spreads together in the upper left-hand corner.
(Slides will NOT be accepted). The judges will be looking at the exact
printed entry you submit, so be sure that the printouts look as you
intend it to.
Digital PDFs: You MUST include
your name somewhere on each spread in 4pt type. Each file MUST be named
"First_Lastname.pdf". Entries should be full-size spreads,
print-quality, 300 dpi, PDF files (all fonts embedded). Burn all
submissions to a CD. It is ok to put multiple entries on one CD. Include
a printed copy of the entry form for each entry. Mark clearly the name
of the school and students' last name(s) on the CD.
Please be aware: When you submit a PDF, we print it out for judging. If we cannot load the CD or open the file, your entry will most likely be disqualified if there's not enough time to contact you for a new file before judging day. And while we've had winners submit in both methods, you do have more control over what the judges will see if you submit a printed piece ... that way, what you see is what the judges see. In that regard, we encourage printed materials.
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4. SEND all entries with completed entry forms and online payment receipts to:
The Society of Publication Designers
27 Union Square West, Suite 207
New York, NY 10003
Entries must be received by Monday, April 4, 2016, 5pm EST. Please plan delivery cushion time.
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Please
read the instructions carefully and stay within the guidelines. SPD
reserves the right to disqualify any miscategorized or incomplete
entries. Be sure to read over all the details and download the entry form here. Good luck!
