DemocracyLab is excited to announce our 2024 Design Competition, inviting talented artists to create custom artwork for our annual fundraising campaign swag collection. This is a unique opportunity for graphic artists to contribute to our non-profit's mission while gaining visibility through our network.

About the Competition

Each year, DemocracyLab organizes a fundraiser to ensure our sustainability and support our mission of empowering people who use technology to advance the public good. For 2024, we're elevating our donor appreciation program by featuring original artwork from our creative community on custom swag items including stickers, mugs, and t-shirts.

What We're Looking For

We welcome submissions that celebrate and build upon DemocracyLab's mission to empower people who use technology to advance the public good. The winning design(s) will be featured on donor appreciation items and promoted across all DemocracyLab marketing channels and social media platforms.

Submission Options

Artists may submit:

  • ONE artwork proposal for use across all swag formats
  • ONE artwork proposal for a specific swag format
  • MULTIPLE artwork proposals (one for each swag format)

All submissions must be original works that meet the requirements outlined below.

Design Requirements

Your artwork must:

  • Draw inspiration from DemocracyLab's mission and community
  • Include the word "DemocracyLab" (for sticker designs)
  • Use a thoughtful color palette optimized for print
  • Maintain simplicity in design (maximum three fonts if text is included)
  • Demonstrate versatility across different surfaces (for multi-format submissions)

Technical Specifications

File Requirements

  • Formats: PNG, JPEG
  • Color Profile: CMYK
  • Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI

Size Specifications

  • T-shirts: 12" x 16" (3600 x 4800 pixels at 300 ppi)
  • Mugs: 8 1/2" x 4 3/16" (2550 x 1250 pixels at 300 ppi); Note: Include 1/8" to 1/4" lip clearance and 1/2" to 3/4" handle clearance
  • Stickers: 3" x 3" (1800 x 1800 pixels at 300 ppi)

Selection Committee

Our distinguished panel includes:

  • Mark Frischmuth - Executive Director, DemocracyLab
  • Daria Loi - Founder, Imperfecta Gallery & Secretary, DemocracyLab BoD
  • Deborah Bryant - US Policy Director, OSI & President, DemocracyLab BoD

Important Dates

  • Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024
  • Winner Notification: November 21, 2024
  • Public Announcement: November 22, 2024
  • Fundraising Campaign Launch: November 2024

How to Submit

Please send your submissions to: studioloi@darialoi.com

Join us in creating meaningful artwork that represents our mission and inspires our community. We look forward to seeing your creative interpretations of DemocracyLab's commitment to advancing the public good through technology.