Submissions close May 5th

WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?

For the 2024 Durag Festival HBCU Design Challenge, you are asked to create an original graphic design that illustrates the significance of Juneteenth and the symbolism of the durag in preserving and moving the culture forward.

Your artwork can take on any interpretation of the aforementioned theme, in any style. We are excited to have you participate in the first year of the HBCU Design Challenge championing the future of black and brown designers.

Review the above direction and use it as guidance to create your design submission.

• Each contestant's design must be an original, and not infringe on copyright and property rights
• When submitting your design, make sure you follow the file guidelines 
• Submit files in PNG or JPEG format 
• If you are using a downloadable template, delete the guide layers before saving your file 
• Designs must align with the contest’s theme: 
• the significance of Juneteenth and the symbolism of the durag in preserving and moving the culture forward
• AI tools are not recommended, however, if AI tools are used you must
• Disclose all usage of the generated design 
• The design must still follow all prior guidelines
• You must ensure that the terms of service of the AI tools allow you to own the design, permitting Durag Festival to use the design for commercial purposes 
• The contestant must be 18 or older at the time of contestant entry and a current HBCU Student pr recent HBCU graduate (graduating year 2022 or 2023)

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY DESIGN?

Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning FEBRUARY 16TH, 2024 until 11:59 PM EST on MAY 5TH, 2024. By submitting your entry, you’re confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES. When submitting, a completed entry must include:

• An Instagram post tagged with the official contest hashtag #duragfesthbcu. The post should showcase the process and final result of your design. Post does not have to be limited to images or video. Applicants are encouraged to get creative with their post submissions, as these will be showcased to the public for the public voting portion of the contest that will determine the winner.
• In your post, be sure to share what inspired you (in the caption or video) and how your design reflects the design challenge theme

DESIGN FILE GUIDELINES

• Submit files in PNG or JPEG format with at least 150 DPI
• Create files in sRGB color profile
• If you use our downloadable templates, delete the guide layers before saving your file

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Avoid semi-transparent designs
• Semi-transparent graphics (or elements with lowered opacity) don't translate well in DTG printing. We advise using solid colors, or simulating semi-transparency by halftoning (for more information, see our video tutorial).
• Create designs with the necessary DPI
• Simply typing in a new resolution value into the file won't result in a higher resolution print. If your graphic's resolution is too low, the best solution is to recreate it.
• Use transparency to your advantage
• Black ink will appear gray on black garments because of the white underbase used during printing. Leave these areas fully transparent when designing for black garments.
• Avoid borders
• We advise against using graphics with perfect borders since the print can warp slightly when the garment is being pulled off the pallet.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

The HBCU Design Challenge Contest (“Contest”) is open to residents of the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 18 or older at the time of entry, who are currently enrolled in a Historically Black College or University (‘HBCU”) or recently graduated from an HBCU (graduation years 2022 or 2023). Employees of Durag Festival, its affiliates, subsidiaries and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the Contest. Void where prohibited by law. *Please see RULES for additional essential details.

KEY DATES:

• Rules & FAQs Available: February 16, 2024
  
• Submissions Open: February 16, 2024
• Submissions Deadline: May 5, 2024
• Finalists Announced: May 13, 2024
• Winners Announced: June 21, 2024

PRIZES:

There are a total of Two (2) Contest Prize winners.

• First Place Prize Winner (1) - Total Value $1000
• Two (2) VIP tickets for the winner and their guest to attend Durag Festival 
• Design will be featured on 2024 festival VIP bag
• Design will be available for purchase in Durag Festival's official merchandise shop
• The school of the winner will have a chance to earn free and discounted tickets 
• Second Place Prize Winner (1) 
  
• Four (4) General Admission tickets for the runner-up and their guest to attend the Durag Festival
• Design will be available for purchase in Durag Festival's official merchandise shop

WINNER SELECTION + NOTIFICATION

• Contest Finalists will be notified by email on approximately May 10, 2024.
• Public Voting opens May 13, 2024 12:00AM EST
• Public Voting closes May 24, 2024 8:00PM EST
• Winner announced at Durag Fest Expo on June 21, 2024
• Cash prize will be distributed by August 9, 2024.