Visual Design Competition Guidelines

ZER01: The Art & Technology Network is inviting emerging designers from across all fields to interpret the theme of the 3rd 01SJ Biennial. The Biennial is a celebration of creativity at the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture; the theme for the 2010 Biennial is Build Your Own World.

The Challenge: If you could Build Your Own World, what would it look like?

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. – Alan Kay, 1971

The future is not about what’s next; it’s about what we can build to ensure that what’s next matters. How can we, as resourceful, innovative, and knowledgeable local and global citizens build and participate in a desirable future in the face of global climate change, economic meltdown, political instability, and cultural divisiveness?

The 2010 01SJ Biennial is predicated on the notion that as artists, designers, engineers, architects, marketers, corporations and citizens we have the tools to (re)build the world, conceptually and actually, virtually and physically, poorly and better, aesthetically and pragmatically, in both large and small ways. Under the theme “Build Your Own World,” the 3rd 01SJ Biennial will present a broad range of exemplary work, which not only imagines the future (world) but builds it.

The 3rd 01SJ Biennial will take place September 15-19, 2010, throughout San Jose. It is about how powerful ideas and innovative individuals from around the world can make a difference and come together to build a unique, city-wide platform for creative solutions and public engagement. It is about the inspiration needed to build a world we want to live in and are able to live with.

Juror Selection

A jury of leading artists and design professionals from diverse design fields, from graphic design to architecture, will select the top ten design entries. For 2009, the panel of distinguished judges includes: Sara Diamond, President, Ontario College of Art & Design; Elliott Earls, Designer in Residence and Head of the 2D Design Department, Cranbrook Academy of Art; Jordan Geiger, Founder, Ga-Ga; Mike Kuniavsky, CEO, ThingM; John Sobol, Writer, Performer, Cultural Catalyst, and Senior Consultant at 76Design; Brett Terpeluk, Designer, LEED AP, STUDIOTERPELUK; and Jeff Zwerner, Founder and Principal, Factor Design. Entries will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Originality: Design shows imagination, creativity, and originality
• Visual Appeal: Design gains attention and has eye appeal
• Layout: Design effectively integrates graphic elements including the ZER01 logo and required copy
• Concept: Design thoughtfully considers the 01SJ Biennial Build Your Own World theme
• Promotion: Design is suitable for various print and digital applications

The top ten designs will be published on the 2010 01SJ Biennial website (01SJ. org) where guests will be invited to vote for their favorite design. Active email and social marketing campaigns will be launched to encourage voter participation.

After all the votes are in, the final six winning designs will be used to promote the 2010 01SJ Biennial. One design will be released each month for six months prior to the biennial. Winning designs will also be showcased on the 2010 01SJ Biennial website and published in the exhibition catalog.

Design Constraints

Select any drawing, painting, printing, or photographic media to design a poster that can be enlarged to 18” x 24”. Three-dimensional, sculptural or bas-relief designs must be submitted as a 2D reproduction.

• Include the following mandatory copy in your poster design:
  • 3rd 01SJ Biennial: Build Your Own World
  • Presented by ZER01
  • September 15 – 19, 2010
  • San Jose, CA
  • 01SJ Logo (Download logo)
• Include a brief written statement (up to 150 words) that describes your design vision and strategy and title for your world.
• File format: Save Adobe Illustrator or InDesign digital files as RGB (not CMYK), JPG format (72 dpi, with a suggested aspect ratio (4:3), and a minimum resolution of 1024 pixels wide x 768 pixels high). Only one submission per individual or design team will be accepted.

How to Enter

All competition entries are processed through our online entry system. Before you begin the process of entering the competition, please have the following information and materials ready:

• Your contact information for registration and notification
• Your written statement describing your design vision and strategy (up to 150 words)
• Title for your world
• Your digital file saved as RGB (not CMYK), JPG format (72 dpi, minimum 768 pixels wide x 1024 pixels high, 3:4 aspect ratio)

Entry has been closed