FAQs

What kinds of work can I submit? What happened to the categories of work?

We've eliminated categories as we feel that sometimes work doesn't fit neatly in a box. Additionally, the work is judged on its own merit, not within a given category.

Submissions typically fall into the broad categories of print, interactive, time-based or packaging, but could include advertising design, book design, corporate communication design, identity design, information design, interactive design, packaging design, periodical design or more. We've had entries from beer coasters to tshirts to videos to billboard ads and editorial spreads. Send us an email if you're not sure if you should submit a work.

Do I have to use the online system to submit work?

Yes. We use this system to process entries and check physical pieces in so we know we have all items for judging.

What about student work? How is it judged?

Undergraduate and graduate student work is eligible for submission and will be judged in its own category. Completed solutions to class projects as well as freelance or personal assignments will be accepted. Student work does not have to be mass-produced to qualify for the competition.

How can I pay?

You can pay online with a credit card or by check, which is to be included when you send your physical work samples.

Can I submit something as part of a series and have it entered individually?

Yes, but you will need to submit two separate entries. For example, let's say you submit an identity package which includes a logo, letterhead, business card, and envelope. If you also want to submit the logo for consideration on its own, you will need to submit that as a separate entry.

Why do you ask about a piece's objectives, audience and challenges?

The judges look at these answers to understand the context in which a work was created. Our judges evaluate each piece on its merit including but also beyond the way it looks, because a successful piece is beautiful, meaningful and effective. Selected entries consistently demonstrate the designer’s role, process and the value of design to the community.

We would like to thank our generous partners. 

Please support those who support AIGA Pittsburgh. 

Art Groll & Lindenmeyr Munroe Paper - paper donation
www.lindenmeyr.com 

JB Kreider Printing - printing donation
www.jbkreider.com 

Bearded Studios - PGH365 identity and mailer design
bearded.com

Guardian Storage - event exhibition space
http://www.guardianstorage.com/