UPDATE: As of August 20, we are no longer accepting contest submissions. Thanks to all the young designers who submitted logos! Check out the winning design on the Teen Arts Leadership Summit web page.
On Sunday, October 14th, Urban Gateways and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will host the Teen Arts Leadership Summit (TALS). As part of the City of Chicago’s Year of Creative Youth (YOCY), the Summit is a one-day event celebrating the role that young people play in the leadership of Chicago arts institutions. This summit will provide a chance for teens to come together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore creativity, all with an arts focus.
The TALS Logo Design Contest is open to any teen ages 13-19 in the Chicagoland area who has an interest in graphic design, specifically logo design. If you have an eye for design, or an interest in creating the graphic representation of what arts and leadership mean to you, then this competition is for you! Create a sketch or finished design that represents what these ideas mean to you and the City of Chicago. The winning design may be featured on posters, websites, social media, and printed materials created for the Summit.
Who Can Enter?
The TALS Logo Design Contest is open to all teens at least 13 years old but no older than 19, and residing in the Chicagoland area. This is an individual competition. Review the competition rules and conditions for complete information on eligibility.
The Process
Working independently, create a black and white sketch or vector image of your logo design. Urban Gateways will host two graphic design open houses on Friday, August 3rd and Friday, August 17th from 3-6pm at Street Level, where interested teens can drop in to use computers, learn to transfer their design from paper to screen, and receive assistance from experienced staff members. Following the two open houses, final designs are due by 5pm on Monday, August 20th. All entries will be reviewed by the Year of Creative Youth Teen Advisory Council and the winner will be contacted shortly thereafter.
Selection Criteria
Entries will be evaluated for overall design excellence according to the following criteria:
- Innovation: How creative and original is your design?
- Relevance: Does your design address the theme of the Teen Arts Leadership Summit?
- Communication: How clear is your design idea from your sketch and survey responses?
Entry Deadline
The competition deadline is 5pm on Monday, August 20th. All entries must be submitted via our online form, which will go live August 1.
Please contact Erin Matthew, Urban Gateways Communications Associate, at ematthew@urbangateways.org with any issues you may have submitting your final work.
Awards & Prizes
The winner of the Logo Design Contest will receive a cash prize of $200 and will be encouraged to attend the Teen Arts Leadership Summit on Sunday, October 14th.
Stop by Street Level, our digital media center at 1637 N Ashland Ave, for graphic design open houses on Friday, August 3 and Friday, August 17 from 3-6pm. Experienced staff members will be on hand to help you make your logo vision a digital reality!