Ally Carter

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2012 T-Shirt Contest

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Hi everyone!

Well, it’s that time again… T-Shirt Contest Time!!!

This has been a long-running tradition here at allycarter.com.  I can’t remember exactly how many years we’ve done it now.  Three?  Four?  It doesn’t matter because each and every one has been super fantastic fun times, and I have no doubt that this year will be no different!

So, for the newcomers among you, here are the basics:

Every fall we have a contest where readers (just like you!) design logos which are used for t-shirts, mousepads, stickers–all kinds of stuff.

The winners are added to the Ally Carter shop at cafepress.com, so that other readers all over the world can order the items to show their Gallagher Girl or Heist Society spirit.

So if this sounds like fun to you, please follow these easy steps.

 

Step 1:  Go look at past winning designs right here.  Yes here.

Inevitably, around contest time we’ll get questions like what is a logo?  What exactly do I make?  Do I make a t-shirt or what?

Well, the best way to see what a good entry looks like is to…ya know…look at winning entries.

Like this one for Gallagher Girls:

 

 

And this one for Heist Society:

Aren’t they good?  If you feel up to the challenge of making something like that then read on.

 

Step 2:  Think about what you want your design to be.

And note it does need to be a DESIGN.

Every year, we get tons of entries that are lines from the books printed out in a pretty font.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but they aren’t necessarily as clever or interesting as the ones that win.

So, when in doubt, be clever and interesting!

 

Step 3:  Note that this year we will have TWO categories!

Because every year we have some entries that are well-executed but the idea isn’t as strong, this year we will have TWO CATEGORIES.

The first category is the OPEN category. 

This can be anything as long as it pertains to Gallagher and/or Heist.  Basically, this is exactly what the contest has been in years past.

The second category is the I’M A GALLAGHER GIRL category. 

What does that mean?  Simple.  I’ve created the slogan (or words) for you.  You just have to come up with a cool design that uses those words.  That’s it.  Period.  Simple.  No other words–just those four.  I’M A GALLAGHER GIRL.

 

Step 4:  Read and follow the rules.

Because of the number of entries we’re expecting and what’s at stake, entries that do not comply with the contest rules will not be considered.

If you have questions regarding the contest rules, please consult a parent, guardian, or teacher.

 

 

THE RULES

Please send your entry, your name, and your email address to AllyCarterContest (at sign) gmail.com on or before Sunday, October 7, 2012.

Entrants may be ANY age! (this is a new change this year–we’re trying it out!)

Entrants must be from United States or Canada.

All designs must be original artwork (no clipart, photographs to which you do not own the copyright, etc.).

Designs may use lines or themes from the book, but should not directly copy any cover art elements.

Collaborative efforts are allowed, but prizes must be shared among the members of the winning team.

A parent or guardian may assist, but you must do the majority of the work yourself.

Designs will be judged based on concept, execution, and the ability for the designs to duplicate well.

Designs must be sent as either pdf or jpeg files. Entries may be created in any software program or with pen/paper, but files MUST be scanned or saved in either pdf or jpeg format before they are sent to us because we don’t make the files–we just deliver them to the t-shirt people. (In other words, your design must be ready AS-IS.)

You will be submitting designs only–no need to make actual t-shirts. Those will come later.

You may submit a maximum of TWO entries total.  You can do one open entry and one “I’m a Gallagher Girl”.  Or you can do two of one, but you may only submit a maximum of two entries total.

Designs can be one-sided or front and back, but please note that preference will be given to designs that are one-sided since they will be less expensive to produce and purchase.

An important note:

The winning design may be used in a number of ways to help promote the Gallagher Girls series and/or Heist Society. By entering this contest you give up the copyright to your artwork (meaning you can’t sue us if we use it because…well…using it is kind of the purpose.)

 

 

If you’ve read and understood these rules and feel up to a challenge, then start designing!

We will choose two winners (one in each category).  And each winner will receive a $200 gift card to the bookstore of his or her choice and a t-shirt featuring the winning design!

The winning designs will be featured on t-shirts (and possibly other merchandise) that will be sold on cafepress.com.  Please note that all items in the Ally Carter store are sold “at cost”.  This isn’t a money-making thing, in other words.  It’s just something fun for fans, and I hope it is just that–lots of fun for everyone.

 

Take care, and happy designing!

Ally

 

 

Comments

  2. aw… i got excited until i saw that it was for united states and canada readers only…

    hopefully we’ll see some contests for british readers soon too?

    Reply

  10. Hi Ally
    I come from Australia. Do u think I can send you a design but not go
    into the draw to win. I am ok with it but I really want to put in a design.
    PLEASE. 🙂
    Love MyShirtlessZach

    Reply

  15. Thanks Ally! I’m super excited and can’t wait to start drawing. BTW: I love the logo for heist society! But I love zach AND hale so…yeah.
    P.S. Good luck to all the contestants!

    Reply

  17. Oh great its the time of year where i drop everything I”m doing so that i can come up with the best design ever… watch out paper and pencils- I’m coming for you!

    Reply

  20. Well, I personally don’t like the HS example, as Zach is obviously superior. A few of my friends and I came up with our own:

    Hale had but one flaw: he isn’t Zach.

    Let’s put that on a T-shirt!

    Reply

  22. Yay! I am excited! I love this annual contest. Always look forward to it. (been doing it since your first one!)

    -GG4eva

    Ps. Can we do multiple entries again this year? Ex. One for the GG category and one for the open?

    Reply

  23. Aww,I wish I could enter,but I don’t live in the US or Canada,so I will have to just sit this one out. xP

    Any plans for an international contest?

    😀

    Reply

  25. Oooh!!! I have so many ideas right now! But I don’t think they r Gallagher girl worthy, heist society worthy , but I gotta make it zach worthy 🙂 now all I need is for my brain to start working again…

    Reply

  27. I love t-shirt time. This is my second year competting.

    I sent two emails, the first one was a mistake. So sorry, please don’t ‘eliminate’ me. Just ignore the first one. I would really appreciate it.

    Reply

  28. Hi! I submitted my two submissions in two separate emails, and I got an email verifying that the second one was received, but nothing about the second one? Did both get received? Thanks.

    Reply

  29. This seems like fun~ I’ll work on a design right now…. I really hope I’ll get it; I love designing and I love Ally Carter’s YA books!

    Reply

  30. I know that is call T-shirt contest, but can we make a phone cover? What about pants? Like uniforms, posters, lamps, notebooks, ets. I want for the gallagher girls to have many assesories then just t-shirts ( i need to get myself one).

    Reply

    • Aw, poor Becca. Thankfully I was able to finish both of mine in time~ Is there any chance you are choosing the winners soon? Because I’m very excited to see the designs (I’ll be even more excited if I find out it’s one of mine)! Thanks!

      Reply

  34. If they make a Gallagher Girls movie I would LOVE to play Bex. I love to act and I think Bex is AMAZING!!!

    Reply

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