Next Designer Contest: September 2011

[Toiny]

Official Rules and Details

Our Annual Next Designer Contest kicks off September 1, 2011.

No need for sign ups, just post your Round 1 entry in Next Designer Contest Gallery by September 5, 2011 no later than Midnight (24:00) EST and you will automatically be listed as a competitor.


All challenges will be posted 6:00 a.m. EST and due by Midnight (24:00) EST per the scheduled dates:

• Intro's begin August here in the Forum, through Round 1
• Round 1: Challenge begins Sept. 1st, Due Sept 5th
• Round 2: Challenge begins Sept. 8th, Due Sept 12th
• Round 3: Challenge begins Sept. 15th, Due Sept 19th
• Round 4: Challenge begins Sept 22nd, Due Sept 26th
• Winner announced Sept 30th

The contest is open to anyone interested in becoming a Designer, whether you are brandnew, established or even just for fun!

Our top 10 finalists from Round 3 will all win an exclusive, brandnew, CU Grab Bag from theStudio Designers.

Our top three finalist from Round 4 will win Designer Contracts at theStudio as well as a bamboo wacom pen tablet.

[kimberkatt]

I am SO excited for this!! This is the highlight of my year!! Woohooo, let the fun begin!

[johnsonrj@q.com]

WOW! That time again already?? Can't wait to preview all the talent!

[ladyofthethorns]

Wow, that time again! Where DID the year go?!

I love these contests and although I'm still in 'recovery' from the past 6 weeks with The Design Factor , I'll probably muster up some energy to join here.

And of course Toiny, you know me... always a couple questions

1. Can you remind me (us) about the how the process of elimination works (membership votes versus theStudio admin votes)?
2. How long do we need to keep our submissions available for free?
3. For those of us hoping (longing )to win a designer contract here at the studio, where can we find more details on what that means (just the basics would be fine, such as designer requirements and time commitments)?

[sbc33]

Um, "no sign ups necessary" then "sign up in August". Not sure which it is, but just in case - I'm in. I had a blast last year.

[Stampin Designs]

Hi this sounds interesting. I am just learning new techniques etc to be a designer. I am already on two CT's. I was wondering what I would have to do to learn and what I would have to do, as a learner, to join the contest please.
Thanks

[Scrappinsass]

I'm going to give this a try! Sounds like a lot of fun!

[SandyPie]

Adding to my calendar now! 50 or 60 more tries and maybe Toiny will show me sympathy and give me an "honorary winner" prize, so I can quit torturing myself over this. But till then I'll just keep trying in spite of myself! hahaha!

[Toiny]

LOL. I guess I stuck a little too closely to the wording from last year... I changed it to "intro's". Of course Q&A as well.

So happy to see you back!

Originally Posted by sbc33

Um, "no sign ups necessary" then "sign up in August". Not sure which it is, but just in case - I'm in. I had a blast last year.

[Toiny]

Hi Rose,

I love your questions as always.

1. I'm looking at completely eliminating membership votes (input welcome). Last year it was membership votes until the final, fourth, round. The final round was voted on by theStudio Admin & Design team privately.
2. You need keep your free kits only until voting (each round) is completed. Until the 1st of October is encouraged.
3. Our contract is simple. No set-up fees, 75% monthly commission, 6 mega kit contributions per year (2-3 papers, 5-8 elements), a minimum of 2 new products per month. That's it.

Of course, the contract itself is a little more wordy than that

Originally Posted by ladyofthethorns

1. Can you remind me (us) about the how the process of elimination works (membership votes versus theStudio admin votes)?
2. How long do we need to keep our submissions available for free?
3. For those of us hoping (longing )to win a designer contract here at the studio, where can we find more details on what that means (just the basics would be fine, such as designer requirements and time commitments)?

[Toiny]

Just keep your eyes open on the first and follow the challenge carefully. The Design Team is very friendly here and we will post tips & tricks, as well as links to great tutorials. In the meantime, you can continue to familiarize yourself with your software, google for some tutorials and try to mimic some of your favorite designers. All practice helps get you ready.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Stampin Designs

Hi this sounds interesting. I am just learning new techniques etc to be a designer. I am already on two CT's. I was wondering what I would have to do to learn and what I would have to do, as a learner, to join the contest please.
Thanks

[Stampin Designs]

Thank you so much. I will keep practising and keep an eye out to see what to do

[tanteva]

There's a part of me that wants to start designing again LOL
Will have to think about this

[Elaine Sharron]

What are your rules in designing for the September contest. This is my first try.
Thanks
Elaine

[Toiny]

Welcome guys! The rules will go up with the first challenge. Each challenge is a little bit different and the restrictions will be carefully spelled out. Everyone is welcome and we do try to make it easier-to-harder as the weeks go by. It's also a great crew we have here and you will be able to ask questions and pick our brains as you go!

[Renee]

This is so much fun, I'm not sure if I'm back from summer vacation September 1st, but if I am I will try to enter!

[ladyofthethorns]

Originally Posted by Piggyscraps

Hi Rose,

I love your questions as always.

That's good... because I wouldn't want to be a pest.

Thanks for answering my questions.

[Ambowife Designs]

Great to see some familiar faces in here already (waving)

This has got to be the highlight of the year at the Studio, we look forward to it every year and it's a really great way to learn more techniques and tips from the designers at the studio as well as eachother. There is always a forum just for the contestants so that you gals can bite your nails and brainstorm or whatever in your own special place. And for those who didn't know, our fearless leader Toiny was a winner in this contest way back when. and many of us made our start at designing entering these kinds of competitions, it's a really worthwhile experience.
Good luck to all who enter and come on over and give it a go if you are still thinking about it, it's totally worth it and you'll have a blast.

[Stampin Designs]

Originally Posted by Ambowife Designs

Great to see some familiar faces in here already (waving)

This has got to be the highlight of the year at the Studio, we look forward to it every year and it's a really great way to learn more techniques and tips from the designers at the studio as well as eachother. There is always a forum just for the contestants so that you gals can bite your nails and brainstorm or whatever in your own special place. And for those who didn't know, our fearless leader Toiny was a winner in this contest way back when. and many of us made our start at designing entering these kinds of competitions, it's a really worthwhile experience.
Good luck to all who enter and come on over and give it a go if you are still thinking about it, it's totally worth it and you'll have a blast.

Thanks Tracy.
I am learning and would love to be a designer one day so I will be watching here for more info and hopefully join in

[vickyday]

I'd love to join in this year!