Enter Contest

Across the country, we see the same thing: crowds of marchers fighting for their rights, protesters peacefully assembling and a new fire for equality from the common citizen. As journalists, we carry that passion relentlessly; the passion for fairness, passion for storytelling and our passion for design.Now, more than ever, we face a divided nation. Each passing day more people fall victim to the hateful rhetoric flooding social media streams and word of mouth. But now, it’s time for our voice to be heard.We come together to share our work for the voiceless, and to emphasize the importance of storytelling across mediums. It’s about the countless stories we’ve told, the dedication of deadlines and the importance of ethical journalism.Share your voice and your work.

Professors or advisers are encouraged to enter work for the students if that works better for your individual situation. The entry form has a checkbox asking whether the entrant is a student, but that is not a requirement to enter the contest.

The Michigan State University Design Contest for College Students began in 2000 as a way for students to enter work done not only for a campus publication, but also projects done for a class, a job or an internship.
There are a number of beginning student designers who have demonstrated incredible talent, but they do so in the classroom or at a part-time job. In much the same way, some of the most talented visual journalists—for a variety of reasons—do not work at their campus newspaper. These students are usually ineligible for other college design competitions, where contest rules often limit entries to work done for a student newspaper or magazine.

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Cost

$5 per single-page entry
$10 per multi-page entry

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Deadline

Thursday, March 21, 2024

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General information

Eligibility

All currently enrolled college students may enter. Entries can be work done for a college class, a student publication, an internship or a job. Entries must be electronically submitted Thursday, March 21, 2024 by 11:59 p.m., and must have been created between February 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024.

Rules

See category descriptions for rules on submitting items in each category. There are no divisions regarding school size, circulation, etc. Entries will be judged by a panel of design professionals.

Fees

Each entry costs $5 for single-page entries and $10 for multi-page. Payment via credit card must be made at the time of entry.

Awards

First place in each category will receive an award certificates. Judges may decide to give no awards in a category. Winning entries will be placed on the MSUSND website.

Categories

1. Front Page Design

Upload a PDF below. One page constitutes one entry. No advertising should appear on these pages.

2. Sports Page Design

Upload a PDF. One page constitutes an entry. No advertising should appear on these pages.

3. Feature Page Design

Upload a PDF below. One page constitutes one entry. No advertising should appear on these pages.

4. Special Sections

Should be a multi-page, stand alone section with a single theme. Submit one PDF containing the complete section. May be a group project.

5. Magazine Cover

Upload a PDF. One page constitutes an entry. No advertising should appear on these pages.

6. Magazine Spread

Upload a PDF. One spread (single- or multi-page) constitutes an entry. No advertising should appear on these pages.

7. Alternative Story Format

Upload a PDF. In comment field indicate, if necessary, the graphic to be judged. One sample constitutes an entry.

8. Art & Illustration

Upload a PDF. In comment field indicate, if necessary, the illustration to be included in contest. One sample constitutes an entry.

9. Digital Storytelling

Upload a file below or submit a hyperlink for one entry. Digital Storytelling can include, and is not limited to, any combination of animation, text, images, interactivity or video. This category is specifically for group projects, meaning four or more people. For example, this would include an entry from a student news organization, or a class project.

10.Infographics

Upload a PDF. In comment field indicate, if necessary, the graphic to be judged. Interactive or animated graphics are welcome: submit a hyperlink. One sample constitutes an entry.

11. Promotions & Advertising

Upload a PDF of the actual product. Includes fliers, brochures and posters. A campaign of up to three advertisements may be considered for one entry.

12. Standalone Multimedia

Upload a file below or submit a hyperlink for one entry. Multimedia can include, and is not limited to, any combination of animation, text, images, interactivity or video. This category is specifically for individual or small-group projects, meaning 1-3 people. Entries with four or more people listed will be moved to the Digital Storytelling category.

13. World’s Best Designed Student Magazine

Please submit three entire issue of your choice. Enter here.

14.World’s Best Designed Student News Site

Submit a hyperlink to the website. Enter here.

15. World’s Best-Designed Student Newspaper

Submit three entire issues of your choice. Enter here.

16. Student Designer of the Year

Submit a single PDF, with a portfolio of up to 10 examples of your work. Work must have been published in a student or professional publication. All work must have been done by a single designer. The portfolio constitutes one entry.

Entry Form

Fill out my online form.

Previous Winners