Pumpkin Festival Poster Design Contest

—By Tim Beeman

The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, in association with the Coastal Arts League, is launching its eighth annual poster design contest for the 2014 festival.

Established and emerging art directors, graphic designers, illustrators, fine artists, and hobbyists from across the country will have a high-profile opportunity to showcase their talent by entering the contest.

The winning entry will receive $1,000 as well as the honor of having their design featured as the centerpiece on all promotional material for the prestigious festival held every October in the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay.

Every year, the contest attracts entries from across the nation and organizers look forward to building on its success.

“The design contest has become a big part of the Pumpkin Festival," said Shirley Kellicutt, member of the Coastal Arts League and chair of the contest committee.

"The winning design sets the tone and identity for the festival as it's the centerpiece of everything we do design-wise," she said. “We're delighted and fascinated by the submissions every year and encourage visitors to drop by the Coastal Arts League gallery during the month of October to view the entries and vote on the People's Choice Award. The interest and enthusiasm is always amazing."

Matt Farrar, of Santa Cruz, won the 2013 Poster Design Contest.

The contest is open to all interested parties, particularly professional artists, graphic designers and art students due to the detailed production specifications required.

In addition to the $1,000 top prize for the winning entry, there will also be a $500 award for second place and $250 for third.

Special awards will be given for the “Peoples Choice” ($250) and "Most Creative" ($250).

Accepted entries will be on display as part of a special show during the month of October 2013, which includes Pumpkin Festival weekend Oct. 19-20, at the Coastal Arts League Gallery, 300 Main Street in Half Moon Bay.
 
A special opening and reception, with all contest entries on display, will be held on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Coastal Arts League Gallery.

The submission deadline for the contest is Sept. 1, 2013. 

Artwork must be submitted electronically with files vector-based, CMYK in PDF file format. 

Entry fee is $20 and funds an annual scholarship for a a student going into the arts.

Contest details, guidelines and entry forms are available online at  http://www.coastalartsleague.com/

Details: logohmb2014@gmail.com