The Friends of VCU Libraries invite students and recent alumni (2021-25) to submit designs for use on VCU Libraries T-shirt and other promotional materials. Deadline for submission is March 15. The prize is $500.

Judging criteria will include:

• Creative execution
• Interpretation of the VCU Libraries as a whole – not just Cabell Library or the Health Sciences Library
• Showcasing and celebrating the diversity of VCU Libraries
• Effectiveness for use on a T-shirt

The contest is open to all students–full or part-time, undergraduate or graduate level–and alumni of the last five years. Previous winners are not eligible to win. Designers may submit more than one design.

The creator of the winning design will receive a $500 prize. Winning artwork will be printed on a T-shirt and other materials that will be sold to raise funds for VCU Libraries.

In addition, participating artists’ designs may be shared on social media and may be gathered into an exhibit for the Cabell Screen. Submitted designs also may be featured on other VCU Libraries’ digital or printed materials. Submitted artwork not selected as the winner, may be used by VCU Libraries and artists will receive a modest honorarium. Artists retain copyright to their designs. Previous winners 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019.

To submit a design

The deadline is: No later than Sunday, March 15, 2026, at midnight.

• Submit your design using this form https://forms.gle/ZDv9RpVL4uh6CnM89
• Label the file with your last name
• If you enter more than one design, label the file with your last name and the number of the submission.
• Submit the design in a PDF file
• Submitted designs not in the requested file type will be disqualified from judging. The winner will be required to submit an editable vector file

Technical parameters from the T-shirt maker

• Printable area: 11-inches wide x 14-inches tall
• Flat colors only—cannot print gradients, shading or photos
• Three (3) color maximum
• The t-shirt is printed in Pantone colors, if there are specific Pantone colors in the design, please note them   
• The smallest font allowed is 12-point
• The smallest line/stroke allowed is 2 pt
• Designers should keep in mind that the shirts will come printed in a variety of colors and design an image that will convey appropriately