Secondary and Post-Secondary Students Challenged to Demonstrate Their Creativity and Knowledge of Printed Output

Reston, Va. – The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) in conjunction with its managing organization, the Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech), announces the launch of its eleventh annual Student Design Competition, themed “Greetings!” The competition is open to all students attending secondary or post-secondary institutions in the continental United States who are studying in a graphic communications/printing, advertising, graphic design or interactive media program.

Participants are challenged to combine their critical thinking and creativity to produce a printed greeting card for an occasion of their choice. Entries will be judged on unique expression and well-defined theme; broad appeal; creativity and originality; and correct use of optional printing enhancements. One secondary and one post-secondary school winner will be identified for each of the first-, second- and third-place awards.

Entries selected by GAERF will be judged by a panel of industry professionals.

First-place winners and their instructors will receive a two-day trip, all expenses paid, to attend PRINT® 19, taking place in Chicago IL, October 3-5, 2019. The winning students will receive an award of $2,000 presented during PRINT 19. Second-place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third-place winners will receive $1,000. Winning entries will be featured at PRINT 19 in the Design Competition exhibit and dedicated sign display. All entries will be showcased in a slide presentation at PRINT 19 and online.

“GAERF and the Association for PRINT Technologies are committed to supporting education initiatives that help perpetuate the growth of the print community,” said Thayer Long, President of APTech. “This competition recognizes the best and brightest students and the significant commitment of their instructors.”

For complete information about the GAERF 2019 Student Design Competition, contact GAERF Director Margie Garr at [email protected], phone: 703-264-7200, or visit: www.PRINTtechnologies.org/GAERF-SDC.