Entrants Challenged to Demonstrate "The PIZZAZZ of Print!"

Reston, VA - The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) announces the launch of the seventh annual GAERF Student Design Competition themed "The PIZZAZZ of Print!" The 2015 contest challenges participants to exhibit their originality and ingenuity by creating a unique and striking marketing piece to promote strong attendance at a major event. 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.

Entries submitted by the June 12, 2015, deadline will be judged on design, functionality, and marketability by a panel of industry professionals. One secondary school winner and one post-secondary school winner will be identified for each of the first, second, and third place awards.

First place winners and their instructors will receive a two-day trip, all expenses paid, to attend GRAPH EXPO 15 in Chicago, IL. Their $2,000 awards will be presented during the show's Career Awareness Day, Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Second place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third place winners will receive $1,000.

"In recent years, print marketing has changed and evolved driven by innovative new technologies. Today, the printed piece can effectively convey a message and also connect with other media to further increase engagement," said GAERF President Ralph Nappi. "This year's competition encourages students to design an effective printed marketing piece that will capture the attention of their target audience with a specific call to action."

For complete information about the GAERF 2015 Student Design Competition, visit: www.graphicCOMMcentral.org.