Entrants Challenged to Demonstrate Creativity by Designing a Product Promotion via a Magazine Ad Linked to Digital Media

Reston, VA - The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) announces the launch of the GAERF 2017 Student Design Competition, themed "MAGnify!" This ninth annual contest challenges participants to combine their critical thinking and creativity with cutting-edge technology to design and produce a printed magazine ad, featuring a product of their choice and linked to digital media, to demonstrate the essential role that print plays in today's multichannel media mix. The ad design must incorporate a reference (URL or other) to the digital promotion of their product. Entries will be judged on designs that include both the print and digital media components. One secondary and one post-secondary school winner will be identified for each of the first, second and third place awards.

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 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 17 in Chicago, IL. The winning students will receive an award of $2,000 presented during PRINT 17's Career Awareness Day, Thursday, September 14, 2017. Second place winners will be awarded $1,500, and third place winners will receive $1,000. 

"GAERF is proud to continue its commitment to supporting education initiatives by encouraging creativity and self-expression in students through the art of design and production," said GAERF President Thayer Long. "This year's competition, which centers on effective graphic design to convey information both in print and digitally, will serve to recognize our best and brightest students, as well as the significant commitment of their instructors."

For complete information about the GAERF 2017 Student Design Competition visit: http://gaerf.org/designcompetition.aspx.