Digital File Requirements

Primary image: One (1) straight-on image is required for all entries. The primary image will be featured in the online entry gallery—and if selected by the jury—included in the winners gallery and on AIGA’s websites. Three versions of the same image must be provided (see examples in FAQs).

• For print-quality images (for AIGA Design Archives):
  1. Files are saved as .tiff
  2. Image mode CMYK
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/ silhouetted or full bleed). No compression
  4. Shortest side six (6) inches or greater at 300 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB
• For screen/web images (for AIGA Online Galleries):
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. Shortest side 2100 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB
• For marketing and promotions (social squares for AIGA channels, see example)
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. Uncropped. No background (seamless/silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. 1080x1080 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB

Supporting images*: Up to five (5) additional vantage points, spreads, screen captures, etc. (see an example) are recommended.

• For all categories, screen/web-ready images for AIGA online galleries, websites, electronic newsletters, and social channels:
  1. Files are saved as .png or .jpg
  2. Image mode RGB
  3. No background (silhouetted or full bleed)
  4. Shortest side 2100 pixels at 150 DPI
  5. Max size 25 MB

Motion-Based Video: One (1) video, or up to three (3) if part of a series.

• For any category, including, corporate communications, entertainment design, information design, and promotional design and advertising, etc. for AIGA online galleries, websites, electronic newsletters, and social channels:
  1. File type: MPEG-4 Movie
  2. Compression: H.264
  3. Format: .mp4
  4. Audio: AAC
  5. Resolution or aspect ratio: 1920 x 1080 high definition (HD)

Supporting Video*: A short video simulating the experience of interacting with the work is encouraged (no additional audio or narration) to give the jurors a sense of the object in space (size, scale, etc.) and in relation to the user.

• For all categories, recommend:
  1. Film in a well lit area
  2. Place the work on a flat surface with a solid background, preferably white or black (for contrast)
  3. Position camera/phone over the work, pointed down when filming
  4. 9x16, 4x5, or 1x1 dimension .mp4 or .mov files are preferred
  5. Less than 90-second in length
  6. No additional audio or voice-over narration (a project description field is available)
  7. No branding, filters, or effects
  8. Max size 4 GB

YouTube or Vimeo links are also acceptable (for jurors to view, the video must be accessible to a public audience and without password protection). If work is selected by the jurors, a .mov file will be requested for the AIGA Design Archives.

*For supporting images and video, include images/shots that best represent your entry; all work will be reviewed by the jurors on screen.

• Image/video suggestions for print/2-D or 3-D materials:
  • Front, back (if designed), interior shots/spreads (text heavy and image-driven), and any special details, features, or experiences (typeface, fold outs, die cuts, embossing, edges, adaptations, unboxing, panning, zooming, in-the-round, etc.)
• Image/video suggestions for screen/digital materials:
  • Home/Splash page, menu, navigation, user flow, and any special details or features (typeface, pop-ups, audio, etc.)

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