Call for Entries: Design that Touches the Heart

We're going to break some rules and make some new ones. We're going to beat the bushes, leave no stone unturned, run up the red flag and scour the globe in search of design that touches the heart. Over the hills, through the woods and beyond visual clichés, we hope to discover a hidden treasure trove of design that connects passion and purpose in a meaningful way. We know it's out there somewhere. Maybe it's nearer than we think. Maybe it's tucked away in your computer under that unmarked folder of experiments just waiting for the world to see.

So, don't just sit there hoping one day you'll find a use for that work, or a client that will appreciate what you've done for them. Send us those designs that you feel touch others in a passionate way. Why? Because we all need to see design that breaks through hearts of stone. Because we'll be encouraged and possibly inspired. Because you'll help us explore the heart and soul of design. And because this is the call for entries for BLANK's first annual Design That Touches the Heart show. Here are the rules (or lack there of):

ELIGIBILITY: Anyone, any age, any where and any work from any time is qualified. We are looking for treasures right? We expect some of them to be antiques while others to be hot off the press. Just make sure they are your works. And you must have the permission of the company, client or team to reproduce the work online. If you're under 18, let your parents know what you are doing. They'll be proud. We'll have no nasty lawsuits mind you. And you "old" hands over 40 with distinguished firms and fancy Herman Miller chairs, don't be afraid to show something new or shake the cobwebs off your finest work. The young'uns need to connect with a heritage of passionate work done in the (gulp) 60's, 70's and 80's.

COST TO ENTER: Free. Did we mention we're going to break some rules? Yep, no cost to you. We always thought it silly that you have to pay for a chance to show your work. We'll put an end to that game right here. Of course if you feel you must pay us something, we'll gladly provide an unmarked Swiss bank account.

CATEGORIES: Illustration, editorial, logo, identity, stationary systems, websites, annual reports, catalogs, photography, typography, advertising, environmental graphics, self-promotion, packaging, posters and anything else that is design. This includes all "student" work. Aren't we all students anyway?

SUBMISSIONS: We'll accept only digital files. The show is all online, so scan those hardcopies in and shoot us the file. We're not going to alter or touch up bad scans. What you send is what everyone sees. Keep the focus to works you feel touch the heart. We know that's broadly defined, so if you're having trouble understanding what we're looking for, take a moment to read through BLANK past and present. It should be clear as mud. With your files we'll need all the usual data for each piece: your name/firm, entry title, art director, designer, client, contact info. For online work, please provide a screenshot(s) and a link to the work if the site still bears remote resemblance to your original creation. Try to keep the file size under 300K in JPEG, PNG, TIFF, AI, PSD, or GIF formats. We'll work with you if you have problems. And most importantly, give us an explanation of how/why each work touches the heart. Just a few thoughts will suffice.

JUDGES: There are no "judges" because this isn't a competition. This is a communal experience, a shared exploration, a blind leading the blind search for design's heart and soul. Who's going to do all this communing, sharing and searching? You. We'll post the entries on BLANK with their creators and let our readers tell us what touches their hearts. Maybe we'll learn something together?

SEND ENTRIES TO: Email your files and information to heartshow[at]b-l-a-n-k.com. You can also send a CD to: B L A N K: Design That Touches the Heart Show, 23 Point Road, Crossville TN 38571.

DEADLINE: January 1, 2006. Please don't be a tardy client. We all know how it feels to be on the receiving end of late content. Look for the show online in early Spring 2006.