How do I create my submission?

Jump to:

• Download the Challenge Kit
• Start Designing
  
• Saving Your Submission Image
  
• I Submitted My Design. What Happens Next?
• If You Win

Download the Challenge Kit

To start, you'll need to download the Challenge Kit for the Challenge you'd like to submit to. If you click on the individual challenge page, you can find the "Download Challenge Kit" link below the challenge banner on the right-hand side of the page (see image below).

Not sure where to find our challenges? Click here!

Each Challenge Kit contains:

1. A challenge description PDF with detailed instructions on creating your design and saving your submission image.
2. Templates to create your submissions in Adobe Illustrator.* (If you're using an older version of Adobe Illustrator, reach out to [email protected] with the version you have, and we'll send you compatible templates.)
3. Textures (including foil) that you can use in your submissions for foil-pressed products.
4. A link to a photokit if you’re submitting to a challenge for products that incorporate customer photos.

*Important note: If your design is selected for one of our stationery design challenges, we require your final files to be in Adobe Illustrator format for compatibility with our customization software. 

General tips: 

• Many artists choose to print the challenge description PDF for their records - if this is helpful to you, please go ahead and do so! (Tips to save ink and paper: Print only a range of pages from the PDF, and print on both sides of the paper.)
• Terms & Conditions change for every challenge, so please review them carefully before submitting. 
  
  
  

Start Designing

Open the submission template of your choice to begin creating your design. Feel free to create elements by hand or in another program and import them into Illustrator. For more information about file setup, see our help article on Using Minted Templates and Layers.

Saving Your Submission Image

Once you've created your design, you'll save a smaller version of your image to submit to the Challenge. We do not need a high-resolution file for your challenge submission. If your design is selected as a winner, we will request a hi-res, editable version of your file later. All submission images must be:

• JPEG format
• Under 600kb
• Longest side: 1100 pixels

To save a resized submission image in Adobe Illustrator:

• File menu: Go to 'Export'> 'Save for Web (Legacy)'
• Choose 'JPEG High' (adjust quality for file size under 600kb)
• Click on the ‘Image Size’ tab below the presets menu. Make sure the ‘Constrain Proportions’ box is checked.
• Set the longest side of your artwork to 1100 pixels, click the ‘Apply’ button, and save!

Important note: While you'll be creating your design in CMYK color mode, we recommend saving your submission image in RGB. RGB is the best way to display images on-site for submission and voting purposes. If your work is selected as a winner, you'll be asked to send your final files in CMYK mode (as it's optimized for print).

Ready to upload your submission? If this is your first time submitting to a Minted Challenge, this article has step-by-step instructions: How do I submit to a Minted Challenge?

If you're having trouble submitting, check out: I'm having trouble submitting to a Challenge

I Submitted My Design. What Happens Next?

Once you submit your design, you can edit or remove it before the submission deadline. Following the deadline, the Critique Period begins. During this time, you can give and receive feedback from fellow Minted artists and continue to edit your work. The Voting Period immediately follows the Critique Period.

We analyze voting results to determine the Top-Rated winners. Additionally, Minted's Editorial Council reviews all submissions and voting data. They also consider further factors such as diversity of style, risk-taking, and gaps in the current assortment to help select Editors' Picks.

We share anticipated winner announcement timelines on our Weekly Updates page. Winners are announced via email, Minted's Community Slack, and on our winners page.

If You Win

You will receive a detailed email from our team with instructions on preparing your final files.

Stationery: Final files must be submitted in Adobe Illustrator format for compatibility with our customization software. We cannot accept final files in other formats.

Art prints: We will request a high-resolution JPEG.