Contest resources
Out there in the “real world” creative types have to work within restrictions, whether monetary, technical, or practical in nature. Our contests give you an opportunity to practice for the real deal, while building your portfolio.
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Design
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T-Shirt Design '09 - tools & guidelines |
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Designers using software, start here:
- Download the t-shirt template in either Photoshop or Illustrator (CS2) format. Just follow the instructions below:
- PC: right-click on each link above and select "Save Target As" (IE) or "Save Link As" (Firefox) and save the file to your hard drive.
- Mac: control-click on each link and select "Download Linked File As" (Safari) or "Save Link As" (Firefox).
- Choose your t-shirt color (brown, grey, or white).
- Select your design colors from the MyLife 24-7 color palette.
- Download palette swatches (click and save as)
- Use a maximum of four (4) colors.
- Build your work as vector art (preferred) or as a full-sized PSD (photoshop) file at 300 dpi or higher for reproduction quality.
- Design Don’ts.
- Don’t use gradients or transparent layers.
- Keep the design off the seams.
- No photographs or sketch drawings please.
- Save your work!
- Save the source file because winners must send us their original file (PSD, AI, EPS) so that we can accurately reproduce the shirt.
- Save your design as a JPG or GIF. 1000x750 pixel resolution is optimal. The maximum image size allowed is 30x30 cm / 12x12 inches / 1800x1800 pixels.
- http://www.adobe.com/downloads/ (Trial period lasts 30 days)
Download Illustrator CS4 or Photoshop CS4. - http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/tutorials/
Teach yourself how to use the software with these tutorials as your guide.
Freehand designers, follow these guidelines:
- Choose your T-shirt color (brown, grey, or white).
- Select your design colors from the MyLife 24-7 palette.
- Download palette swatches for reference.
- Use a maximum of four (4) colors.
- Solid colors only.
- Design Dos and Don’ts.
- Scan your work at high resolution (300 dpi or higher).
Need help? Contact us
MyLife24-7@jiethics.org (general email)
MyLife247.org@gmail.com (alt email)
1-310-846-4800
1-800-711-2670
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Writing
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Blogging Contest '10 - tips |
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Use Your Voice
You may have heard the adage “write what you know.” It’s good advice. It doesn’t mean that you have to limit your writing to your own experience, especially if you’re young. But sometimes it’s easiest to find inspiration within your own life. Think about what interests you. Would anyone consider you an “expert” on any subject?
Define Your Story
No matter the length, your story should be concise and intentional. Every word should matter. Writers tend to get "wordy" when they're not quite sure what they are trying to say. Even the most basic outline will help you identify the story you are setting out to tell. As your story develops, ask yourself: What is my story? What am I really adding with each sentence? How do I use literary devices to support my goal? What is the tone of my writing? Is my message implied or obvious?
Use these notes to guide your creativity. Remember to constantly review and revise.
Go That Extra Mile
Writing is different than speaking. Grammar matters. Spelling matters. Transitions matter. Please use spell check and avoid using "like" or abbreviations (OMG, whatev, l8r) unless they are intentional stye decisions.
Need help? Contact us
MyLife24-7@jiethics.org (general email)
MyLife247.org@gmail.com (alt email)
1-310-846-4800
1-800-711-2670
Back to Contests | Blogger Details | Top
Video
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Video Contest '10 - tips |
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Know Your Script
A script is essential to your creative process and you may go through several revisions before you start filming. Even the most basic script will help you identify the story you've set out to tell. As you develop the script, ask yourself: What is my story? what am I trying to depict in each scene? How do I use angles, lights, and staging to support my story? What is the mood of the video? Is my message implied or obvious? Use these notes to guide your creativity.
Analyze The Final Product
Is the pacing too quick, too long, too choppy? Explore whether your scenes contribute to the video's purpose. If a scene lacks foundation, examine ways to substantiate the scene. Assess the sound quality. If the sound quality is poor, commit to resolving the problems. Bad sound makes a great concept look and feel bad.
Get Feedback
Show the video to family and friends. Ask them specific questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" response. What is the strongest part of the video? What could be improved? Did you like the music, why or why not? What is your immediate reaction after watching the video? Take this feedback and evaluate what to do next. You may want to return to the editing room or shoot another scene. Filmmaking is a process and this feedback will enable you to make sure the audience enjoys the video from start to finish.
Check out last year's contest winners for extra inspiration.
Need help? Contact us
MyLife24-7@jiethics.org (general email)
MyLife247.org@gmail.com (alt email)
1-310-846-4800
1-800-711-2670
Back to Contests | Video Details | Top
