The key to your door of opportunity
If you are planning to enroll at a graphic design school you already know that part of the hurdle is meeting educational expenses such as tuition, supplies, living expenses and other amenities.

The American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) understands the role for economic assistance in education and states:

“Imagine you had everything you needed to share your vision with the world: talent, skill, dedication, desire.

“Everything, that is, except money.

“Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships allow young people from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds not only to realize their artistic dreams, but also to give back to their communities.”

Scholarship details
The individuals who are selected for the Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships are based upon their talent, ability, and need for financial assistance.

The recipients must also demonstrate their commitment to give back to their community through their work.

* Scholarships range from $2,000-$3,000
* Individuals may qualify for up to two more awards totaling up to ….$5,000
* Honorable mention prizes of $500 are also awarded
* The scholarship awards are paid directly to the recipient’s school ….for tuition costs

Application guidelines
There are several important points that all potential applicants need to know about:

* Eligibility requirements state that you must be a citizen of the U.S. or hold a green card ….(Permanent resident card/ Form I-551)
* Applicants must pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree in advertising (art direction only), ….fine arts, graphic design, illustration, interactive design/ motion graphics, or photography.

Entries will be screened by a jury of creative professionals. Winners will be notified in June 2011.

Scholarship links and other information
The deadline for all applications is April 1, 2011. See the complete guidelines and links below for crucial information about this scholarship program:

AIGA scholarship website
Complete application guidelines
About AIGA

Graphic design school and scholarships
Your wish to attend a graphic design college may be fulfilled with financial help through various grants and scholarships offered by these liberal arts schools.

There are also other scholarship opportunities or loans available through government agencies or graphic design organizations such as AIGA.

Find out more about these opportunities by speaking with your local graphic design school representative.

Game on!
One of the most popular game machines in the world is Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Gamers enjoy untold hours of entertainment exploring new worlds, fighting bad guys, and playing casual arcade games.

If you’ve ever dreamed about producing your own video game, you have a chance at fame and fortune by entering Microsoft’s Dream.Build.Play video game design contest.

According to Microsoft:

“To earn your spot in the Dream.Build.Play universe, bring your dream-world to life by creating an outstanding, playable game for Xbox 360 using XNA Game Studio 4.0…

“Whatever your style - whatever your dream - it’s time to unleash your creativity and show what you’ve got!”

Contest Parameters
Your game must be developed using Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio 4.0 software. Your game should be fun and exciting. Microsoft is especially looking for games in the action and adventure genres.

According to Microsoft game entries will be judged according to the following criteria:

* Fun factor (40%) - A key indicator will be the desire to keep playing
* Innovation (30%) - Based on how creative and technically unique your game is
* Production quality (30%) - Make your game world as polished as possible

Entries must be developed for English speaking individuals. Certain restrictions apply to whom or who may not enter this contest. You must register on the official contest site before you can enter this competition.

Please see complete guidelines and rules for more information.

Prizes

There are four cash awards:

* Grand prize: $40,000
* 1st prize: $20,000
* 2nd prize: $10,000
* 3rd prize: $5,000

Winners will also be given the chance to sign up for a publishing contract with Xbox LIVE. Winning games will also be featured on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Contest links and additional information
The deadline for registration is May 17, 2011. You cannot enter unless you are officially registered. The deadline for submitting your game candidate is June 11, 2011.

These links provide more contest information:

Official contest site
Full contest rules and guidelines
Registration form
Free download XNA Game Studio 4.0

Graphic Design school and video games
Video game graphics and artwork have never been more realistic and cutting-edge than today. 3D programs such as Maya and LightWave 3D allow artists and illustrators to bring their drawings to life in video games.

Attending graphic design school is one of the first steps you can take in order to learn about layout, computer assisted art programs, design theory and application, and many other related courses.

Speak with a graphic design college representative and find out how graphic design can help you in your career development.

Show off your talent
If you use CorelDRAW or are a newcomer to this excellent program you have a chance of winning prizes by entering your best work in the CorelDRAW International design contest 2011.

The contest details
All entries must be submitted as a CorelDRAW® X5 or Corel® PHOTO-PAINT^TM X5 file.

For those who do not have access to these software programs, you may download the free trial version of CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X5.
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Corel states that there are 6 categories in this competition:

* Advertising/Marketing: Flyers, brochures, logos and other designs related to advertising, ….marketing or point of purchase (POP)
* Signs/Awards/Personalization: Designs to be used in sign ….making, engraving, awards, dye sublimation and other ….related industries
* Vehicle Wraps: Designs to be used for car, truck, boat or ….other vehicle wraps
* Textile/Fashion Design: Designs for fashion, embroidery and ….direct-to-garment printing
* General Illustration & Fine Art: Artistic, creative and unique ….designs
* CorelDRAW Marketing Campaign: Create a design to be ….featured in a CorelDRAW marketing campaign. Entries can ….be of any style, and will be judged on creativity and overall ….theme

There will also be student winners selected for each of the categories.

Prizes
Each of the winners will receive various software and hardware packages from favorites such as Roland®, Wilcom®, Euro-Systems®, Digital Designware, Apple®, Digital Art Solutions, Wacom®, Canon®, HP, Seagate® and Corel®.

The total value of all prizes awarded is over $75,000 US.

One Grand Prize winner will be awarded a Roland VersaCAMM SP-300i printer valued at $13,450 USD.

General submission guidelines

* The maximum file size for each entry is 50MB
* You may submit only one entry per category (total six)
* Individuals from certain countries or regions in the U.S. are not eligible to ….participate. (See full contest rules for details)
* Your entries must be created using CorelDraw X5, Corel Photo-Paint XB or ….the trial versions of these products.
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Contest links and details
This contest has no entry fee and ends on June 30, 2011.The following links provide additional contest information:

Official Corel contest website
Complete contest rules and guidelines
Online submission form
Complete prize list
Free trial CorelDRAW Suite X5
CorelDraw gallery

Graphic design school and design software
Enrolling in graphic design school is a large step in preparing for a career in graphic design. You will learn essential skills in using the best design software and hardware in the industry.

If you are a graphic designer who wants to increase your skill level and become more proficient in design software such as CorelDraw Suite, Photoshop Suite, and other cutting edge programs, speak to a graphic design college representative to see what courses are available.

Do you need a LIFT?
In this case we’re not referring to an elevator or a ride in a car. LIFT stands for Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, the sponsors of the International Visiting Artist Residency.

If you are a film maker, an aspiring film maker or a fan of the film arts, this residency program may be your key in opening doors for film editing equipment and cameras for your production.

How it works
According to the sponsors of this residency, the program is targeted at artists who need professional facilities to complete their works:

“LIFT’s residency program focuses on the production of film-based works with equipment and facilities to which the artist would not have access in their local region.

‘Artists are expected to be at an established point in their practice (although not necessarily working predominantly with film).

“Applicants must also consider what they would bring to the Toronto community in terms of community collaboration, teaching, artist talks and/or presentation activities - these engagements are a critical part of each residency offered by LIFT.”

The production studio supports a wide range of formats including, ‘…regular 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, Super 16mm, 35mm and HD; film and digital editing; optical printers; contact printers; animation stands; a darkroom and more.’

Residency value and length of program
This program is open to all non-Canadian residents. The maximum cash for individual projects is $3,000 CAD for travel, lodging and daily cash expenses.

Maximum paid equipment rental and facilities costs will be provided up to a maximum of $3,000 CAD. However the filmmaker is responsible for costs related to film stock, lab fees, chemicals and other associated production amenities.

How to apply
There are several crucial things you must provide when applying for this residency:

* A proposal on how your work will engage the local ….community and how LIFT is able to provide you with ….facilities and equipment not available in your area.
* A Curriculum vitae (CV)
* Estimated budget for your project
* Examples of past work (materials cannot be returned)
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Send all your application materials to:

International Artist Residencies 2011/12 Application
c/o Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT)
1137 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario
M6H 2A3 CANADA

Additional information and contest links
All applications must be received by April 11, 2011. Only non-Canadian residents are eligible for this residency.

Any questions can be directed to submissions [at] lift.on.ca. (replace the [at] with @)

For important residency information follow these links:

Official website
Official rules (PDF doc)

Graphic design school and the film industry
The reality is that graphic design work is needed during the production of films. Animation, illustration, digital art, computer graphics and multimedia all play an important role in making movies.

If you are interested in these career fields, an education from a graphic design college is a good way to build your knowledge and skill base in order to qualify for jobs.

Speak with a graphic design school representative today and find out what available education opportunities are open to you.

Think outside the box…
In this contest you will literally have to do this. Zepter International is announcing an open call to all designers for its Zepter International Design Award contest.

“Zepter International is pleased to announce this year’s open competition for designers and artists from around the world who wish to take part in the Box for Everything & Nothing 2011 exhibition.

“The main task is to design a box of any shape that’s functional and preferably progressive and environmentally aware.”

The contest details
Your submission may be a box of any shape. The minimum dimension for your box should be no less than 10×10 cm (3.9×3.9 inches). The maximum dimension for your box should be no larger than 30×30 cm (11.8×11.8 inches).

* Your box/design should be signed by you
* Your box must be functional with added artistic and aesthetic ….values
* You must fill out a completed application form
* Include a typed biography of yourself plus the relevant details ….about your entry
* Include color photographs or digital media that is 13×18 cm or ….larger in hires of your piece
* No conceptual work will be considered
* Works in glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, and composite materials are acceptable

Send your entries to:

ZEPTER INTERNATIONAL BRID MARKETING
ARTZEPT 2011 “BOX FOR EVERYTHING & NOTHING”
via Sibilla Aleramo 13
20092 Cinisello Balsamo (MI) - Italy

Your piece must arrive at the contest offices by October 20, 2011.

Contest Rules
The sponsors have given several preliminary rules for this contest:

* ArtZept 2011 is open competition for designers and artists from ….around the world.
* Each designer or artist can submit one entry only.
* No purely conceptual work will be considered for the exhibition.
* Works in all techniques, glass, metal, plastic, ceramics, and ….composite materials will be considered.
* Given the insurance costs, no exhibit whose worth exceeds 400 € ….will be considered for the exhibition.
* None of the selected and exhibited works may be withdrawn from ….the exhibition before the closing date.

Read the contest guidelines for complete details

Prizes
Winning entries will be part of a traveling exhibition that will be displayed in major cities around the world. Winning pieces will also be featured in an exhibition catalog.

In addition, cash prizes and merchandise will be given to the winners:

* 1st prize: €10,000 ($13,853 USD)
* 2nd prize: €4,000 ($5,541 USD) worth of Zepter products
* 3rd prize: €3,000 ($4,156 USD) worth of Zepter products

Contest links and other information
The contest deadline is October 20, 2011. There are no entry fees for this contest. The following links provide more contest information:

Official website
Complete contest guidelines
Application form (PDF document)
Gallery Pieces
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Graphic design school and package design
When you walk down the aisles of a department store or supermarket, most of the products you see are in some sort of packaging. The illustrators who created the graphics and images on the boxes and containers have a good eye for design.

If you are interested in how to make products more appealing through visual presentation, an education at a graphic design college can help you understand design principles and techniques.

Speak to your graphic design school representative to find out what sort of opportunities are available to you in this interesting field of advertising design.

You light up my life…
In this particular case we are not referring to a song but how public lighting can be improved upon and used in more innovative ways.

The 2010-2011 Concept Lumière Urbaine (CLU) contest sponsor seeks to:

“…give new meaning to public lighting and provoke the emergence of sensitivity to the need of mankind to benefit from the available light, to share and take ownership.

“The boundary between street lighting and the user can disappear to become the service point of luminous energy to the whole community. Public lighting is a response to the needs of human beings, and your solutions will be the answer.”

What’s your idea?
If you have a concept that can transform the idea of what public lighting can mean and do then this contest is for you.

The contest theme is “Light for Humanity.” There are several key points that you should consider when designing your lighting creations.

According to the contest guidelines your entry should address how public lighting can serve as the following:

* A central gathering point
* A source and connection accessible to the entire community
* A realization that supports the vitality of social exchange
* A viable alternative to the use of other fuels (gasoline, wood, etc.).
* An economical design with regard to materials and components ….(3R), that is also aesthetically and culturally meaningful

General contest guidelines

* Anyone who is connected to or is interested in the industry of exterior ….lighting is eligible to enter
* If you are entering as part of a design firm you must have less than 5 ….years experience
* If you are entering as part of a team your firm must not have more ….than 5 employees

The rules state that your product/lighting submission may incorporate the following subject matter:

* Layout of public exterior spaces
* Objects or luminous systems for these spaces
* Advancement of the general knowledge concerning exterior lighting
* Development of the collective consciousness pertaining to a quality exterior lighting

Judging and Prizes
Entries will be judged according to the merits of each entry’s excellence in aesthetics, technology, environmental solutions, and theoretical application.

The following awards will be given to the winners:

* First Prize: $2,500 or a 12 weeks training course with the ….industrial design and engineering teams of Philips Lumec.
* Second Prize: $1,500
* Third Prize: $1,000

Contest links and other information
The following links provide additional contest details:

Official website
Full contest guidelines and rules
Online registration form

The deadline for entries is May 2, 2011. This contest is free to enter.

Illuminate yourself with graphic design school classes
Graphic design college can be the starting point of a career in interior and exterior design. You will learn the principles of using colors effectively, how to illustrate and make your ideas come to life, and the importance of artistic interpretation and technique.

If you are a graphic designer or involved in city planning, continued education classes are available at your graphic design school to help in the areas of design work.

If you are planning to attend a graphic design college, speak to your school counselor about the various career training options available to you.