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0 Call for Artists & Designers
1. Overview
The Meliorist Publishing Society is undertaking a comprehensive brand redesign to better reflect our mission, values, and evolving role within the University of Lethbridge and the broader Southern Alberta community.
This competition is a key component of that process, inviting creatives to contribute a bold, modern logo that represents The Meliorist’s identity as a student-driven, independent publication.
Deadline for submissions is May 4, 2026.
2. Project Goals
- Develop a distinctive and recognizable visual identity
- Reflect The Meliorist’s mission, values, and guiding philosophy
- Balance creativity with credibility (professional yet expressive)
- Ensure versatility across digital, print, and social platforms
- Provide opportunities for emerging and local creatives
3. Design Objective
We are looking for a logo that:
- Represents The Meliorist’s identity as a modern, student-driven publication
- Balances creativity and credibility
- Is unique, versatile, and scalable
- Works across print, digital, and social media platforms
- Reflects community, storytelling, and impact
4. Design Requirements
Design Components
Submissions should include:
- One primary logo concept
- Optional: secondary or alternate variations (e.g., simplified mark, icon, or alternate layout)
File Format & Quality
Files should be high-resolution and clear enough for evaluation across digital platforms. Designs must be submitted in one of the following formats:
- PNG
- JPEG (JPG)
Note: Vector files (e.g., AI, EPS, SVG) are not required at the submission stage but may be requested later if a design is selected for further development.
5. Originality & AI Use Policy
To ensure fairness, integrity, and alignment with The Meliorist’s values, all submissions must be original, human-created work.
All logo designs must be created solely by the entrant and must not:
- Be copied, traced, or derived from existing logos or artwork
- Include stock logos, templates, or pre-made assets
- Infringe on any copyrights, trademarks, or intellectual property
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
AI-generated logos are prohibited. Submissions created fully or primarily using generative AI tools will not be accepted. While designers may use professional tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, etc.), the creative process and final output must be human-led.
Verification: The Meliorist reserves the right to request proof of the design process (such as sketches, drafts, or working files) and to disqualify any submission that does not meet these requirements.
6. Eligibility
Open to:
- University of Lethbridge students (preferred)
- ULeth Alumni
- Community members
Applicants must be based in Canada, with priority given to Southern Alberta contributors.
7. Submissions
How to Submit
All submissions must be completed through the official Google Form:
🔗 https://forms.gle/cf2tkH5SABxNNPP77
If you are unable to submit through the Google Form due to technical issues, you may submit your entry via email:
📧 eic@themeliorist.ca
Submission Requirements
Please ensure your submission includes:
- Your name and contact information
- Logo file(s) in PDF, JPEG (JPG), or PNG format
- A short design rationale (50–300 words) explaining your concept
8. Public Voting Process
A public voting component will be included to support community engagement and gather audience feedback.
How It Works
- A shortlist of selected designs will be published online
- Voting will be open to students, alumni, and community members
- Each participant may submit one vote via an official online platform
Voting Integrity
- Duplicate, automated, or suspicious votes may be removed
- The Meliorist reserves the right to monitor and adjust the process to ensure fairness
Role of Public Voting
Public voting is intended to:
- Increase engagement and transparency
- Provide insight into audience preferences
Note: Public voting will inform, but not determine, the final decision. Final selection authority rests with The Meliorist’s leadership, with ultimate approval granted by the Board of Directors.
9. Timeline
- Competition Launch: April 13, 2026
- Submission Deadline: May 4, 2026
- Shortlist Notification: May 11, 2026
- Public Voting Period: May 12 – May 27, 2026
- Final Selection: June 1, 2026
10. Prizes
- 1st Place: $150
- 2nd Place: $75
- 3rd Place: $50
All winning designs will be featured across The Meliorist platforms.
11. Use of Winning Design & Future Development
Winning the competition does not guarantee that a submission will become the official logo of The Meliorist.
Further Development
If a design is selected for further development:
- The designer may be invited to participate in additional revisions
- This work will be separately scoped and compensated
No Guarantee Clause
The Meliorist reserves the right to:
- Not adopt any submission as the official logo
- Combine elements from multiple designs
- Commission additional design work outside of the competition
Participation in the competition does not constitute a contract for ongoing work.
12. Terms & Conditions
By submitting an entry, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
- The Meliorist reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to not select a winning design
- Winning the competition does not guarantee adoption as the official logo
- Additional revisions or work beyond the competition scope will be separately negotiated
- Submissions not meeting requirements may be disqualified
- You confirm you are the sole creator and rights holder of the work
- You grant The Meliorist a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use submissions for evaluation, promotion, and voting
- The Meliorist is not responsible for lost, late, or corrupted submissions
13. Questions
All questions can be directed to:
📧 eic@themeliorist.ca
14. Closing Statement
This is an opportunity to shape the future identity of a publication that has amplified student voices for nearly 60 years. We look forward to seeing creative interpretations of what The Meliorist can become!
To view the original post and download the PDF, please visit the following link: https://themeliorist.ca/2026/04/13/call-for-artists-logo-design-competition/
