ABOUT THE AWARD
Open to package designers around the world, the 2008 FTA Graphic Design Awards recognizes the outstanding graphic achievements of those who support and utilize the flexographic printing process. Through awards such as this, FTA encourages innovation and quality and acknowledges the importance of graphic design as it relates to a product’s success. Submit your entries today for the 2008 FTA Graphic Design Awards!

ELIGIBILITY
All companies, designers, flexographic printers, print buyers, and students at graphic arts schools who develop designs to be used in the flexographic printing process are invited to participate in the 2008 FTA Graphic Design Awards. Everyone is encouraged to participate - whether or not you are an FTA Member.

Please use the following criteria to determine eligibility:

• All entries must incorporate flexography as a major printing element in the packaging design.
• An entry may be submitted by the customer or printer on behalf of a graphic designer, with the designer’s permission.
• All entries must have been produced for a production run of an actual market product.
• Entries from tests, sample runs, and mock-ups are ineligible.
• All entries must have been printed between January 1 – December 31, 2007.
• Entries may not be self-promotional, unless it is a student award.
• All entries must have the customer’s (print buyer) approval for entry.
• FTA reserves the right to use entries for promotional purposes.

ENTRY CATEGORIES

L.1.a- Labels
L.2.a- Film
L.3.a- Paper/Paperboard
L.4.a- Direct Print Corrugated
L.5.a- Student

JUDGING CRITERIA
All entries will be judged according to the following guidelines:
 
1. Design Quality - Designs will be judged on aesthetic value and presentation of the finished product. The context of the design in relation to the structure or die cut will also be judged.

2. Design for Print Capabilities - Clever or creative considerations and approaches to print elements will be judged using the following criteria:

• Use of line color
• Use of specified printable line screens (45-65 lpi, 85-100 lpi)
• Registration and trap capabilities
• Use of illustrations and photography relating to print parameters
• Type, font considerations
• Halftone manipulation
• Number of colors used for print
• Using substrate characteristics to the design’s advantage
• Creativity with color stipulations (duotones, enhanced separations, etc.)

3. Meeting Marketing Objectives - Did the design…

• Address the client concerns?
• Meet the client’s objectives based on the target market?
• Favorably effect customer sales or resolve a problem?
• Include an appropriate package that fulfilled the client’s goals?

DEADLINE
All entries must be received no later than January 11, 2008. The 2008 FTA Graphic Design Awards winners will be notified by the end of February 2008. A formal presentation will be held at the FFTA 2008 Annual Forum & INFO*FLEX Exhibition, April 27-30, in Dallas, Texas. The award winners will also be featured in an exclusive article in FLEXO® Magazine’s Awards issue.

At the discretion of the judges, a Gold, Silver or Honorable Mention Award may be given in each category, with a Best of Show chosen from among the gold winners.

ENTRY FEE
Payment must be sent with the entries. The entry fee is $30.00 per entry.

WHAT TO SEND
All entries must submit the following:

• The actual printed piece as it would appear on the shlef (i.e. a wine label must be on a bottle) or send a color photo or comp/mock-up of complete package.
• An additional flat printed package, label, etc.
• A brief explanation of the marketing objectives.
• Optional - If the product is an integral part of the package, please submit the package with the product inside (Non-perishable only).

We regret that entries cannot be returned.

HOW TO SEND YOUR ENTRY

• Each entry msut be accompanied by a completed entry form.
• Include the apprpriate entry fee(s).
• Overseas entrants sen via air courier (e.g. Federal Express, UPS, DHL, etc.)
• On the outside of the entry package write "Printed Matter - No Commercial Value" 
  

WHERE TO SEND YOUR ENTRY
Flexographic Technical Association
Attn: 2008 FTA Graphic Design Awards
900 Marconi Avenue
Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 USA

QUESTIONS?
Contact Shelley Rubin at 631-737-6020 x36