Call for Design Proposals: Commemorative Patch

Project Overview:

The Garrett County Arts Council is seeking an artist to create a design to be made into an embroidered patch for the 2024-2025 Garrett Arts Passport Program.  A patch design is selected each year, with the intention to create a commemorative prize for collecting stamps with the Garrett Arts Passport Booklet.

Patch Specifications:

No larger than 4 inches on the longest side.

Can be custom shape, does not have to be square or rectangle.

Text should be kept to a minimum
Full color, No color limits but be mindful that this is not a design for print medium, final product is embroidered.  Subtle color changes, fine details, and shading does not translate.

Content Restrictions:

No religious or political content.  No copyrighted, trademarked, or branded material, including slogans, images, logos, or characters.  No elements created through a kit or with generative AI.

Design Theme:

Garrett County Arts & Cultural Heritage

Artists who wish to be considered will submit:

Introductory Email

All submissions for consideration should be directed via email to Visual Arts Manager Rachel Precht at rachel@garrettarts.org.

Please include your name and pronouns, your Garrett County address, and anything you would like for us to know about you. 

Please attach all materials you would like to be considered as part of the application.  Links to hosting sites such as Google Drive, Imgur, or Dropbox are not accepted.  Please make sure any attachments are in the following formats:  .pdf, .png, .jpg, .jpeg, .docx.

Design Concept

Artists will submit a design concept for the patch. This includes a brief written explanation of the concept as well as supplemental images or sketches.

Statement (Written Explanation)

Tell us what your idea is.  Designs, colors, symbols chosen should be explained in the written portion of the concept statement.  How does this relate to Garrett County’s Arts & Cultural Heritage?  Why is yours the best design for this year’s patch?

Sketch or Supplemental Images

A sketch to illustrate and communicate the thoughts expressed in your statement.

Examples of Previous Work

Artists will submit 3-5 examples of previous work in the same style to prove consistency and proficiency with their proposed medium.

Because final deliverable from artist is a digital file, proficiency with submitting digital files will also be a factor in selection.  Correct formatting, good resolution, color balance, etc.

Project Timeline:

November 25th 2024:  Artist Proposal Deadline
December 2024: Proposal Selection
December 2024 – January 2025 : Artist Contract Signed
March 10, 2025:  Artist Deliverable Deadline: Image File or PDF

Artist is not responsible for creation of actual patch, just the design & image file.

Final Submission Format:

Digital file:  Digital file must be at least 300dpi for print and presented in the form of a .png, .jpg, or .pdf .  SVG, PSD, .clip, etc. are not suitable.

If file is too large to be sent via email, a free image transfer service like WeTransfer can be used or GCAC will provide a Google Drive link for the artist to upload.

Artist Compensation

Artist Honorarium $300.00
Artist will be paid upon receipt of final image.  Must provide address for check.

Artists will retain full rights to their image, with GCAC purchasing the rights to display the image publicly with credit to the artist as well as permission to create a limited run of embroidered iron-on patches.  GCAC may use the image for promotional purposes.

Submission Deadline: Monday, November 25th

Artists are encouraged to think creatively and consider the contents of the Garrett Arts Passport.  Arts & Cultural Heritage events across the county will be featured within the booklet via stamps, and this patch is to be presented to those who have attended multiple events, collected stamps, explored and enjoyed Garrett County.  The inspiration behind the Garrett Arts Passport Program is the National Parks Passport program.  Consider the medium, and reference embroidered patches that appeal to you for inspiration.

All submissions for consideration should be directed via email to Visual Arts Manager Rachel Precht at rachel@garrettarts.org.

For any questions or further details, please contact Visual Arts Manager Rachel Precht (rachel@garrettarts.org).

The 2023-2024 Passport Program patch was designed by Emily Elmlinger.