FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much do we need to pay for multi-product submission under one company's name? Will that be considered one entry? Or do we need to pay for each one?
Each design is considered a separate entry, unless they are part of a clearly linked series or campaign, such as a line of similarly designed kitchen appliances, or an ad campaign where the theme or look is the same, but the ad sizes are different. (See next Q&A)

Can a product or communications series or campaign be registered with one registration or are several registrations necessary? Most types of series can be submitted with one registration and the entrant will be charged a single Series/Campaign registration fee—this will incur a one-time fee of $50.. In the case of over-size or weight entries, to avoid extra handling charges send one representative design as your exhibit, and the remaining designs of the series as images.

Is the Series fee of $50 only be for phase one? And would we be required to send all physical pieces of the series for phase 2 judging?  The line consists of a crib, toddler bed, dresser, nightstand, and bookshelf.  We would like to enter the line as a whole, but would prefer to only have to ship one piece as the larger pieces would have to be assembled on site.  Is there support available for such assembly? It's $50 each phase, for any number of additional pieces. You are not required to send them all--but if you can, it's more impressive. No, sorry, we can't assemble it ourselves. However, we always have willing young interns who will do so for a reasonable fee. (Some things are monsters to assemble, so they can't be responsible. Best idea, fly in for the set-up, use our helpers as hands and oversee their work. Then visit Frisco!

Our new product is due for launch in October, after the '08 SparkAwards. Does the fact that it will only be on sale from Oct exclude it from the current awards program? Not at all. You product is in  "pre-production" and totally acceptable. Congratulations on your launch!

 Courtesy, Automobile Magazine

We would like to submit under the Architecture Category. Would several complete designs for a single actual site be correctly submitted as a "series?" Thanks. Good question! First time for that one. We say yes. The linkage is the assignment. It will make for a fascinating story of your (and the Client's) process.

I would like to promote Spark to our staff. Are you able to supply posters or other materials for distribution? Spark is delighted to send either bulk posters or Spark postcards (in English) for staff or students. Please send an e-mail to info @ sparkawards.com with your address and the number that you would like. Supplies are limited.

Can prototypes be submitted to the competition? Yes, prototypes, pre-production and concept designs may be entered in any category. They will be judged on their merits, primarily against other prototypes or concepts.

How are the overall costs calculated in case I win an award? You are responsible for shipping, insurance, etc. Otherwise, your entry fee largely covers your expenses, unless you opt for the Marketing Services Package at extra cost. Winners actual work may be displayed (or large format images) at the Awards Exhibition. Marketing Services Package purchasers may opt for more elaborate displays at extra cost.

When and for how long can the winner's logo be used in our marketing communications? If you have chosen to participate in the Marketing Services Package program (which licenses the use of the SparkMark logo), you may use the SparkMark as soon as you receive your notification of winning. The SparkMark can be utilized as long as the original design is being featured, sold, marketed or published. Please inquire for details.

May I enter our high end Headphones in the Consumer product category? If yes, Do you look more at the design or technical side of the product? Yes, your headphones are a perfect entry in that category. Our jury is multi-disciplinary and changes each year. We do emphasize design, although this year we have added Design Engineering as an area of consideration.

Publicity: When can the winning of an award be publicly announced? For a uniform release of information, we ask winners to wait until the Awards Exhibition premiere before announcing their winning of the award. However, should you have planned a special occasion, please let us know—exceptions are possible.

Cold Feet: We've had a change in plans— is it possible to cancel our entry and get a refund? Yes and no, of course! Yes, hurrah—refunds are available, but there is a $10 handling fee. No, sorry, not after August 1, 2008.

When Again: Can I send in our entry? Can I send it to you today? If you have gone through the entry process and paid your fee, just hold tight.  The entries themselves will not be accepted prior to the collection date for your category. We'll confirm the days and exact shipment address with you by email.

Tech Support: Hello from the UK. We're having a spot of trouble with the online entry form--how shall we proceed? Sorry-- bugs happen. Call us at: +0191-4481-6106 or email: entries @ sparkawards.com.

Category Placement: I am a little confused as to which "Design group" we belong to... any ideas? (Glass interiors material.) Which group do you think is correct for our products? And which group for the design software? In your case, Architecture and/or Kitchen & Baths in General Categories and/or Architecture in the Public Sector Categories. We really don't have a technology category (yet), but we're listening... The Categories are meant more as guidelines than hard and fast divisions. The judges will pick the best designs. Could choose 20 Sparks in a given category and none in the next. If a nominee is mis-placed, they can move it to an area they think is better suited. The judges rule!

May We Enter? I am entering a conceptual product in another design competition around the same time as this competition. Can I enter a product in the Spark Awards that I am also entering in another competition?  Yes, Spark welcomes your entries. The Spark criteria and premise are complementary to, not competitive with other design competitions. You should, if possible, enter both. Otherwise, let your design intuition and heart guide you!

I notice that you are implementing a new phased entry process. As I represent an architectural firm, how would the "physical" viewing of phase II be accomplished? Buildings have been submitted in many media-- but clearly not full-size! 2D mounted boards, 3d software simulations, video "fly-overs" and models are the most common.

Will the submitted images be printed or viewed on a monitor? Viewed on a computer.

I know there is a maximum of 3 images, but what should be the file format (jpeg, pdf..), file size and the size in centimeters or pixels? 5" x 5" (12.7cm x 12.7cm) 72 dpi, JPG ONLY. Also your company, designer or design's name and appropriate link and the mission statement or description--up to 500 words. The pix dimensions are approximate, depending on format (square, rectangular, etc.). No large files please.

I would like to send you also my project documentation (pdf format with about 100 pages – 34 MB ). Is it possible? No. The judges are very busy during this process and unable to deal with this level of detail. If we need further documentation, we will contact you.

Is there a place on the entry forms requiring descriptive text of the item entered? and if so, what are the specifications and/or limitations of the text? Yes, we request a good clear description of the design and how it exemplifies some (or all!) of the criteria and/or mission statement. 500 words max.

Good Student Question: I have a design piece that I created as a student. I have since graduated, but can provide documentation that I was a student when I created it. May I submit it, and receive the discounted rate? Also, only one original was created. Can I submit photos of the project? Yes, you may enter your design. In the event that you win, you would have to prove student status at time of the design's creation to receive the award. Whenever possible, we encourage the submittal of the actual design, or model of it. If impossible, photography, et al will be permitted. Please note-- no designs should be submitted prior to the delivery date. Delivery address will be sent to each Phase II Candidate.

I am an architecture student from Brasil-- are international students eligible to participate in the competition? Yes--all designers everywhere are welcome. We accept payment by credit cards or by bank wire transfer when necessary. Your work will be entered directly online in Phase I. For Phase II, a model, the actual design or mounted displays are suggested.

Timing Question: I have created a book cover design that has not yet been published, should I wait till next year after publication or can I enter on the soul creation of but not the use of my design? Enter in 08. This would be called "Pre-production" design in the car biz. You can state the ultimate use in your entry materials. (If it wasn't destined for production, it still may be entered under "Concept Design.")

More Timing: I am a few years out of Grad School. I would like to submit my design but truly cannot afford the entry fee. Can I send $50--all I can scratch up? If I didn't believe that you would be impressed with my design, I wouldn't bother asking!  We definitely commiserate-- but no can do. It wouldn't fair to other designers. You might look for a local sponsor. Call it X-Design by Mack and the Local Auto Shoppe.

Re: I.D... Many competitions require that entries be anonymous. I’m gathering that our presentation materials can identify our team and firm, since the binder, individual pieces and discs are to be clearly labeled--Yes? Yes, Phase Two Candidates should label submissions and MAKE SURE to securely tape your printed out barcode to the back of the design... (We decided that Design is a pretty transparent business. It's often common knowledge who does what, who the clients are, etc., thanks to the web.)

Will my model be returned after the judging? No models or other submissions will be returned by Spark. You may make arrangements to pick up, or have your designs picked up, if you handle the expense and details.

I would like some more infromation for the "world changing" category please.Where can i find examples of previous winners of this category? This is the first year we've explicitly asked for entries in this area, so there are not general winners to point to. We do have some great examples in the Jury's Focus Awards area: (http://www.sparkawards.com/Whats_New/Jury_Focus_Awards.htm). As with all categories, the large, multi-disciplinary jury will discuss, advocate and debate the entries that best meet the Spark criteria: (http://www.sparkawards.com/Call_for_Entries/Criteria.htm). Then they'll vote.

I still have questions! OK, Send Spark Your Question Via E-mail: info @ sparkawards.com (remove spaces before sending) Or Call Spark Toll Free: 866-846-6715. (International callers: +1-914-481-6106.)