Category Questions
Technical Problems
What To Enter
Who Can Enter
Series & Multiple Entries
International Issues
Interface, Digital & Multi-media Design
Money & Payment
Marketing
Judge & Jury
Criteria
Timing
Delivery & Pickup
Awards
Miscellaneous

Category Questions
What category do you suggest we enter under?  We have tried to create a very open entry system, for every possible type of design, so we have listed a large number of categories. Sometimes, a design may even fit more than one category. Don’t worry about choosing the “best” one when registering. Everything is judged on its merits. Designs are not judged within a category, but rather, in the context of our Criteria. There are no rigid divisions–categories are listed here so a designer feels that their work is appropriate and welcome. We can have any number of winners–or none in any given area. All depends on the work, and the design sensibility of jury. That’s why we work hard to find tough, fair and collegial judges.

Please explain the “World-changing” category. Aspirational designs that contribute to “betterment.” Might be a sun-powered lamp system, or water pump, or efficient new bus transit system… or a well-designed graphic that simply helps people get around, or makes them happy or more efficient or better informed.

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.

I am a little confused as to which “Design group” we belong to… any ideas? Which group do you think is correct for our design? 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 misplaced, they can move it to an area they think is better suited. The judges rule!

Technical Problems
Hi Spark! We’re having trouble creating our registration profile. We were successful at Log-In, but it won’t go any further. What gives?  We have “cookies,” that’s what gives. Your browser is probably set to block cookies, in it’s security settings. Go to the browser Options, find Security and allow all cookies. (We also suggest that you click the “clear all cookies and browsing history when I quit” button. Then turn off and restart your browser. It should work at this point.

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 Spark via the CONTACT form.

Our Firm would rather not put an individual designer on the entry form. Can we say “Design Team” instead? Yes– no problem. Just put “Design” in for first name, and “Team” for last name on the form. You may log in and change this yourselves.

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 50 word description of the design and how it exemplifies some (or all!) of the criteria and/or mission statement. You may also add a second description of up to 250 words. If you are submitting a website design, or video, put a link to that media in your My Submissions form. Also include 3 jpgs or screen “grabs.”

What to Enter?

What size should the entry images be? One mb maximum. We recommend that the first photo you upload is a square shape, because that is used in the Entry Gallery, and other shapes can distort. The second and third photos can be of any shape. JPG format only–no PNG or PDFs allowed.

I am a designer located in Canada, and I was really interested by the Spark Awards. Do you have a category for publications (Magazines)?  Yes– we’ve had many magazine design entries–including some great ones.

Can I pack all entries into ONE carton? It may help to save cost on delivery.Yes– no problem. But please list the contents on a packing slip or label on the side of the box.

Hey Spark– Where are the barcodes? Thanks! That’s old stuff now. Spark has a new system using QR codes and smartphones. No barcodes, yay!

Hi, Spark, do we ship our designs to the Croton address?… Also, if we are including a shipping label to have it returned to us, what would be the best estimate as to fill out for the shipment date? Thanks for Sparking! Answers below:
1. Heavens no! Do NOT ship to that address. Everything goes to our Jury site in San Francisco.
2. return dates vary. leave it blank– we’ll fill that field in
3. make sure the shipping return label is pre-paid or has your credit card info on it, includes insurance (your option) and the shipping box is reusable (many are not). Also, don’t use plastic junk or styro foam peanuts for packing materials. Think sustainable.

Hi Spark! I called RIOT Color Imaging (formerly ARC BPS), your suggested board-printing vendor, and they aren’t doing any printing until later in the year. Do I have to send a mounted image before the early or standard deadline? For Phase 1 we only need the low-res images you uploaded. For Phase 2 finalists, we’ll need those pix, plus display boards or better yet, actual work. This will be in early October. RIOT/ARC/BPS will be accepting spark entries as soon as Finalists are announced. Thanks for Sparking!

Dear Spark– we would like to include a video in our submission. How should we proceed?  Great question. We have a fine solution for all digital designs. In your My Submissions page, there’s a field for a Youtube link. Add a link to your film. Please do not upload the file to Spark or send it on a disc during Phase I. It can’t be viewed. Only use Youtube. Vimeo and the other services can NOT be used in our system. Check out our Youtube channel >HERE

Is the write-up description that we supplied during the submission process available to the judges to read during the judging process? Yes—we’ll have all the submitted materials available for the judges. It’s good to also include a hard-copy of your description with your physical entry, too. (But keep it short!) Could be a laminated card, etc., something sturdy. If it’s separate, consider attaching it to the design, like a hang-tag so it doesn’t get lost.

I am living in Istanbul… for the jury, I am thinking about using a presentation board, But how can I get it to Spark in time?  Hi Stambul! There are several good reprographic companies in SF that can produce these. Try a Google search. We like ARC. They are not part of spark, but do a good job. You send them a file, preferred size and credit card payment. They make a nice board and deliver it to Spark. Presto Besto!

I am entering a poster 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 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.

I modified our entry pdf file to a .jpg for uploading. However, I would like to keep the other two images as .pdf files. Is this a problem? Yes—big problem, the system will not display pdf’s, and thus the judges can’t review them. Please convert to jpgs. A good photo editor like Photoshop will do this.

The design i want to participate with is a part of a interior design. Can an entry contain a product that we send as another entry?  Yes–no problem!

Who Can Enter?
Hello!  I want to join in the competition with my friends. Is there limit on number of members on a team?  No limits. Spark On!

I am interested in entering my graduate thesis in the spark competition, however I graduated in May 2009 so I’m not currently a student. Can I still enter at the student rate, since it was a student project? Yep–no problem! but only in Spark:Concept, since this is not a produced or built design.

Series & Multiple Entries
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 US$100 for any number of series pieces. In the case of over-size or over-weight entries, to avoid extra handling charges send one representative design as your exhibit, and the remaining designs of the series as images.

How much do we need to pay for multi-piece 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. Each one needs to be paid separately, or by special arrangement with Spark.

We designed a promotional event for client that ran for a month, in every store in India. Also they had billboards across all the major cities.  Does this apply for a series entry? If yes then how would we capture so many design elements and upload them? This is indeed a series–if you did all the work. In Phase I, upload 3 different pix of the work, and describe it in the comments section. Mention the array of work and media utilized. If you go to Phase II, you may show more of the work then.

International Issues
We would like to know if it makes sense to apply for the spark awards having an multimedia solution with interfaces in German? Any language is OK, but please provide an English-language translation for our judges. A written one is fine.

We’re a small company, so here is no English speaker now.  But, we want to try this award. If we could enter 2nd stage, then we will employ the person who understand English well. Before employ the person I’m in charge of English. First, we do our best! Your best is very good indeed! Thanks for your interest in our great adventure, Spark.

Interface, UE, UX & Digital
A short video is the best way to understand our product, so we’re wondering if it is possible to send you a cd or dvd?  Great question. We have a fine solution for all digital designs. In your My Submissions page, there’s a field for a Youtube link. Add a link to your film. Please do not upload the file to Spark or send it on a disc during Phase I. It can’t be viewed. Only use Youtube. Vimeo and the other services can NOT be used in our system.

Will submitted digital images be printed out, or viewed on a monitor?  Viewed on a computer monitor.

Money & Payment Questions
How are the overall costs calculated in case I win an award? You are responsible for shipping, insurance, etc. If you become a Finalist, there is a “hanging fee” just for those entries. If you win a top award (Bronze, Silver, Gold or Spark), there is a Winners Circle Services Package at extra cost. Please note–all our fees are far less than the other big competitions!

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 4 weeks prior to late deadline.

Hello, I was wondering if Is there a cash award for winning the Sparkawards? Like most of the other major competitions, designers enter Spark to get their work into the public eye. It is the main means of promoting their skillset, and getting more assignments. Movie stars don’t get cash at the Oscars–they get to work in more movies.

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.

I am trying to submit my projects for the Spark Awards, but you do not accept American Express. How do I proceed from here? Sorry–their fees were just too expensive for young Spark. Please use Mastercard, Visa, JCB, Diners Club or Paypal. If you’re in US/Canada, it’s even better to send a check. Please make it out to Spark Awards and send to: 36 Lounsbury Rd, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. You can register on line anytime and upload your pix and copy. Send us a note when finished and we’ll approve the financial side after the check has cleared. Voila!

Marketing
When and for how long can the winner’s logo be used in our marketing communications?  If you have paid your Winners Circle Services feem (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.

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.

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, as long as supplies last. Please send an e-mail to info @ sparkawards.com with your address and the number that you would like.

Judge & Jury
How many works are chosen as winners in this event? There are no limits to how many are awarded in each level or category. It could be zero or many. This is entirely up to the judges.

Criteria Questions
Do our entries necessarily have to fulfill both criteria together? No, but judges are hoping–and looking for the best. Focus on your design’s merits. Any single criteria might win.

Timing Questions
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 now. 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 in Spark>Concept.”)

Does the submission need to be made at the time of registration? Is it possible to get information on the uploading method of submission material before the actual submission? You can register once, and then go back and enter as many submissions as you want later—up until the final deadline.

We have a Spark coupon we’d like to use. It expires soon, but our design is not quite finished. What to do? Enter and pay the fee, and apply the coupon before it expires. You can put in design samples during the process, and change them later with the final design.

Our new campaign is due for launch in December, after the SparkAwards. Does the fact that it will only be on sale from October exclude it from the current awards program? Not at all. Your design is in  “pre-production” and totally acceptable. Congratulations on your launch!

Delivery & Pickup Questions
Where should Finalists ship their work? We only need physical entry materials from Spark>Product; Spark>Communication, Spark>Mobility and Spark>Spaces entrants. We do not need anything from Spark>Concept entrants except for the images and descriptions, uploaded to the website.

DELIVERY ADDRESS
Spark Awards, c/o:
Autodesk Design Gallery
1 Market Street, Ste 200
San Francisco, CA 94105-1306
USA

Contact Person for Deliveries: Albert Hoffman, Albert.Hoffman@autodesk.com: 415.420.1463
Contact Person for All Else: Spark, +1.914.481.6106

Will my model be returned after the judging? Only if you put a Fedx or UPS number into the entry form, or include a prepaid slip with your design. You may also make arrangements to pick up, or have your designs picked up. Display boards are not returned, although with prior arrangement, they may also be picked up.

We’re certainly open to taking care of any details or expenses related to the shipping of our physical products back to us, but do you have a preferred service that you go through (such as UPS or FedEx)? Or do you not use a service at all? How do you anticipate the return shipping process will work? We don’t have a preferred service–wish we did. Many entrants use a “white glove” shipping service, which delivers, uncrates and takes the crate back to their warehouse., then returns and does the reverse. Another approach–ask a local friend to come by and do the same. Finally, you could hire one of our college interns. Friendly and cheap! Do try to use UPS, Fedx or DHL, since they are familiar with our loading dock and have proper insurance credentials. If you use another service, please notify us in advance.

I have a beautiful, but fragile pre-production model I’d like to submit. What kind of precautions should I take? Omigosh–don’t! Spark can’t be responsible for breakage. Competitions are hard on stuff. Think of all the un-boxing, moving, setting up displays, judges handling, re-boxing–not to mention the woes of shipment. No, this is not the place for fragile. Send something robust, or else send a nice board depicting the design. And insure it! And pack it very well.

Awards Questions
May we ask where will the Award winning celebration be held? The Celebration and launch of the exhibition will be in San Francisco, at the Autodesk Design Gallery. It won’t be a typical awards show, more a happy gathering of people who believe Design Can Make A Difference, and a first chance for entrants, winners, VIP’s and Press to view the winning designs.

I went through the homepage and was deeply impressed by the competition. What kind of media exposure, online exhibition, yearbook or other benefits do entrants get? Do you charge any fees concerning the above benefits? Good questions—in a nutshell: there is extensive media coverage of Spark, and publicity towards that end. Media outlets have included Curve Magazine and the great websites, Yanko, Dexigner, Product Design Hub, ArchNewsNow, Bustler, Archinect, Death By Architecture and many more. We have a permanent exhibition at the Autodesk Design Gallery in San Francisco, and traveling exhibitions in Guangzhou and Shanghai, with Taipei and Seoul possible in 2013. We also have long-term, searchable archive-galleries of all entries on the website, and new for 2011, the Spark Yearbook. Yes, of course we have to charge a fee for all of these winners benefits, but it is less than 1/6th the charge of the least expensive major European competition.

Miscellaneous Questions
I need to replace the switching adapter for Halley desk lamp.. I would greatly appreciate your assistance.  We’re a design competition. like the Oscars… we don’t do switches… sorry.

I have an idea, but am not sure how to put my idea in motion. I am regrettably not an engineer or anything of the sort, and I have no idea how to get this product rolling. Any information that you can provide me will be greatly appreciated.  We always suggest contacting a local design teacher at a college. They know the ropes!

I still have questions! OK, send Spark your questions via e-mail to the CONTACT form above, or call Spark at +1-914-481-6106.