The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival Poster Contest: A Celebration of Creativity

The Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival is a cherished tradition that draws tens of thousands of visitors to the stunning beaches of Coastal Alabama each year. For over 50 years, this festival has brought together a vibrant community of food lovers, art enthusiasts, and music fans. One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the highly anticipated Shrimp Festival Poster Contest, which invites artists to design the official poster for the event. This annual competition provides an incredible opportunity to leave your mark on one of Alabama’s most beloved celebrations. If you’ve ever considered submitting a design, now is the time to get creative and be a part of history.

A Long-Standing Tradition

The Shrimp Festival Poster Contest is more than just a chance to showcase your artistic skills; it’s a way to become part of a longstanding tradition. For more than five decades, artists have contributed their visions to represent the festival’s spirit. Each year, the winning poster design becomes the face of the event, appearing on everything from marketing materials and merchandise to promotional products and social media. With over 250,000 attendees expected, the poster will reach a broad audience, making it an incredible opportunity for any artist.

The contest is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers, who are deeply involved in the festival’s planning. This ensures that the final design is judged by people who truly understand what makes the festival special and what resonates with attendees. The winning design will not only be featured at the festival but will also be collected by festival-goers, making it a coveted piece of art that celebrates the unique atmosphere of the event.

A Cash Prize and More

The winning artist will receive a one-time cash prize of $1,000. This prize is a recognition of the time and talent that goes into creating a design worthy of such a high-profile event. However, the rewards don’t end with the prize money. The artist will also be invited to attend the festival for an autograph signing session on Saturday, October 11th, 2025. During this time, the winning artist will have the opportunity to meet festival attendees, sign posters, and be part of the excitement.

For artists under the age of 18, a parent or guardian’s signature will be required on the contract to receive the prize money. This ensures that younger artists have the full support of their family while participating in this exciting opportunity.

Design Requirements

While the Shrimp Festival Poster Contest encourages creativity, there are some important technical specifications to keep in mind when preparing your submission. The poster must be 18 inches horizontal by 24 inches vertical, leaving a border area for printing and framing. The artwork should be done on a medium that can easily be scanned and reproduced, such as poster board, paper, canvas, or another similar material. This ensures that the design can be reproduced clearly for marketing purposes.

When creating your design, please remember not to include your name or signature on the artwork itself. This is to ensure that all submissions are judged anonymously, giving each artist an equal opportunity to win based solely on the quality of the design.

Additionally, the committee requests that artists consider at least three t-shirt colors when designing their posters. When you submit your artwork, please include your suggested t-shirt colors, as this helps the committee determine how your design will look on various festival merchandise, such as shirts and hats.

Ownership and Usage of Artwork

It’s important to note that, if your design is chosen as the winner, you will relinquish ownership of the artwork. The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the Annual National Shrimp Festival will own the winning design outright. This means that the artwork can be used in any way the Chamber deems appropriate without further compensation to the artist. This includes using the design on marketing materials, festival merchandise, and promotional items for the event.

As part of the contest terms, the winning artist will be required to sign and number 100 prints of their design within 30 days of the request. These prints will be used for promotional purposes and to further celebrate the festival’s legacy.

Small Elements for Additional Merchandise

In addition to the main poster design, the winning artist will be asked to include additional small elements from the artwork that could potentially be used on official festival merchandise. These elements may be used on items such as hats, visors, or left-chest designs for t-shirts. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the opportunity, as it allows the artist to see their work featured on a variety of festival souvenirs.

Contest Details and Submission Guidelines

If you’re interested in entering the Shrimp Festival Poster Contest, here are the key details you need to know:

  • Artwork Size: 18 inches horizontal by 24 inches vertical (with border area)
  • Medium: Poster board, paper, canvas, or a medium that can be easily scanned and reproduced
  • Do Not Include Your Name or Signature: Keep your design anonymous during judging
  • T-shirt Colors: Consider at least three t-shirt colors when designing, and include your suggestions with the submission
  • Prize: The winning artist will receive a $1,000 cash prize
  • Age Restrictions: Artists under the age of 18 will need a parent’s signature on the contract to receive the prize money
  • Ownership: The winning design becomes the sole property of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and may be used in any way they see fit without additional compensation
  • Signatures: The artist will need to sign and number 100 prints of the artwork
  • Attendance Requirement: The winning artist is required to attend the festival on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 for a minimum of four hours to sign posters and merchandise for festival-goers

How to Submit Your Design

To enter, artists must submit their designs by noon on Friday, March 21st, 2025. Submissions can be made either by mail or in person, giving artists flexibility in how they submit their work. If you have any questions or need further clarification about the contest, don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve Jones at steve@mygulfcoastchamber.com or by phone at 251.968.5349.

Be a Part of Festival History

Entering the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival Poster Contest isn’t just about winning—it’s about becoming part of a longstanding tradition that celebrates the heart and soul of Coastal Alabama. The festival itself is an incredible community event, and the poster design is a central element that captures the energy and excitement of the entire weekend. Winning this contest is an opportunity to share your creativity with a vast audience and contribute to the legacy of one of Alabama’s most cherished festivals.

So, whether you’re an experienced artist or someone looking to take on a new creative challenge, the Shrimp Festival Poster Contest offers a platform for you to make your mark. With a cash prize, the chance to meet festival-goers, and the excitement of having your work become part of an iconic event, it’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. We can’t wait to see your designs and celebrate your contribution to the Gulf Shores Shrimp Festival!

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