Design Contest Details • 1 + Helvetica
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Started: August 31, 2007 Ended: November 1, 2007 Sponsor: Artevist | ![]() |
CONTEST DESCRIPTION
This year the Helvetica typeface marked its 50th anniversary, and love it or loathe it, most graphic artists can't escape it. Over-used and over-rated, maybe, but there's no denying it is has prevailed because of its efficient simplicity, cross-cultural adaptability and because corporate 'suits' like it.
If Helvetica is so efficient, we'd like to put it to work on some T-shirts. We want it to tackle some of the grittiest issues facing the world, and we want to do it through Numbers – raw, basic, facts and figures that unsettle and illustrate in graphic terms the enormity, gravity or just plain stupidity of a situation. We want to see Helvetica in a new light. Be bold. Be different. Be irreverent.
Why "1+ Helvetica"? Simple, it's our first contest, it's all about numbers, and because one person (you!) and great design can make a difference.
About Helvetica
For a basic history of Helvetica, have a look at the Wikipedia article or this BBC News item. If you're a real typofile, then check out the film Helvetica by Gary Hustwit, co-produced by Swiss Dots and Veer.
CONTEST GUIDELINES
We're looking for a one-sided, T-shirt design, using the submissions guidelines found to your right. We've put up some examples of issues ideas already, but 'your' Helvetica number can be on any issue you like. We'll choose 2-4 designs depending on the quality of submissions, and if the contest proves obscenely popular, we may extend it.
What You Can Do
- Any global issues topic of your choice.
- You must express it using Helvetica numeral(s) – any version, any font, and you can do anything you want to it, but it should still be recognizable as Helvetica.
- Words in any language can be added.
- You must include the source of your information.
What You Can't Do
- Read our User Agreement on prohibited content, as it's all there. Basically, just be nice and don't give a lawyer a reason to call you.
SUBMITTED DESIGNS
Why is Artevist different from other
T-shirt websites?
- US$700 for the right to use your work for a period of two years.
- 7% Royalty on all T-shirts sold with your design, with no upper limit. If we sold 1,000 T-shirts, that's about $2,800 in your pocket!
- 100% Retained Ownership of your work.
- Reproduction only on high quality, eco-friendly fibres, using low-impact printing methods.
- Two free T-shirts, and additional ones at 1/2 price.
Most of all, Artevist is a place to:
- Express and share your views on BIG Issues.
- Gain international exposure and recognition.
- Meet and work with nonprofit organizations.
- Contribute to nonprofit causes with your work.












