In 2023, Localworks began a new tradition of a button designing contest to go along with our annual summer festival, Ridgefest. This year, we are excited to announce that we will be continuing this tradition! Beginning March 1, we will be seeking illustrations to be entered into our contest! The winning design will be utilized as both a functional and fashionable accessory at Ridgefest 2024. We want to encourage everyone to submit something! Multiple entries are encouraged as well. The contest will take place over the months of March and April; all designs will need to be submitted by Tuesday, April 30th by 5:00 p.m. to be considered in our contest.
For those who would like to participate, we encourage you to design at your leisure as there will be no advantage to turning in a design early. From there, Sweet Ridge Studios, Localworks staff and events committee will review all entries and pick a winner based on how the illustrator captures the theme. This year the theme is “Putting Down Roots.” A cash prize of $200 will be awarded to the creator of the winning design, which will be reproduced on the official 2024 Ridgefest button and other promotional materials. Every member of the community has the opportunity to receive a button either prior to the festival or at the event, and will be able to take these home as a keepsake! Localworks has also created an archive of the button winners to be looked back on for years to come.
After the buttons are created, they will be spread out throughout the community at various local businesses. All buttons are free of charge, but a donation of $3 is recommended. All donations toward the buttons will go directly back into Clear Creek Makerspace programming. The location of the buttons will be released closer to the date of the event once all participating businesses are finalized. Those attending the event can also pick up a button at the Sweet Ridge Studios booth, or Clear Creek Makerspace (CCM) booth located within the Makers on the Ridge section of the event. At the Sweet Ridge Studios booth, there will be a fun activity where you can color, press, and create your own button. The possibilities are endless!
How do I create a successful entry? The main parameter for the contest is that the design must incorporate this year’s theme. The 2024 Ridgefest theme is “Putting Down Roots.” Think homegrown, Wheat Ridge’s agricultural roots, and what about Wheat Ridge makes you proud to call this place your home. You can find a premade circle template on www.wearelocalworks.org; however you can also create your own circle to design on as long as it is no larger than 11 inches in diameter. Please be aware that the winning entry will be reduced to fit on a 2.25 inch button. There is no limit on the number of colors you can use; however, for a clear image, please use a white background! All artwork must be original. Original computer-generated graphics are permitted, but clip art will not be accepted. You are welcome to provide a brief description of your design, although it’s not necessary! The design itself is meant to capture the theme.
A full list of requirements and information about Ridgefest can be found at www.wearelocalworks.org.
