2025 DBF
Design Contest
20 Years of Stories
The Decatur Book Festival is turning 20, and we want YOU to help us celebrate this milestone with a bold, beautiful design that captures the joy, energy, and community spirit of two decades of storytelling in Decatur.
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The winning artwork will be featured on the official 2025 festival T-shirt, posters, digital platforms, and printed materials—seen by thousands of festivalgoers, readers, and community members. Let your art be part of this unforgettable anniversary!
2025 Theme: “20 Years of Stories”
This year’s theme honors two decades of shared stories, ideas, voices, and community celebration. Imagine books bursting like fireworks, characters dancing through the crowd, or pages opening into scenes of joy and imagination.
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Your design should capture the celebratory energy of a 20th birthday—bright, inclusive, and full of literary magic.
What We're Looking For
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A vertical design that can be featured on T-shirts, posters, flyers, and digital media
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A clear celebration of our 20th anniversary – include the phrase “20 Years of Stories” or “20th Anniversary”
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Visuals that reflect community, diversity, storytelling, imagination, and celebration
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Maximum of 10 solid colors
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Use Pantone (PMS) colors if possible, or be prepared to identify them if selected
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Vector-friendly design suitable for screen printing
Technical Requirements
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Submit as a high-res PNG or JPG (300 dpi, vertical orientation)
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If chosen, you’ll be required to provide the artwork as a vector file (.AI, .EPS, or SVG)
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Avoid gradients and tiny details that won’t translate well in screen printing
What You’ll Win
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$500 cash prize
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Your design featured on official 2025 festival merchandise, posters, and digital platforms
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Recognition on our website and social media
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Spotlight opportunity at our 20th anniversary celebration
Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is July 1, 2025. Please submit your design here.
Final Notes
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Keep your audience in mind—DBF welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and reading tastes
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We’re looking for work that feels modern yet timeless, bold but readable, and joyful without being cliché
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We love fresh interpretations—don't be afraid to surprise us!
