get real.
Call for Entries.
The Real Show is a student design competition giving college students the opportunity to solve real-life communication design problems. Real competition, real projects, and real deadlines.
We invite students to enter the 2024 competition. We want to see your solutions to actual problems that designers were asked to solve in their professional practice. A distinguished jury of local designers and educators will judge entries.
To enter, students are to choose one of the problems below and create their solution within the limitations described. Students may collaborate with another student, and enter as many projects as
they wish.
Entries due
April 7, 2024.
FREE TO ENTER!
In March 1975, the Art Director’s Club of Metropolitan Washington held their first
The Real Show. The Real Show was an annual competition giving college students the opportunity to solve real-life communication design problems. The idea was simple: give “real-world” design problems to local design students for them to solve in their own way. Students take the challenge of real competition, real projects, and real deadlines.
Eligibility
All undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university are eligible to participate.
Due date
Submissions will be accepted starting in March 2024. The deadline for submissions is April 7, 2024.
Judging
The judges will be looking at concept, design, and execution. After judging is complete, professors will be notified as to who the winners are.
Winners
All winners included in the show will receive an Award of Merit. There will also be Gold, Silver, and Award of Excellence winners.
Exhibition
Exhibition details are to come.
The Projects
Project 1
Branding
Design a logo and a dynamic and flexible brand identity for The Bridge Initiative.
Download assets.
Project 2
Annual Report
Design an annual report for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Download assets.
Project 3
Packaging
Design a brand identity for Blackwater Distilling and packaging for their two flagship spirits: Sloop Betty Vodka & Picaroon Rum.
Download assets.
