Hand Drawn Poster Contest Rules
- Traditional hand-drawn posters should be scanned and uploaded as a PDF.
- PDF file name format is: State_CategoryCode_Grade_LastName_FirstInitial – Example: Maryland_HD_10-12_Stanley_M If the format is incorrect, the auto sort will disqualify the poster. Please ensure you use an underscore and not a dash. The HD stands for hand-drawn.
- Scanned files should be flat, straight, and cropped.
- Any traditional media may be used, including paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper, or other materials. Mixed media art is welcome.
- Posters must be created by an individual student-team projects are not permitted. Tracing or copying from photographs or other artists' works is not allowed.
- The 2026 Stewardship theme phrase, "Soil. Where it All Begins," must be included in full on the front of each poster to be eligible for the national contest.
- Poster Evaluation Criteria:
- Conservation Message (50%): The poster effectively conveys the theme and clear conservation message.
- Visual Effectiveness (30%): The design is eye-catching, well-organized, and visually appealing.
- Originality (10%): The poster demonstrates creativity and fresh ideas.
- Universal Appeal (10%): THe design should appeal to a broad audience and be easily understood.