Requirements
General requirements
- Artwork dimensions should be no larger than 38 cm X 50 cm (15 inches X 20 inches) and no smaller than 28 cm X 43 cm (11 inches X 17 inches). However, the participants aged 5 to 11 may use a smaller paper size, minimum 21.5 cm X 28 cm (8.5 inches X 11 inches).
- Three-dimensional artworks are not permitted. Items such as sparkles, micro beads, feathers, and so on, cannot be included in the design.
- Computer-generated art is permitted. Please submit a hard copy of the artwork (see above for permissible paper sizes) along with a separate sheet listing the technical specifications, including the file format (TIFF files, EPS files, and PDF files in high resolution are acceptable) as well as the name of the software used to produce the artwork. The use of clip art and photos is not permitted.
- All artworks, including computer-generated art must be original designs that have not been published previously.
Artwork requirements:
1. Artwork must reflect this year’s theme, 1812: The Fight for Canada
Tip 1 - Theme
Combine your imagination and talents to draw a poster that highlights this year’s theme,
1812 : The Fight for Canada.
On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain and its North American provinces in what today is called Eastern and Central Canada. Regular British troops, assisted by a diverse population of Canadians and First Nations allies, held back American invasions for more than two years.
Peace negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814, which confirmed the border that had existed before the conflict.
Young people like you lived through that period. Have fun drawing the places, events and people and the lifestyles of the time. Think of how the British, American, and Canadian soldiers and their First Nations allies were dressed.
For inspiration, do not forget to take the quiz at the end of this brochure and to visit the Government of Canada website that commemorates the War of 1812 at www.1812.gc.ca.
2. The use of symbols of Canada is encouraged.
Tip 2 - Symbols
Show us what Canada means to you. Draw a poster that tells the important stories of our past. Illustrate how those stories shaped the Canada of today!
Canada has many symbols that are recognized here at home and around the world. Our symbols are just as diverse as Canada’s history and its citizens! For more information on symbols of Canada, visit www.pch.gc.ca/symbolsofcanada and take a look at the Symbols of Canada booklet.
3. All artwork must be in colour – black and white posters will not be accepted.
Tip 3 - Colours
When creating your artwork, think in colour! The use of vibrant colours will achieve the best results for your poster.
4. Letters, words and phrases are not permitted.
Tip 4 – No words
A picture is worth a thousand words, so let your art do the talking! Letters, words, and phrases like “Happy Birthday”, “Good Luck”, and “Ontario (ON)”, are not permitted in your artwork.
5. Do not include as part of your artwork any trademarks such as brand logos, symbols, designs, slogans or numbers used for the purposes of commercial identification.
Tip 5 – No trademarks
Use your artistic ability to create artwork that is completely original—that way, you can be sure that your design does not include trademarks that belong to someone else.
