Who can participate?

The contest is open to members of the creative community and college students who live or work in Michigan and are 18 years of age or older.

By submitting a design for the 2026 Adcraft Detroit T-shirt Design Contest, I agree to the following terms - 

• I grant permission for the design to be used by the participating Brand, Adcraft Detroit, and EA Graphics for sale at the Interwoven event.
• I authorize the Brand, through Adcraft Detroit, all ownership, rights, and goodwill to the design I create. In reliance on this assignment, I further understand that the Brand may use my design for any lawful purpose whatsoever, including for advertising, publicity, product sales.
• I further understand that in accordance with the rules of the Contest, the Brand is granting me a limited license to the logos and trademarks provided by them solely for the purpose of creating my design. I agree that at the conclusion of the Contest, such license shall be terminated.
• I waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the Materials, or the use to which such Materials may be applied.  I agree that all right, title and interest in the design shall be and remain the absolute and sole property of the Brand.  

Do I have to be an Adcraft member to enter?

No. Adcraft membership is not required to participate but encouraged.

Can I submit more than one design?

Yes. Designers may submit multiple designs and may design for one or multiple participating brands.

What assets can I use?

Approved brand logos and assets will be provided for inspiration and use. Designers may also incorporate original artwork, typography, or illustrations, as long as the final design aligns with brand guidelines.

Are there creative restrictions?

Designs must be brand-appropriate and suitable for public display and donation. Offensive, political, or inappropriate content will not be accepted.

What are the t-shirt color options?

Designs may be created for a dark shirt colored. You may specify the color of shirt you prefer and it will be accommodated based availability. Default will be black or dark gray. Shirt will only be printed on one side. Please specify which side, otherwise it will be printed on the front. 

What file formats are accepted?

• 12x12 or smaller press-ready, with fonts outlined.
• Adobe Illustrator AI file, EPS file, SVG file or vector PDF file. 600dpi PNG file is also acceptable.
• Apply Pantone Coated colors. No color limit.
• Design art for a dark colored shirt.
• Shirt will only be printed on one side. Please specify which side, otherwise it will be printed on the front. 

When is the submission deadline?

All designs must be submitted by end of day Monday, March 9.

How are finalists selected?

Each brand will select 2–3 finalist designs from submitted entries based on creativity, brand alignment, and wearability.

How does social voting work?

Finalist designs will be posted on Adcraft’s social channels in April. The public will be invited to vote by engaging with the posts, and designers are encouraged to share with their networks.

How is the grand prize winner determined?

The grand prize winner will be selected based on a combination of social and on-site engagement at the Interwoven event.

Do designers receive payment for shirt donations?

Designers do not receive royalties from individual shirt donations. Proceeds of the donation period will support The 2026 D Show and scholarship program. However, the grand prize winner will receive a $500 cash prize, along with significant exposure to brands and attendees.

What happens at the Interwoven Event?

Winning designs for each brand will be showcased in the expo and will be given to guests who make a $25 donation to the Adcraft Scholarship Foundation..

EA Graphics will print and give merchandise on demand during the expo.

Can I attend the event?

Yes, and it’s encouraged. Come to the event to see if you won. Attending the Interwoven event on April 30 gives you the opportunity to see your work showcased, connect with brands and industry professionals, and celebrate the winners live.

Who owns the rights to the design?

By submitting a design, designers grant the participating brand, Adcraft, and EA Graphics the right to use the design for:

• Giveaway at the Interwoven event
• Website donations for up to six months following the event (if applicable)
• Promotional and marketing purposes

Who do I contact with questions?

For questions or submission support, contact Avery Johnson at ajohnson@adcraft.org.