From Norwalk with Love: City of Norwalk Merchandise Design Competition – Call for Artists and Creators
The City of Norwalk invites local artists, illustrators, designers, and creatives to participate in the Norwalk Merchandise Design Competition — an opportunity to have your artwork featured on official City of Norwalk merchandise.
Winning designs will appear on items such as T-shirts, tote bags, hats, mugs, stickers, and other promotional products. Selected artists will be credited wherever their designs appear and will receive special recognition from the City.
Themes
We are seeking original artwork that celebrates Norwalk’s creative spirit, vibrant neighborhoods, coastal heritage, and community pride. Designs can be bold, playful, modern, or nostalgic — we encourage a wide range of artistic interpretations.
Possible inspirations include:
- Norwalk’s waterfront and oyster heritage
- Local landmarks and architecture
- Neighborhood diversity and culture
- Arts, food, and music scenes
- Community connection and pride
- Creative incorporation of the I <3 Norwalk Logo
Competition Guidelines
- Eligibility
- Open to Norwalk residents and Norwalk business owners only.
- Submissions may be made individually or by a business team.
- Artists under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the consent section of the application.
- Design Requirements
- Artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist(s). No AI will be accepted. They will be checked by industry-standard online AI checking software.
- Designs should reflect Norwalk’s identity in a positive and creative way. Download our brand guidlines for official Norwalk color swatch information and logo application.
- Up to three (3) designs may be submitted per artist or business.
- Acceptable formats and specs:
- High-resolution PNG, JPEG, or PDF (300 dpi minimum)
- Transparent or solid background acceptable
- Dimensions: Square or rectangular format preferred (at least 8 inches on the longest side).
- Avoid copyrighted material, logos, or imagery not created by the artist.
- Use of the color palette from the “I <3 Norwalk” logo is highly encouraged to ensure visual consistency across City branding and merchandise.
- Selection Process
- Submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel including representatives from the City of Norwalk, the Norwalk Arts Commission, and local creative leaders.
- Designs will be evaluated based on:
- Originality and creativity
- Connection to Norwalk’s identity and community spirit
- Visual impact and adaptability to merchandise
- Alignment with the “I Heart Norwalk” color palette (encouraged but not required)
- Finalists may be asked to make minor edits or adjustments for production.
- Prizes and Recognition
- Winning designs will be featured on official City merchandise used at community events and sold through select outlets.
- Artists will receive:
- Recognition on City and partner websites and social media
- Complimentary merchandise featuring their design
- Artist or business spotlight at a public event
- Timeline
Competition Launch: January 5, 2026
Submission Deadline: February 10, 2026
Finalist Notification: February 13, 2026
Winners Announced: March 7, 2026 at the Melt on Wall Street Event
- Usage Rights
By submitting artwork, artists grant the City of Norwalk non-exclusive rights to reproduce, display, and distribute the work for promotional, educational, and commercial purposes related to the City. Artists will be credited wherever their work is used.
