MLK Challenge T-Shirt Design Competition: Rules & Instructions

Submission Deadline: December 15th, 2025

Your design should reflect the spirit of community service, Dr. King's legacy of peace, justice, and equality, and the idea of actively contributing to making a positive difference in our community.

Eligibility

  • The competition is open to all teens (ages 12 - 18)
  • Each participant may submit one (1) original design.

Design Guidelines

  1. Originality: All submitted designs must be the original work of the entrant. Do not use copyrighted images, logos, or content from others. Do not use AI image generation programs.
  2. Content: Designs should be positive, inclusive, and appropriate for all ages. They should reflect Dr. King's principles of service, equality, and community upliftment. Designs containing anything that goes against Dr. King's legacy will be disqualified.
  3. Color Limit: To ensure efficient and cost-effective printing, your design must be limited to a maximum of three (3) colors. Designs will be printed on a white t-shirt.
  4. Placement: The winning design will be printed on the front of the t-shirt. Please design only the front of the shirt.
  5. Design Area: The printable area for the design is approximately 12 inches wide by 14 inches high. Please design within these dimensions.
  6. Text: You must include the event name and year in your design: “MLK Challenge 2026".

Submission Requirements

  1. Format: Submit your design as a high-resolution JPEG, PNG, or PDF file.
  2. Submission Method: Designs must be submitted electronically via the form below.
  3. Required Information: Along with your design, you must include:
    1. Your full name
    2. Your age
    3. Your contact email and/or phone number
    4. A brief description (100 words or less) explaining how your design relates to the MLK Challenge theme or any other information you want to share with the team that will review the designs.
    5. Parent/Guardian contact information (name, email, phone) if you are under 18.
  4. Deadline: All submissions must be received by December 15th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Judging Criteria

Designs will be judged by a panel based on the following criteria:

  • Originality and Creativity: How unique and innovative is the design?
  • Relevance: How well does the design reflect Dr. King's legacy of service?
  • Visual Impact: Is the design clear, appealing, and impactful?
  • Printability: Is the design practical for t-shirt printing within the specified color limit?
  • Overall Impression: The overall quality and effectiveness of the design.

Winning Design

  • The winning design will be featured on the official MLK Challenge t-shirts worn by all participants on MLK Day.
  • The winner will be notified by December 19th.

Rights and Usage

By submitting a design, the entrant grants Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, and distribute the design for the purpose of the MLK Challenge and related promotional activities. The winning designer will be credited for their work.

Questions? Please contact Hannah Dorsey at [email protected] or 501-683-3592

 

MLK Challenge T-Shirt Design Competition Submission Form

For Participants Under 18

Please have your Parent or Guardian fill out the below fields.