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Spreading Cheer & Celebrating 10 Years of UTRGV Excellence.
In honor of UTRGV's 10th anniversary and the holiday season, we invite all currently enrolled students to showcase their creativity in our annual Holiday Card Contest. Designs should be festive, reflecting the spirit of the holidays, and incorporate UTRGV themes like Vaquero spirit, campus landmarks, or our university colors. Please ensure designs are non-religious, non-political, and free of inappropriate content.
Any UTRGV/MSA student in good standing that is currently enrolled in person, online classes or is an SOM student at UTRGV is eligible. Dual-Credit and concurrent students are not eligible to participate.
How to Enter
Artwork must be submitted electronically through the entry form. All entries must have an entry form, or they cannot be considered complete.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Artwork will be judged on its ability to portray the UTRGV spirit, traditions, creativity, and artistic merit.
Limit one entry per person per category.
Design Specifications
Finished size: 7" x 5" with a .25” bleed. Safety zone 6.75”x 4.75”.
Click here to view a safe zone sample.
Landscape or portrait orientation.
All artwork must be CMYK at 300 dpi.
Must be saved in color mode CMYK.
Accepted formats: PDF, EPS, AI, TIF, JPEG (full quality, uncompressed only). If sending AI or EPS files, convert all text to outlines.
Digital artwork that does not meet the resolution and quality requirements will not be considered.
Questions
For additional information or questions about the contest, contact the UTRGV University Marketing and Communications Office at (956) 665-2741 or via email at events@utrgv.edu. Include “UTRGV Holiday Card Contest Inquiry” in the subject line of your email.
Reproduction Rights
Who Can Enter
By entering the contest, an entrant:
(1) Warrants that their artwork is an original concept and constitutes an original work, and does not infringe on the protected rights of other artists or violate any applicable copyright laws.
(2) Agrees to assign all copyright and other intellectual property rights in the artwork to UTRGV without any fee or compensation (other than the possibility of receiving an award stated above) and has the right to do so.
(3) Waives any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the artwork.
(4) Waives any right to inspect and approve any holiday card design, including any editing of the artwork.
(5) Warrants they have not and will not submit the artwork in any other contest.
UTRGV will give credit to the artist in its use of the artwork.
Judging
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Artwork will be judged on its ability to portray the UTRGV spirit, traditions, creativity, and artistic merit.
Winners will be announced via email in mid-November.
Deadline
FAQs
Submission
How many entries can be submitted by a competitor?
The limit is one entry per person per category. Any other submissions by the same competitor will not be reviewed by the competition committee.
When is the deadline for all submissions?
The deadline is Oct. 1, 2025 for AI-Enhanced.
Oct. 15, 2025 for Personally Designed.
Which students are eligible to participate in the UTRGV Holiday Card Contest?
All current UTRGV/MSA students. This includes all current accelerated online programs and SOM students.
Can winners from previous Holiday Card Contests participate again?
As long as the student is currently enrolled in classes at UTRGV and follows the guidelines, any previous winners can participate.
How are entries judged?
Artwork will be judged on its ability to portrait the UTRGV spirit, traditions, creativity, and artistic merit.
Scholarship Award
Does the prize money need to be used on UTRGV tuition, or can it be used in any manner?
Scholarships are applied to a student’s account first. Then, if there is no outstanding debt to the institution, the funds are issued to the student for educational expenses.
Design
Should we include the small details based on the safe zone example provided, or should we submit the 7” x 5” drawing?
You can submit the artwork set to the size of 7” X 5” but make sure that if you have any text or images that run near the edge, those elements that fall within the 6.75” X 4.75” area will not get cut off. It is good practice to be aware of miscuts and misaligned jobs.
What is CMYK at 300 dpi?
CMYK stands for the four colors used in printing presses: C- Cyan, M – Magenta, Y – Yellow, and K – Black. 300 dpi is the minimum resolution for print-quality work. Having your image formatted this way makes it print-ready.
If a drawing is done on paper, and then scanned is it acceptable to use paper that is 7” X 10” in, or does it have to be 7” X 5”?
The final piece that is entered into the competition must be 7.5” X 5.5”. You can work with a paper that is formatted differently as the drawing is in the parameters provided.
What is the .25 bleed for?
The bleed is the extra amount of paper that is printed before trimming. It is necessary to have it for the cutting process.
This would mean that the .25 bleed is for both digital and scanned artwork.
Is it possible to have an individual’s completed card reviewed by the committee before it is submitted to make sure all measurements are correct?
Please make sure to adhere to the design specifications provided on this website. Unfortunately, due to many submissions, the committee is unable to review an entry before it has been submitted. This is to avoid any competitive advantage and to stay fair for everyone participating. Cards can only be submitted once, please make sure the card you submit is the final and only entry.
Design Cont'd
Does the safe zone sample count for only digital works or does it count for drawings too?
The safe zone counts for both, digital works and drawings. It is to make sure that you do not place anything “important” outside of that area for the risk of it not being represented fully, or something getting cut off.
Can the artwork be either landscape or portrait?
The artwork can be landscape or portrait.
What common software would be best to complete the card?
Any software can be used to complete your card if you can meet the specifications required. Popular software examples: Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint, or InDesign.
Can PowerPoint be used, and can animation illustrations be added?
PowerPoint can be used to draw but no animations to be added as the winning card is printed.
Can the UTRGV Mascot be used in the artwork?
Yes, the mascot can be used in any form you create but only the official mascot. No alterations can be made as it is a copyrighted mark. We cannot release the official artwork of it since it is reserved solely for university business and promotions. But you can make an illustration based on it.
Can the holiday card artwork depict traditional non-religious holiday items?
The holiday card can be designed with artwork that includes a holiday theme highlighting UTRGV Spirit and traditions. Artwork should refrain from referencing any specific religious holiday.
Should the white space, dotted line, and blue line shown in the example be shown on the artwork submitted?
No, those markings are a point of reference for the individuals competing and should not show up on the final copy that will be submitted to the judges.
In the holiday card submission can words like “Happy Holidays be included”?
No, please do not include any words or messages in the artwork. The rules state that it is artwork only, no words or messages should be included in the final submissions.
Does my competition card need to be done digitally?
Competition cards can be drawn or painted and scanned. Individuals still need to comply with the artwork meeting the parameters of 7in x 5in and .25 bleed.
If a holiday card is drawn, how can it be submitted?
It can be scanned and submitted as an attachment to the entry form. Please do not email the competition card because it will not be a qualified entry.
What can the individual do if the entry does not attach because the file is too large?
Since file submissions tend to vary depending on the medium and format created, we recommend that you upload a High-Res jpg that is at 300 dpi. Also, another format that can help assist with the file attachments is png format. Please remember to always save a copy of your original artwork. If your piece is a finalist, we will need to have the highest-resolution file to send to print. If you continue to struggle with your upload, please send an email to umcreview@utrgv.edu with the issue. Please be aware that no submissions will be accepted via email.
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs to help create an original computer illustration?
Sure, you can use AI as a tool to assist you, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, the university needs to be able to own the copyright of any artwork submitted to the competition. AI can't legally hold or transfer copyright, and it's not a student either, so using only AI-generated art won't work. However, if you’re adding your own unique touches that qualify for copyright, you’re good to go! Just make sure to highlight what parts of the artwork are your own creation.
PAST AWARD WINNERS
Enter for a chance to win $1,000!
Two Ways to Win!
This year, we have two exciting categories. You may submit one entry per category.
🎨 Personally Designed
Artwork created without reliance on AI image generation or enhancements. This includes hand-drawn designs, photography, or digital designs where you are in full creative control (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate). The use of generative AI tools like Adobe's Generative Fill is strictly not allowed in this category.
🤖 AI-Enhanced
Artwork leveraging emerging technology, particularly AI, to enhance or generate part of the design. While AI can assist, your own unique touches and artistic direction are essential to ensure you can claim copyright for the final submission.
Timeline & How to Enter
Contest Launch
Aug 15, 2025
1
Submission Deadlines
Oct. 1, 2025 for AI-Enhanced.
Oct. 15, 2025 for Personally Designed.
2
Judging Process
Entries are first reviewed by a rules committee (UMC, faculty, and students) for adherence to guidelines. The best designs are then presented to the final Judging Committee for selection of the winners.
Scholarships are awarded by the President and the Provost & Executive VP for Academic Affairs. Winners will have their designs featured on official UTRGV printed or digital holiday cards! Additional prizes may be available.
PRIZES & RECOGNITIONS
President's Picks
$1,000
Awarded to one "Personally Designed"
and one "AI-Enhanced" entry.
$1,000
Awarded to one "Personally Designed"
and one "AI-Enhanced" entry.
Provost's Picks
Express your creativity in a way that best fits your artistry. Whether you've sharpening your skills with emerging technology art or have the timeless skill of traditionally crafted art by personal design. Here are two ways you can win and be recognized.
Two Ways to Win!
This year, we have two exciting categories. You may submit one entry per category.
🎨 Personally Designed
Artwork created without reliance on AI image generation or enhancements. This includes hand-drawn designs, photography, or digital designs where you are in full creative control (e.g., Photoshop, Procreate). The use of generative AI tools like Adobe's Generative Fill is strictly not allowed in this category.
Timeline & How to Enter
Contest Launch
Aug 1, 2025
1
Submission Deadlines
Oct. 1, 2025
AI-Enhanced.
Oct. 15, 2025
Personally Designed.
2
Judging Process
Entries are first reviewed by a rules committee (UMC, faculty, and students) for adherence to guidelines. The best designs are then presented to the final Judging Committee for selection of the winners.
🤖 AI-Enhanced
Artwork leveraging emerging technology, particularly AI, to enhance or generate part of the design. While AI can assist, your own unique touches and artistic direction are essential to ensure you can claim copyright for the final submission.
Any UTRGV/MSA student in good standing that is currently enrolled in person, online classes or is an SOM student at UTRGV is eligible. Dual-Credit and concurrent students are not eligible to participate.
How to Enter
Artwork must be submitted electronically through the entry form. All entries must have an entry form, or they cannot be considered complete.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Artwork will be judged on its ability to portray the UTRGV spirit, traditions, creativity, and artistic merit.
Limit one entry per person per category.
Design Specifications
Finished size: 7" x 5" with a .25” bleed. Safety zone 6.75”x 4.75”.
Click here to view a safe zone sample.
Landscape or portrait orientation.
All artwork must be CMYK at 300 dpi.
Must be saved in color mode CMYK.
Accepted formats: PDF, EPS, AI, TIF, JPEG (full quality, uncompressed only). If sending AI or EPS files, convert all text to outlines.
Digital artwork that does not meet the resolution and quality requirements will not be considered.
Questions
For additional information or questions about the contest, contact the UTRGV University Marketing and Communications Office at (956) 665-2741 or via email at events@utrgv.edu. Include “UTRGV Holiday Card Contest Inquiry” in the subject line of your email.
Reproduction Rights
Who Can Enter
By entering the contest, an entrant:
(1) Warrants that their artwork is an original concept and constitutes an original work, and does not infringe on the protected rights of other artists or violate any applicable copyright laws.
(2) Agrees to assign all copyright and other intellectual property rights in the artwork to UTRGV without any fee or compensation (other than the possibility of receiving an award stated above) and has the right to do so.
(3) Waives any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the artwork.
(4) Waives any right to inspect and approve any holiday card design, including any editing of the artwork.
(5) Warrants they have not and will not submit the artwork in any other contest.
UTRGV will give credit to the artist in its use of the artwork.
Judging
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Artwork will be judged on its ability to portray the UTRGV spirit, traditions, creativity, and artistic merit.
Winners will be announced via email in mid-November.
Deadline
CATEGORIES
CATEGORIES
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
SUBMISSION INFROMATION
Spreading Cheer & Celebrating 10 Years of UTRGV Excellence.
In honor of UTRGV's 10th anniversary and the holiday season, we invite all currently enrolled students to showcase their creativity in our annual Holiday Card Contest. Designs should be festive, reflecting the spirit of the holidays, and incorporate UTRGV themes like Vaquero spirit, campus landmarks, or our university colors. Please ensure designs are non-religious, non-political, and free of inappropriate content. For inspiration and university history, including our 10th-anniversary details, please visit utrgv.edu/10.
Enter the Holiday Card Contest for a chance to win $1,000!
THE HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST
PREVIOUS DESIGNS