Frequently Asked Questions about the Entry Process
If you have a specific question or one that is not answered below, please call us at 323-728-9500 x 206 or email us at tammy@piasc.org
Q: What are PrintROCKS! Awards?
A: PrintROCKS! was created in 2008 to celebrate print. Each year, printing companies from our 8 states – Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii Utah and Wyoming submit their best pieces to be judged against the others as one of the best in the industry.
Q: Who can enter?
A: Polish your dancing shoes and enter! Any individual or company involved in the design, production or manufacturing of printed materials—no
matter the method, the size or the substrate—within Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming can enter.
- Printers
- Trade binderies
- Prepress shops
- Any organization involved in the creation or production of print communications
- Individuals, such as:
- graphic designers
- marketing and public relations managers and directors
- clients
- others who are responsible for creating a printed piece
- Students & Educators
Q: I’m a three person shop – do I really have a chance to win? Does a small company really have a chance to win?
A: Of course! The judging is done anonymously and judges are kept in the dark as to who submitted what. We do divide some categories by company size to keep the competition fair and there is a category just for designers, for wide format and for students and educators.
Q: When will the judging take place?
A: Judging will be done by a panel of print and design professionals the last week of July. All winners will be notified first week of August.
Q: Can I enter the same piece in more than one category?
A: Yes. In fact, a piece may very well fit more than one category. (Please note: you must pay an entry fee for each category in which you enter.)
Q: How many samples of each piece do I need to send?
A: One per category. If you have the same piece in more than one category, we need a piece for each submission. Please reference the entry# when shipping.
Q. Where can I ship my Entry after I complete the entry form online?
A. Ship Entries To PrintROCKS! c/o PIASC
1430 SE Water Ave #202
Portland, OR 97214
or call 323-728-9500 ext. 206 to schedule a delivery time.
All entries in the competition become the property of PIASC and are not returnable unless special arrangements are made when entering.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Please enter company and entry information exactly as you want it to appear on winning certificates, publicity, and promotions.
Title Information
Provide an “entry-specific” title.
For example: “XYZ Corporation 2021 Annual Report”
Q: Do I need to mount my entry?
A: No. Please properly pack your entries for shipment to avoid damage that might negatively impact the piece during judging. We prefer entries to be placed in clear plastic sleeves or other appropriate packaging. Large paper pieces may be rolled and submitted in mailing tubes. If the entry is too large to ship, you may provide a photo or reduced representation with a brief description of the project.
DO NOT FOLD, MOUNT or SHRINK WRAP. Do not put any other identifying labels on the plastic sleeve or on copies of entries. Do not use glue, cellophane tape or any adhesives on entries.
Q: Can the judges decide which category our entry belongs in?
A: Your Entry Form must specify a category in which to enter the piece. If the judges feel the piece has been entered in an incorrect category, judges will move it to a more suitable category.
Q: Can I pay the entry fee by credit card?
A: Yes. Email the PIASC office for instructions.
Q: How will I know if I have won?
A: Trust us – you’ll hear us yelling your name. A list of winning companies will be posted on the website in early September.
Q: What do I win?
A: Each category can have a number of award winners.
BEST OF SHOW
Awarded to the most outstanding entry from this year’s competition.
Selected from the BEST OF DIVISION winning entries. The winner will receive a customized trophy.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Awarded to the entry that receives the most votes at the PrintROCKS! Party. All entered pieces are eligible to win. The winner will receive a trophy.
BEST OF DIVISION
Awarded to the best piece in each of the following divisions—Less than 20 Employees, 21–50 Employees, 51–100 Employees, 101–250 Employees and More than 250 Employees. Selected from the BEST OF CATEGORY winning entries. Winners will receive a customized trophy.
MAD PROPS & WHAT THE FABULOUS!
Awarded to entries that are runners-up for BEST OF DIVISION which the judges deem worthy of special recognition. MAD PROPS winners will receive a customized 3D printed crown and WHAT THE FABULOUS! winners will receive an award in keeping with the party theme.
BEST OF CATEGORY
Awarded to the best piece in each category. Winning entries must be flawless. It is possible that the judges will not award a BEST OF CATEGORY
in every category, however more than one BEST OF CATEGORY may be awarded if they find multiple entries worthy. Winners receive customized certificates.
SECOND, THIRD & HONORABLE MENTION
Runners-up to BEST OF CATEGORY will receive customized certificates.
Q: Will my entries be returned to me?
A: Nope – unless you make prior arrangements. We want to travel around the globe with your cool projects and show them off for you.
Q: I am a graphic designer–can I enter this competition?
A: Yes, please…we love designers. You are part of this crazy bunch.
