2011 State Parks Sticker Design Contest
Tips for a Winning Entry

Based on the results of previous contests, here are some tips and suggestions that you may find useful.

• Read the rules! Each year we get entries that fail to comply with rules and must be rejected.
• Remember, the winning design will be reduced to 2 1/2 ” x 2 1/2 ”. Fine detail disappears when the design is reduced. Paints or markers usually produce better results than crayons or colored pencils.
• Remember, shading, blending and halftones are not permitted.
• The design should be appropriate for Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Parks. Many designs are rejected because they feature snow-capped mountains or plants or animals not native to Wisconsin.
• If you choose to realistically portray an animal, flower, tree, etc., make sure it is accurate. Consult a good field guide. This should not discourage you from doing stylized compositions.
• Take a look at the park stickers of the last several years. The department probably will not choose something that was featured in the recent past.

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.