University Advancement invites all current students to share their creativity by designing the university’s annual holiday cards.
We’re seeking two original designs that capture the spirit of Northeastern and the energy of the season:
Your artwork could represent Northeastern around the world—and the winning designs will receive a prize and featured recognition.
Take a moment to review this page carefully before submitting your design.
When you’re ready, upload your file and provide the requested details in the form below.
We’re looking for designs that feel joyful, inclusive, and distinctly Northeastern—without using official university marks or religious symbols.
What to capture
– The essence of Northeastern—its people, places, innovation, and global community.
– How the university has inspired or empowered you.
– A universal “season of gratitude” feeling that speaks to the entire community.
– A design that works beautifully both in print and digitally.
What to avoid
– The University Seal, Northeastern Wordmark, athletics logos and marks, and other university marks
– Any copyrighted or fully AI-generated artwork.
– Overt religious imagery or messages tied to a specific faith.
– Reliance on paws, Husky heads, or other repeated university motifs.
To ensure your work prints and displays at the highest quality:
– Final Card Size: 5 × 7 inches (horizontal or vertical)
– File Types: PDF, JPG, or PNG
– Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
– Color Mode: CMYK preferred (RGB acceptable if CMYK not available)
– Bleed: 0.125 inch (3 mm) on all sides
– Safe Area: Keep text and key elements at least 0.125 inch from trim edge
– File Size Limit: 10 MB
– File Name: Lastname_FirstInitial_CardTitle (e.g., Rivera_J_WinterLights.pdf)
Submissions Open: Now – October 31, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 (11:59 p.m. ET)
Judging and Design Review: November 3 – 17, 2025
Winners notified via email: Friday, November 21, 2025
Printed and digital cards released: Early December 2025
A selection panel of staff from Advancement, Alumni Relations, and Marketing will evaluate submissions based on:
– Creativity and originality
– Clarity of theme and message
– Print and digital adaptability
– Overall visual impact
Each winning artist will receive a prize package that includes a $50 Blick Art gift card, a Wacom drawing tablet, a Bose SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, and the design book Why Design Matters: Conversations with the World’s Most Creative People.
Second and third place winners in each category will receive a $25 gift card to Blick Art.
Is there a limited of the number of submissions I can make?
No.
Is there a preferred size (width x height) for the card?
Yes. The final size of the card will be 5 inches x 7 inches (horizontal or vertical).
Is there a specific text/copy for the holiday card?
The text/copy for the inside will be added once a design is chosen, as the artist is working with the office of Marketing and Communications on refining the design.
What content I should include? Should it be as: “Happy Holidays!” or more specific?
The cards are meant to celebrate the holiday season without being specific to any religion or celebration. The final text/copy for the inside will be determined, as the artist is working with Advancement Communications staff on refining the design.
What holiday are we incorporating? Thanksgiving holiday or Christmas one?
The cards are meant to celebrate the holiday season without being specific to any religion or celebration.
Is this a physical or e-card?
Both. A physical card will be printed and mailed, and an electronic version will be emailed.
Should it have an inside and outside?
The text/copy for the inside will be added once a design is chosen, as the artist is working with Advancement Communications staff members on refining the design.
Is there are any specific mediums that are required or preferred. Will original photography or digital designs be accepted?
All mediums are accepted. The winning artist will work with Advancement Communications staff members on refining the design and preparing it for print.
Am I allowed to work with another student(s) on this project or does it have to be individual?
Yes. However, only one prize will be awarded if the submission wins. The submitter will be responsible for dividing the prize amongst all contributing students. When submitting, indicate the names of all contributors in the comments section.
When will the winner be announced?
Winners will be notified via email by Friday, November 21, 2025.