For additional context and direction, review the following answers to common questions regarding the 2024 HBCU Mural Challenge.
getting started: questions you may have at the beginning of your mural challenge journey...
why is this challenge happening?
Our Target Store Design team is looking for ways to help Target create an even deeper connection with our guests and our community. HBCU students and grads offer a unique perspective. We love the idea of cultivating relationships that put Target into consideration as applicants look for new career options. This year we are focusing on our guests in Atlanta, GA.
what should I design?
Applicants should refer to the challenge description and rules to understand the creative guardrails, inspiration, and direction for their design submission. There can only be one winning option per applicant. For more detail, please refer to our contest rules.
who is eligible to participate?
Students currently enrolled in Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are 18+ years old.
what stores will murals be installed in?
Murals may be installed in five (5) selected Target stores in the Atlanta, GA market.
- T0747 Lawrenceville, 875 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043
- T0917 Snellville, 1905 Scenic Hwy N Snellville, GA 30078
- T1964 Atlanta Edgewood, 1275 Caroline St Ne Atlanta, GA 30307
- T2174 Conyers, 2195 Hwy 20 Se Conyers, GA 30013
- T0373 Smyrna, 2201 Cobb Pkwy SE Smyrna, GA 30080
design submission: it’s time to submit your entries; questions you may have before you submit...
what is Target looking for from a design submission?
Target's Store Design team is looking for mural solutions that meet the following seven (7) criteria:
- Superior design and aesthetic sensibility;
- Exemplifies creativity and original thinking;
- Does not infringe on copyrights or intellectual property;
- Clearly articulates a solution to the design question;
- Positive impact on the guests and communities we serve in Atlanta, GA;
- Target red as an accent color;
- Ability to be executed physically on wallpaper
where can I find inspiration?
Your inspiration can come from anywhere. We’d love to know how you were inspired if there is an interesting story behind your inspiration or creation. We want to see original ideas that do not infringe on other artists’ or muralists' creations, or copyrights. It is essential not to copy or create a design that is too similar to someone else’s design. It is essential that your design is original and has not been sold by anyone in the past and is not planned to be sold by anyone in the future.
The information you gather to inform your mural solution should address the design direction. A description of how we are directing our murals for this year has been provided in order to inspire you and additional primary and secondary research is encouraged.
what aesthetic/style is Target looking for?
Your work should align to the design direction, but we are open to any style of art. Create your mural concept in the aspect ratio provided [24 in wide x 7 in high – keeping all crucial elements within 22 in wide and 4.5 in wide].
are there specific artwork/design limitations or submission guidelines?
Submissions should be designed as murals to be displayed on an interior wall with the use of the Target red as an accent color. Applicants must submit digital files. No mailed or in person submissions will be accepted.
what are the Target red specifications?
Target red is defined as the following:
- Color #
-
- cc0000
- RGB
-
- R: 204
- G: 0
- B: 0
- CMYK
-
- C: 13%
- M: 100%
- Y: 100%
- K: 4%
what are the file size/format limitations?
Files should be high resolution or vector based and to proper ratios. Low resolution submissions may need to be resubmitted if the applicant reaches the winner phase of the competition. Acceptable formats include: jpg, tiff, .pdf, .ai, .psd, or .png.
can I use the Target branding?
Applicants must refrain from using Target branding or any modifications, adjustments, or compilations of Target branding.
can I use Landmarks?
If you uses a landmark or its likeness in the artwork, we require you to identify the landmark as part of the submission.
how do I submit my design?
Submit your entry via the online submission form. Entries can be submitted beginning February 26, 2024 until 11:59 PM CST on April 7, 2024. By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.
can I submit multiple entries?
Applicants may submit multiple entries, but only one entry may become a winner.
how will designs be selected?
Entries submitted to the HBCU Mural Challenge are reviewed by a company-wide cross-functional team according to the judging criteria.
who owns the rights to the submitted designs?
Since the winning designs may be used in a Target store, Target requires that the Winners assign all rights to their submitted designs to Target. Winners will need to sign a “release and waiver” in order to receive their prize. The Winners will also be required to sign an “assignment agreement” in order to receive their prize. The assignment agreement will transfer all intellectual property rights in your design to Target.
prizes:
are the prizes negotiable or changeable?
The prizes are as stated in the contest RULES and are non-negotiable.
submission review and support: questions after you submit your application...
can I tell friends about the HBCU Mural Challenge?
Yes! We encourage you to share this unique opportunity with anyone eligible to participate.
what terms will first place winners need to agree to?
- You must transfer ownership of all rights in your artwork to Target. You will be allowed to display the artwork in your portfolio publicly after final approval of their design on approximately April 30, 2024, but not prior.
- Participant may not make commercial use of the artwork in the future.
- Target may or may not use the winning mural design in stores or in marketing or advertising.
- Artwork editing. Target’s strategies may require adjustments to your artwork. You agree that Target may make revisions and changes to your artwork. You may not have the ability to approve any revisions. For example, we may change color, scale, layout and other elements. Target will strive to maintain your original design intent.
- Artist crediting. You agree that your name and image may be used to give you credit as the artist.
- If you do not follow the rules of the Challenge, you may be disqualified and will not be awarded any of the Prizes.
- You will be provided with a legal contract that must be signed in order to receive the Prizes. You will also be required to provide a W-9.
when will I know if I am a winner?
Target will contact you if you are a Winner.
- First Place Prize Winners will be notified by email on approximately April 15, 2024.
- Cash prize will be awarded by approximately September 1, 2024.
what if I have more questions?
If you find you have additional questions after reviewing the challenge home page and FAQs, email us at HBCU.MuralChallenge@target.com.
more about us
Target is one of the world’s most recognized brands and one of America’s leading retailers. We make Target our guests’ preferred shopping destination by offering outstanding value, inspiration, innovation, and an exceptional guest experience that no other retailer can match. The distinctive experience is delivered through our capable, creative, and innovative Store Design organization. Innovation is part of everything we do—and we bring it together into the physical design of our stores to make our shopping experience uniquely Target.
We thrive on creating an environment that combines the human, physical, and digital that reflects the communities we serve. Your input will have a direct and positive effect on our guests, and you’ll be part of bringing joy to all families.
For more on what it's like to work at Target, hear from a few of our past interns and recruiters.
By submitting your entry you are confirming that you have read and agree to the contest RULES.
Participation in the HBCU Mural Challenge is entirely voluntary and does not create an employment relationship with Target. Individuals who do choose to participate will not be compensated for the time spent on their submission or for their submitted artwork.
By participating in this Contest, Participants are confirming that you understand that submitted concepts may or may not be part of Target’s previous, current, or future business endeavors. By uploading a submission, you agree to give Target a royalty free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, license for incidental use of your submission in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, only for historical, promotional, or marketing purposes.
