Your entire contest submission will include three elements:

1. Your display submission file(s): The file(s) you include in this Zip file will be displayed on the Studio site. The client will see everything within this Zip file and will base their winner choices on what they see here. Special information, such as a list of fonts used, also go here.
2. Your final source file(s): The file(s) you include in this Zip file will never be displayed on the Studio site. This Zip file is only transferred to the client if your submission receives a prize placement.
3. Your preview image: The file you choose here represents your entire submission and is the first thing a client sees when evaluating your submission. It is turned into a thumbnail and displayed on the Studio site and in Cockpit.

Here is how the upload form appears on the Studio site:

Let’s walk through each field…

Submission Zip File:

Your submission Zip file will be created based on the information you find on the Contest Details page.

Here are some examples:
• XYZ Logo Contest
One JPG or PNG file containing your logo design.
• XYZ Web Design Storyboard Contest
Five (5) JPG or PNG files showing each screen of your design.

Source Zip File:

Your source Zip file will be created based on the information you find on the Contest Details page.

Here are some examples:
• XYZ Logo Contest
All vector files of the submitted logo design, created as IA files and/or EPS files.

• XYZ Web Design Storyboard Contest
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop, Gimp, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape and saved as layered PSD files, AI or EPS files.

Preview Image:

Your preview image can be one of your JPG/PNG files from your submission files if the contest is graphical, or it can be a screenshot of one of the pages from your wireframe or document.

Next Step: Declarations

This tab allows you to declare three things:
1. Comments about your design
2. Fonts that are not on the standard list
3. Stock photos (if allowed in your contest)

Comments:
This is the place to declare some information about your submission. If you need to explain a lot of stuff, you are probably better off using a text file, but this section is great for simple statements. Examples:

Example 1:
The logo represents movement and “taking action” rather than being stagnant. The colors I chose signify power and give the brand a strong feel.

Example 2:
This is a revised version of my previous submission. Changes include a new header graphic, new font choices for the pop-up box and new icons for the widget on the fourth page.

Example 3:
This is my Round 2 submission. I have implemented all of the feedback you gave me after Round 1 and I hope you like the changes.

Fonts:
You will declare the font name and the URL where you can purchase/download the font. You must follow the rules regarding fonts or your submission will fail screening.

Stock Art (for approved contests):
Enter a description of the photo, the URL and the istockphoto number for each photo you have used. You MUST follow the stock art rules listed on the Contest Details page or your submission will fail screening.

Final Step

Before your files are uploaded, you’ll see a pop-up screen asking you to check a box to affirm the Assignment Document. This is a great time to review the terms of the AD and verify that you have not used elements you have not created yourself and are otherwise in compliance with the AD. You should also be sure you have followed the policies regarding fonts.

Tips

Because some internet connections are slow, and some source files are very large, we recommend uploading a “test” submission 24 hours before the contest ends. This will allow you to understand how long it will take your submission to be accepted. Once you’ve finalized your design, you can replace your test submission with your final one.

If you ever have problems submitting, please try using a different browser. If that doesn’t work, contact studioadmin@topcoder.com.