Qualifiers

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The game begins

Sun Oct 4 @ 12AM

We send you a randomly selected letter at exactly midnight. You have 24 hours to create your best design of that letter.

Use any analog art materials you like: paints, pens, markers, ink, brushes, etc

Your letter must be drawn on paper. You can use any kind of paper you want. Please remove your paper from any sketchbooks before submitting.

Paper should be between minimum 8.5” x 11” to maximum 12” x 18” inches.

No computers, tablets, fonts, or digital tools are allowed. Also no printmaking techniques are allowed. This is hand-lettering only!

Take a photo of your piece with bright, even lighting so we can see every detail, and email it to us by the deadline.

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Your work is due in 24 hours

Mon Oct 5 @ 12AM

Send us an email with a photo of your letter attached by the deadline. Make sure your photo is well lit so we can get a good look at your work!

Any submissions that aren’t in our email inbox by the deadline will be disqualified. The deadline is 12:00am sharp! You may send your work in early if you're ready.

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The winners are chosen!

Wed oct 7

Winners of the Qualifying Round are announced! These people will participate in Round 1 of the tournament.

Tell your friends that you're on the path to lettering glory! Invite them to cheer you on at the tournament on October 15.

Y'all ready
for this?

Gather your supplies, practice your strokes, and get ready for this challenge of character(s). You'll hear from us on Oct 4 at 12AM with your lettering challenge.

Questions with Answers

What is the judging criteria?

We're looking for lettering that shows a combination of technical skill and creativity. This isn't just about drawing a letter correctly, but creating something interesting and artistic that still retains the letter's meaning clearly.

What kind of lettering styles are you looking for?

Anything you want! The more creative the better. Your letters can be any style: serif or sans-serif, script or blackletter, thick or thin, flourished or simple. We want to see your style and unique take on lettering and how creative you can be.

Can I write words, add illustrations, or submit multiples?

Competing artists can only submit one (1) final artwork for consideration.

Any submissions that contain anything other than the assigned letter will be disqualified. We want you to focus strictly on your lettering skills, so please don't add other letters, words, or illustrations to your piece.

We do not accept multiple submissions. You only have one shot - don't miss!

Can we choose the case of the letter? Will there be other glyphs?

All the letters are be in upper case (capital letters). Artists who change the case of the letter will be disqualified. We stick to one case to level the playing field.

No other glyphs, numbers, or symbols will be used in the tournament.

What tools can I use?

This is a hand-lettering tournament, so we’re looking for lettering made with analog art tools such as: pencils, pens, markers, paints, inks, charcoal, conte, pastels, or whatever drawing or painting tools you prefer.

We don’t accept print making techniques or digital artwork. Submitted artwork must be originals. Prints or other kinds of copies will be disqualified.

Can I use my drawing tablet if I draw by hand?

No. League of Letters is about analog hand-lettering with real-world tools. You’re competing on your human artistic and technical abilities without assistance from digital tools and computers.

Where is the Qualifying Round held?

The Qualifying Round is completely online. You do your work where you're comfortable and email it to us by the deadline.

Those chosen to move on to Round 1 of the tournament have to come to The Combine (225 Wellington St. W.) in Toronto to participate. We cannot cover travel expenses.

Do I have to pay to join the qualifiers? Are there prizes for competing in the Qualifiers?

No, playing in the Qualifying Round is free to participate in.

There are no prizes for the Qualifiers, but there are prizes for the tournament.

If I’m in the Qualifiers do I need to buy a ticket to the event?

Winners of the Qualifying Round don’t have to purchase a ticket. If you win this round and already purchased a ticket, we’ll refund it after the qualifiers are declared. Those participating in the Qualifiers that don’t move forward to Round 1 have to purchase their own ticket to attend the tournament.

What happens if I win?

You’ll be notified if you win (or otherwise) via email, and further details about the tournament will follow. Then you just have to prepare for battle at the event on October 15!

I have more questions!

Email us and we'll get you answers.