Frequently Asked Questions

You have questions, we have answers.

Questions

Answers

How do I submit a design / get involved?
For any MASScanvas contest, the first step is always to watch the video brief: this will introduce the design challenge is, and let you know how to get involved even if you're not a designer by reviewing draft designs and designs that are in the running. For exact instructions on how to submit a design and enter the contest, go to that contest's Submission page(s), download the Design Kit, and be sure to read the Official Rules. Have fun & good luck!
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How do I contact customer service?
For any issues with the Web site, our products, or any other help you may need on MASScanvas, please don't hesitate to send us an email or call for customer service!

support@masscanvas.com
t 310.773-0912
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What does the charity get?
For each new design challenge, our spokesperson (emcee) in the video brief selects a charity that will benefit from the sales associated with that design challenge. The charity typically receives 20% or more of all profits, so a big ol' chunk of what we do. It's all about making a difference wherever we can, and in the end delivering: Design with a Purpose.
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Can I hand-draw my design?
Certainly! We love hand-drawn submissions; be it illustration, comic, charcoal, or any other style, it's all great art in our book. The final submission file will need to be a digital file, however, so you'll need to scan it to produce a high-resolution (300 dpi or more) raster file. Check out all the submission instructions and a sample submission file by downloading the Design Kit at http://www.www.masscanvas.com/submission
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What kind of T-shirts do you use?
The winning artwork on MASScanvas (hopefully yours) will be screen printed onto our blank T-shirts using state-of-the art machinery, paints, and screen-printing techniques. All of our T-shirts are 100% cotton. They were extensively tested and selected for ultimate fit and quality: they are slim-fitted crew-neck, very soft, and retain their shape and prints throughout many washes. We can print on a selection of colors, which the designer of the submitted artwork will select (for photos of all the colors and types of tees, see the ‘Blank T-Shirts Photos’ Folder in the downloadable Design Kit on the Submit page).
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How long does it take for my shirt to ship?
All of our orders are custom printed and hand-numbered, so it typically takes 6-14 days to complete production and then ship out to via the shipping method you selected (typically 3 – 5 more days domestically, a couple days longer internationally). Our goal is of course to have it to you as quickly as possible, so we can feel good about delivering you an awesome tee *and* a big smile on your face, as soon as we can.
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Do I have to be a U.S. resident to submit a design?
No, anyone over 13 years of age can submit a design. Please see the contest's Official Rules for exact details.
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What if I'm under 18?
Our contest rules require the submitter of a design entry to be 18 years or older (http://apps.masscanvas.com/facebook/pages/guidelines). This is because we pay out hefty cash prizes, and we can only do that to legal adults. If you are not yet 18, we highly recommend you find a family member, fellow designer, or fellow fan to collaborate with! You can (and should) absolutely still participate. As long as the person submitting is over 18, you can share in the recognition and reward by a dual Signature on the submitted file (see the Design Kit download for an example of the signature file each final submission should include).
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How long does it take for my design submission to be approved?
It usually takes us about an hour to approve submissions, but technically it can take up to 3 days (it depends a little on the time of your submission, e.g., weekend). Keep that in mind when submitting very close to the submission deadline – your submission might not get approved until a day or so after the public voting starts (though we of course do our best to get it there as quickly as possible).
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How many designs can I submit per contest?
Please see each contest’s Official Rules for the exact limit that is relevant, but typically we let you submit up to 2 designs per contest.
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Can I get feedback on my design before submitting?
Absolutely! In fact, we highly suggest it – we have an entire section for giving and getting feedback (called submitting a Draft). Here, you only need to submit a JPG instead of the complete print-ready file package, allowing you to quickly iterate and incorporate valuable input from fellow designers, T-shirt wearers, and the voting public – get them on board here in advance of the final submission, and it’ll be that much easier to get their Vote during the voting week!
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How many of each winning design is printed?
Each contest typically has 5 winning designs that we will print in a limited quantity. This quantity typically varies per contest, and can be as low as 500 of each, so it’s important to get yours quickly as they do sell out quickly. Each T-shirt will be hand-numbered 1/500, 2/500, for instance, so you’ll know which one is uniquely yours.
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If my design gets declined can I re-submit once it follows the guidelines?
Yes. There are several reasons a design might get declined for entry into the contest, for instance: it’s missing some files; there’s a copyright issue; it doesn’t look quite like a ‘finished’ T-shirt; (please see the contest’s Official Rules for the full details). If this is the case, please know we have a fabulous support team that can help clarify the reason and the resolution, and (if there is still time before the deadline) is always happy and ready to help you get your submission up and running (support@masscanvas.com).
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What are the benefits of Design Review?
The benefits of the Review Draft designs process are that, not only will it lead to you submitting the very best quality of work because you’ve had time and valuable input from fellow designers and T-shirt wearers to help you iterate and refine your submission before submitting your final entry, but that feedback and involvement from people increases your chances of getting their votes once the Vote process starts. Not bad!
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When is the next contest?
We currently launch a new contest every month or two, so be sure to check back at http://www.masscanvas.com often, and better yet: follow us at http://www.facebook.com/masscanvas and/or at http://www.twitter.com/masscanvas to be the first to know about winner announcements, contest updates, and new launches. Each contest will be different, but some things will always remain the same: big prizes, inspirational emcees, good recognition, and a whole lot of fun.
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Can I submit in a new contest if I have already won a previous contest?
Yes, you most definitely can! In fact, you are clearly a great designer, so you probably should...
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How long after I win will I receive my $1,000?
In exchange for the rights to the winning designs, we typically contact winners within a few days of the winner announcement to make payment arrangements and pay within a few days of receiving those details. Cash prizes are generally paid via PayPal.
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Once a shirt sells out does it come back?
No. Any design you see in the store will never be printed like that again – everything is strictly limited edition, and sells out fast, so if you see something you like, we recommend you get it while it’s there!
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What is color separated?
Color separation is required for silk-screening and printing purposes. In order to color separate your design file, each color needs to be housed on a separate layer. For example if you were using the colors red, blue, orange, and dark-red; red would be in one layer, blue in another, and so on. You would therefore end up with 4 different layers, and indicate the colors used (Pantone matched) as the layers' names. See the Design Kit for detailed examples on this.
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What is a Pantone?
The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a universal color system used for commercial printing. Printers and designers use this system in order to get accurate and consistent color results in their prints. You can find your Pantone swatches in your “Color Libraries” in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator (“Open Swatch Library” under “Color Books”). Here at MASScanvas, we use Pantone Solid Coated.
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What should be included in my submission file?
A final submission entry needs to include (in one Zip file): * High Quality Design file - a color separated (!), 300 dpi, CMYK file * T-shirt template - a picture showing the placement and size of your design on a t-shirt, as well as indicating the color of the shirt. * Signature - the artist(s) signature(s) in any format. The Design Kit available on the contest's Submit page(s) will have detailed examples and instructions for the contents of the file you need to submit. And, our support team is always happy to help you get it to where it needs to be if you have any questions, as well (support@masscanvas.com)!
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Can I submit photography?
Yes! We love photography and photo-realistic art. The final artwork that is part of your submission (zip) file will always need to be a digital file, so you'll need to scan your photo / artwork to produce a high-resolution (300 dpi) raster file. And, the resulting file will need to be color-separated (layered) and comply with the 8 color maximum like any other submission as well. Check out all the submission instructions and a sample submission file by downloading the Design Kit on the contest's Submit page(s).
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