Design Brief: Te Taiao o Aotearoa – The Natural World of Aotearoa
Create a visual expression of Te taiao o Aotearoa (the natural world of Aotearoa) by exploring New Zealand’s indigenous flora and fauna through typography and colour.
Open to all tertiary design students in Aotearoa New Zealand, this contest offers a valuable opportunity to work through a real design process – from interpreting a brief to preparing artwork for print. This year’s theme focuses on the expressive potential of type and colour.
Steps:
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- Choose Your Subject
Select an element of indigenous flora or fauna – your favourite bird, insect, flower, fern, or any other taonga species.
- Create a Phrase (2-5 words)
Craft a short saying that captures the essence of your chosen subject. Examples include:- Perky Pīwakawaka
- The weaving magic of Harakeke
- Fern fronds unfolding
- Design Your Visual Expression
Develop a typographic and colour-driven artwork that visually communicates your phrase. Your full phrase must appear in the final design. You may use:- Existing typefaces
- Modified or “hacked” type
- Custom lettering
- Use Only Original Imagery
The artwork may incorporate Illustration and photography, along with your chosen phrase, but all elements must be your own original work. No stock images or AI generated content are allowed.
If using photography or raster imagery, ensure a minimum effective resolution of 300 ppi at the required physical size (see Mechanical Requirements).
- Select a Paper Stock
Choose a BJ Ball paper stock that enhances your design. Paper is a key part of the final outcome – explore options with your tutor and review physical samples.
- Choose Your Subject
Paper Choice:
BJ Ball – New Zealand – Sumo Gloss 200gsm / Silk Matt 256gsm / Advance Laser 240gsm / Trophee 240gsm (all colours – see here for the range), Knight Smooth 300gsm / Knight Linen 350gsm / ECO100 250gsm / Via Felt Cream White 216gsm / Mohawk Superfine Eggshell Ultra White 270gsm / Mohawk Superfine Smooth Ultra White 270gsm.
Winning Entries:
The contest is open to all graphic design students currently studying in New Zealand.
Twelve students will be selected for their artwork as winners of the 2026 BJ Ball Student Design Contest.
Winning artworks will be featured in the BJ Ball 2027 calendar.
Each winner receives a $150 gift card and a printed calendar.
Judging:
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of three industry professionals based on:
- Concept & Idea — How effectively the meaning of the words is expressed through type, imagery, and colour.
- Visual Appeal
- Adherence to Mechanical Requirements
- Effectiveness of Paper Choice
Important Dates:
Entries close: Monday, 28 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Winners notified: Saturday, 10 October 2026
File Requirements:
- Required size: Landscape orientation 380mm x 260mm (at a minimum effective resolution of 300ppi for photographic/raster-based entries).
- PDF, no bleed.
- CMYK Colour Mode only (NO RGB material please).
- ALL FONTS need to be CONVERTED TO OUTLINES (if you do not know how to do this – ask your tutor!).
- The Calendar is Offset printed in CMYK – please do not include any print embellishments (such as foiling or embossing) or Pantone Spot Colours.
- Design suits the paper choice, as per the supplied paper swatch.
- Artwork can be illustration, photography, graphic design, or a mix of all three.
- File size is capped at 10Mb.
- Please check the T&Cs to ensure your design does not breach copyright rules.
