Of all the steps in creating a Studio contest, this is perhaps the most critical. It can also be the most time-consuming, but the time spent gathering information and preparing files helps ensure a successful outcome. Let's break it down into manageable steps:

- 1. Use our guide as a starting point for your contest.

- 2. Determine what type of contest you need.

- 3. Gather files and decide what files to get back.

- 4. Learn how to use Stock Art and fonts.

- 5. Organize your information and write your Spec.

- 6: Review the Spec scorecard.

STEP 1: Use our guide as a starting point for your contest.

Take the time to discuss these ten important areas with your team or your co-pilot. Your answers will provide the raw material for your contest specification.

RESOURCE: Ten Preparation Points for a Studio Design Contest

STEP 2: Determine what type of contest you need.

It's important to understand the different types of contests and what you will receive from each. The most common flow for web or application projects through studio is: Wireframes -> Web Design or App Design -> UI Prototype or RIA Build. You should also determine whether you want to run a single or multi-round competition

RESOURCE: Studio Contest Types
RESOURCE: Single and Multi-Round Competitions

STEP 3: Gather files and decide what files to get back.

Gather your inputs and prepare them for the contest (zip the files). Determine what type of files you will require from your winner. This is important information, as the designers will need to know what software to use when creating their work.

The file types are also critical to success in the tracks that follow. For example, a web design contest should require layered PSD files so that the prototype contest competitors have the correct files to build the prototype.

RESOURCE: Studio File Types - Contest Inputs and Submission Deliverables

STEP 4: Learn How to Use Stock Art and Fonts

If you decide to allow stock art within your contest, you will need to have some post-contest work done to remove the watermarks from the final source files your winner provided. You will purchase the stock art license and then provide the file to the winner to replace the watermarked version. We have a specific process for this. Similarly, you may have fonts that will need to be purchased in order to use your source files.

RESOURCE: Stock Art and Font Information

STEP 5: Organize your information and write your Spec.

Take a look at a past Studio contests. You'll notice that Studio contests have a general layout and provide standard information on the details page that helps competitors decide quickly if they want to participate. The right balance of information within the contest specification/details page will help attract competitors. We've provided templates and samples for you to get started.

RESOURCE: Past Contests on Studio
RESOURCE: Contest Templates and Samples

STEP 6: Review the Spec scorecard.

Take a look at the basic criteria your reviewer will use when reviewing your contest details and inputs. Check your specification and see if you need to make any changes before it goes into Spec review. The Spec review process is on hold, but this scorecard is still a good checklist to use when preparing your contest.

RESOURCE: Spec Review Scorecard