What can my design look like?
Get creative! Your design can be whatever you would like it to be, as long as it features avian themes - think bird silhouettes, feathers, egg patterns, etc. You can refer to the “Decal Design Inspirations” tab on the left to see decal designs installed at other schools that are in line with what we're looking for, but do not feel limited bu them.
We have only two requirements for your design.
First, use single color linework for your design, as only the linework will be printed and cut as a decal. Although you can submit your design linework in any one color, it will likely be printed on colorless matte vinyl or as otherwise determined by the competition committee.
Second, please make your design using the provided design templates, as they correspond to the dimensions of the windows on campus where the decals will be applied. Since the goal is to decrease window surface reflectivity and signal to birds that they cannot pass through the windows, please aim to utilize all or most of the template space as it aligns with your design idea.
When is the submission deadline?
The design submission form will close on Sunday, March 16. If you believe you will need more time to complete your design, contact us with an extension request before the deadline.
Who can make design submissions?
Any member of the Princeton University community with a love for birds and creativity can make a decal design submission - students, faculty, staff, and University family members and spouses.
How many decal designs can I submit?
There is no limit on the number of design submissions you can make! We only ask that each design is submitted separately (one form submission per design).
Also, you can submit the same design for each differently sized window. Just be sure to resize your design so it corresponds to the window dimensions of a given window and properly indicate the window you are submitting for in the form. Otherwise, design resizing may occur at the discretion of the competition committee.
How many decal design winners will there be?
There will be three decal design winners - one winner per window to be treated.
What format should my design submission be?
You can make your design submission in any file format (.ai, .png, .jpeg, .csv) but if you are selected as a winner, we will ask that you send us the .ai template file that you used as the starting point of your design. Thus, please do not delete the .ai template file once you make your submission.
If you are drawing your design by hand, make sure you adhere to the dimensions of the window for which you are submitting your decal. In this case, you can submit your design as a .png or .jpeg and we will work to vectorize your design if it is selected as a winning submission.
Which windows on campus will be treated?
Three windows on campus will be treated with your decal designs - one in Yeh College (window size 54" x 80"), one in Lakeside Apartments (window size 48" x 114"), and one in Lawrence Apartments (120" x 70").
What is the purpose of the design templates you are providing?
We ask that you use the provided .ai gridded design templates to ensure that your design will correspond to the dimensions of the windows the decals will be applied to. The grids are in a 2" x 2" pattern, which is standard spacing for birdsafe film application (i.e. this spacing ensures that birds can recognize the glass surface). We ask that you maximize your use of the template space, or if you wish to create a pattern, you use/fill every other square in the gridded template.
If I win, when will I see my design applied to a window on campus?
Once submissions are reviewed and winners are chosen, we will begin design applications to the windows so that participating windows are treated in time for peak migration season by the end of April. We will be sure to keep winners and the Princeton community updated about decal installation so that everyone can celebrate these beautiful and life-saving artworks!
Who can I contact with any questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lazarena Lazarova ([email protected]), Dr. Craig Marshall ([email protected]), or Claire Whiting ([email protected]). You can also fill out the “Questions? Contact Us” contact form at the bottom of the website page and someone from the competition committee will be sure to get back to you ASAP.