How do I submit my design?
The submission entry is now closed. All digital submission types (JPEG, PNG, PDF, etc) will be accepted. Hand drawn seals can be scanned or photographed and submitted through the same online platform. For those that cannot submit digitally, physical submissions can mailed to the address below. For physical submissions, please refer to the “Submission Requirements” section below.

DreamLarge
1421 Blvd of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236

The proposed may include images, text, or a combination of both, but all components of the seal must be circular in shape. The seal can be black and white or color. All participants will be required to submit a narrative that explains the submitted design. Submissions must be received online or by mail by June 15 to be considered.

Do I need to be a professional designer to enter?
No! The seal design competition is open to all, regardless of age, skill level and background. All are encouraged to apply! Since designs can be submitted in multiple formats from a variety of skill sets, DreamLarge may tweak or modify them to promote equitability amongst submissions.

Starting on May 15, submissions will be posted publicly to this website as they are received. Publicly posted submissions will be kept anonymous.

Is there a cost to enter?
There is no cost to enter the contest.

What does the current seal look like?
The current seal, which was selected when Sarasota was incorporated in 1902, features a mullet, palmettos and shells alongside the words, “May Sarasota Prosper.” A city seal is an official emblem or insignia that represents a city and can be used on City buildings, to mark official documents, and more.

PLEASE NOTE: The City seal differs from the logo. The current logo, which features a silhouette of the statue of David, will be refreshed by DreamLarge later this year and will be presented to the commission in the fall. The Seal Design Contest is solely for the redesign of the City seal, NOT the logo.

Do I need to include the current motto, “May Sarasota Prosper” or “1902”?
You do not need to include these elements in your proposed design. However, seals often include the date of incorporation.

How will the final City seal be chosen?
Following the closure of the contest, the top five seals will be selected by a diverse panel of community members across different industries and backgrounds. Survey results and community feedback will be used to inform decision making. Top designs will be presented to the City Commission later this summer. A backup of all designs will also be submitted for public record.

Eligibility 

The seal design competition is open to all, regardless of age, skill level and background. All are encouraged to apply. Since designs can be submitted in multiple formats from a variety of skill sets, DreamLarge may tweak or modify designs to promote equitability amongst submissions.  

Submissions

The contest submission form opens on Sunday, May 01, 2022, 12:00 a.m. EST. Eligible individuals, groups of individuals, and legal entities who are submitting designs must be received no later than Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. EST online or via mail.

There is no fee to participate in the Competition. Submissions are composed of the materials listed in the “Submission Requirements.” If a Participant is unable to submit online, physical submissions can be mailed to the address below.

DreamLarge
1421 Blvd of the Arts
Sarasota, FL 34236

All mailed submissions must be received by Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

Design Criteria 

Designs must satisfy the following criteria: 

• The seal is meant to be an official emblem for the City of Sarasota. It can be used in a variety of formats, including official documents, signage, and more. 

• The seal may include images, text, or a combination of both, but the seal must be circular in shape. 

• The seal can be black and white or color. 

• The design must be appropriate in nature. All *inappropriate designs will not be shared to the submission website, but will be public record.

  • *Inappropriate designs include but are not limited to those with vulgar, profane,  discriminatory, or mocking language or imagery. 

Submission Requirements 

Participants must submit the following materials

1. First and Last Name

2. Email Address

3. Address

4. A  Design Narrative: a statement about the design, what it means to you or what inspired the design 

5. Seal Design: all digital submission types (JPEG, PNG, PDF, etc) will be accepted.

6. Optional: A brief biography
   

Use of Submissions During and After the Competition 

All Participants agree that any and all materials submitted as part of their Submissions may be used by DreamLarge and the City of Sarasota as part of promoting and documenting the competition and may be publicly posted on the submission website. Publicly posted submissions will be kept anonymous on the submission website. All submissions will be a matter of public record once submitted. 

Ownership of Designs:

The seal design chosen to become the official City of Sarasota seal will become the property of the City of Sarasota. When submitting your design, you agree to transfer all ownership rights in your design to the City of Sarasota for all purposes, including but not limited to, use, reproduction, and modification. If your design is not chosen, you retain all ownership of your design.