The entries will be judged in three age groups – eight years old and young, nine to 12; and 13 to 18. The winning entries in each category will be published in Radio Times in June, and the overall winner will appear on the cover of Radio Times’ special Queen’s birthday issue. The Queen has featured on the front cover of Radio Times more than any other person, 35 time in total. The Queen first appeared on Radio Times’ cover in October 1940 when she was still HRH Princess Elizabeth.
The winning entries will be chosen by author and illustrator Judith Kerr, BBC arts editor Will Gompertz, Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell, Radio Times Editor Ben Preston and Radio Times Art Director Shem Law.
Will Gompertz explains what the judges will be looking for: “An arresting design that will make people want to stop and pick up the celebratory issue of Radio Times. It needs to be original and show real insight into what the Queen’s birthday means to you. And don’t think you have to keep it serious. The Queen has a sense of humour and so do we as judges. Your cover doesn’t have to include the words ‘Happy Birthday’ and it doesn’t have to feature a woman in a crown. Just remember to leave space for the Radio Times masthead but, other than that, let your imagination run wild!”
Radio Times Art Director Shem Law also offers some advice for entrants:
* Keep it simple; make it stand out. It doesn’t matter if you’re using crayons or the latest software, your design must have impact.
* Think where to leave space for coverlines (the text on the front of the magazine telling you what the story is about) and how your image fits under the Radio Times masthead.
* One clever, witty idea is worth 100 complicated ones.
* Keep the colour palette strong.
* When you’ve finished, put your cover against a wall with lots of other magazines to see if it stands out.
* The most important thing to remember is to have fun doing it. We do!
The designs can use any colour, material or technique and can be drawn, painted or created on a computer. Designs should be made on a blank sheet of A4 paper in portrait format or on the template available at www.radiotimes.com/queencover which also has full details on how to enter. The competition closes on at 11.59pm on Friday 6 May 2016.
