Calling all artists, illustrators and designers!
Alternating Currents is seeking up to three artists to contribute original designs to the official 2026 merchandise collection. Selected artists will receive an honorarium, earn royalties on merchandise sales and have their work featured as part of the festival's official merchandise lineup.
Selected artwork will be featured on limited-edition festival apparel and sold online and during the festival.
This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, connect with thousands of festivalgoers and help shape the visual identity of Alternating Currents 2026.
Design Guidelines:
- Designs should incorporate a recognizable Alternating Currents element. The AC logo, festival name and Find Your Vibe tagline are available for use but do not need to be the primary focus of the artwork
- Artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist
- To support screen printing production, designs should use a maximum of three ink colors
- Designs may be printed on a variety of garment colors, so artists are encouraged to consider how their artwork will translate across different shirt colors
AC Assets: https://bit.ly/4edsIZj
Production Specifications
- Front print only
- Maximum 3 ink colors
- Submit as editable PDF
- 300 DPI minimum
- Artwork sized for adult t-shirt printing
- Vector artwork preferred when possible
Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026
Artist Compensation:
Selected artists will receive:
- A $150 honorarium
- Royalties will be paid at a rate of $5 for each shirt sold featuring the artist's selected design
- Two complimentary t-shirts featuring their artwork
- Recognition across Alternating Currents communication and marketing channels
Selection Process
- Artists submit designs by July 3, 2026
- A panel will review submissions and select finalists
- Community input may help inform final selections
- Up to three designs will be selected for production
- Selected artists will be notified directly
Merchandise Launch
Selected designs will be available online prior to the festival and may also be featured through live screen printing experiences during Alternating Currents 2026.
Official Terms
- Artists under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign any required agreements and payment documents.
- All submissions must be original artwork and may not infringe upon the rights of any third party.
- Artists retain ownership of their original artwork.
- Selected artists will be required to enter into a merchandise agreement granting Alternating Currents the right to reproduce, market and sell their design on official festival merchandise and related promotional materials.
- Alternating Currents reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments necessary for production and printing.
- Compensation will be paid based on final merchandise sales following the festival and closure of online merchandise store.