Comic strip contest checklist

A comic strip contest needs more than paper and pencils. You need clear rules, a workable registration process, prepared judges and enough time for participants to draw, submit and display their work. This checklist takes you from the first decisions through venue setup, judging and prizes. Use it to keep the practical details together, especially the supplies, forms and signage that are easy to leave until the last day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition rules
2 people
Reserve venue
Approach jury members
Order prizes
Design competition poster
Create a registration form
Send invitations
2 people
Promote the competition
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
Send the jury briefing
Develop assessment criteria
2 people
Prepare score sheets
Create the program and schedule
Check the shopping list
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
Sort competition materials
2 people
Prepare name badges
Print forms and signs

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set out drawing materials
3 people
Hang decorations and signage
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Set out snacks and drinks
3 people
Set Up Jury Table and Score Sheets
2 people
Receive participants
3 people
Explain the competition rules
Lead the sign-up round
3 people
Serve snacks and drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
Display projects
3 people
Guide the jury evaluation
3 people
Collect audience votes
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect drawing materials
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Pack up materials
2 people
Return keys and equipment
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Registration desk
Judges' table
Exhibition panelsqty 12
Stoolsqty 6

Sports equipment

Drawing paperqty 200
Sketchbooksqty 40
Graphite pencilsqty 80
Finelinersqty 60
Colored pencilsqty 40
Color markersqty 40
Erasersqty 50
Pencil sharpenersqty 25
Rulersqty 30
Drawing boardsqty 30
Clipboardsqty 10
Apronsqty 30
Kneadable eraserqty 20
Wax crayonsqty 20
Tapeqty 8
Paper clipsqty 200
Painter's tapeqty 6
Scissorsqty 20
Cutting matsqty 6

Equipment

Kitchen timersqty 4
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee potsqty 3
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 2
Buntingqty 8
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 60
Prizesqty 3
Certificatesqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Bucketsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules before opening registration. Specify the theme, paper size, time limit, age or entry categories, permitted materials and how finished strips will be submitted.
Contact judges early and send the briefing before the contest. Include the scoring categories, such as originality, storytelling and drawing technique, so every judge uses the same standard.
Prepare the registration table separately from the jury table. Keep name badges, forms, printed signs and the participant list at registration, while score sheets and the jury briefing stay with the judges.
Count drawing supplies by participant rather than buying a vague extra amount. For a 20-person contest, prepare at least 20 drawing spaces and check paper, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, colouring tools and clipboards before shopping.
Allow setup time before doors open. Arrive at least 90 minutes early to arrange tables and chairs, test the laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips, put out materials, and hang signs and decorations.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a comic strip contest?: Start at least 6 weeks ahead. Use the first 2 weeks for rules, venue and judges, then open registration and leave the final week for confirmations, printing and supply checks.
How much drawing time should a comic strip contest allow?: Allow 2 to 3 hours for an on-site comic strip contest, depending on the number of panels and the age of the participants. Add at least 30 minutes for registration and 45 minutes for judging or displaying the work.
How many judges do I need for a comic strip contest?: Plan on 2 judges for up to 30 entries and 3 judges when there are more than 30. Give them identical score sheets and set a judging deadline before the event starts.
What supplies do I need for a comic strip contest?: Provide one drawing place per participant, plus paper, sketchbooks or drawing boards, pencils, fineliners, erasers, sharpeners, rulers and colouring tools. For 20 participants, prepare 20 complete sets and at least 10% extra paper and basic supplies.

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