How to organise a comic strip contest from start to finish

A comic strip contest runs smoothly when the rules, registration and judging process are settled before anyone starts drawing. Begin by choosing the format, time limit and judging criteria, then secure a venue and jury before promoting the event. Give yourself enough time to order prizes, prepare score sheets and confirm participants. On the day, separate registration, drawing and exhibition areas so contestants and judges can work without interruptions.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Set competition rules
2 people
2
Reserve venue
3
Approach jury members
4
Order prizes
5
Design competition poster
6
Create a registration form
7
Send invitations
2 people
8
Promote the competition
2 people
9
Process registrations
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Confirm participants
12
Send the jury briefing
13
Develop assessment criteria
2 people
14
Prepare score sheets
15
Create the program and schedule
16
Check the shopping list
2 people
17
Do the shopping
2 people
18
Collect prizes and materials
2 people
19
Sort competition materials
2 people
20
Prepare name badges
21
Print forms and signs

Event

22
Open venue
2 people
23
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
24
Set out drawing materials
3 people
25
Hang decorations and signage
2 people
26
Set up registration desk
2 people
27
Set out snacks and drinks
3 people
28
Set Up Jury Table and Score Sheets
2 people
29
Receive participants
3 people
30
Explain the competition rules
31
Lead the sign-up round
3 people
32
Serve snacks and drinks
2 people
33
Refill drinks
34
Display projects
3 people
35
Guide the jury evaluation
3 people
36
Collect audience votes
2 people
37
Announce the winners
2 people
38
Present prizes
2 people
39
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

40
Collect drawing materials
3 people
41
Collect waste
2 people
42
Wash dishes
2 people
43
Clean the venue
4 people
44
Put furniture back
4 people
45
Pack up materials
2 people
46
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: state the theme, maximum number of panels, allowed materials, drawing time and whether entries must be completed on site. Send the same one-page rule sheet to every participant.
Choose a drawing period that fits the age group and format, such as 60 to 90 minutes for a timed contest. Add at least 15 minutes for registration and 20 minutes for judging, display and prize announcements.
Prepare one complete materials station per table rather than sharing a single box. Count paper, pencils, fineliners, erasers, sharpeners and rulers before the event, and keep spare materials at the registration table.
Brief the jury at least 3 days in advance with the scoring sheets and criteria. Use a small, fixed set of categories—such as storytelling, drawing and originality—so judges can compare entries consistently.
Finish the room layout before doors open: place registration near the entrance, keep the jury table separate, and reserve panels for finished work. Test the printer, laptop, extension cords and power strips before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a comic strip contest last?: Allow 2 to 3 hours for a compact contest. A practical schedule is 15 minutes for registration, 60 to 90 minutes for drawing, 20 to 30 minutes for judging and 15 minutes for displaying entries and announcing winners.
How many judges do I need for a comic strip contest?: Plan for 2 or 3 judges for up to 30 entries. With more than 30 entries, use at least 3 judges or divide the first review into groups so one person is not scoring every comic under time pressure.
When should I send the jury briefing?: Send the briefing at least 3 days before the contest, including the rules, judging criteria, schedule and score sheets. Ask judges to confirm their availability no later than 48 hours before the event.
How much drawing material should I prepare per participant?: Prepare at least 2 sheets of drawing paper, 2 graphite pencils, 1 eraser and access to a fineliner, sharpener and ruler per participant. Add a 10 to 15 percent reserve for damaged or misplaced supplies.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.