The Doomsday Clock has been called “the most powerful piece of information design of the 20th century.”

The Clock, first conceived by Chicago-based painter Martyl in 1947, has served as a metaphor for man’s proximity to self-destruction as the minute hand creeps closer to midnight. The minute hand has moved toward and away from midnight over the years, as set by the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

The iconic Doomsday Clock has been a cultural touchstone for years, not only in the political and scientific fields, but also in pop culture. References to the Doomsday Clock appear in DC Comics’ The Watchmen, an episode of Doctor Who—even in songs by The Clash, Iron Maiden, The Who, Hozier, Bright Eyes, and Smashing Pumpkins.

In the ramp-up to the Clock’s 75th anniversary, we’re asking artists for their own take. 

We are interested in designs that:
1. Reimagine or redesign the Doomsday Clock
2. Tell people how to Turn Back the Clock
3. Incorporate our three areas of focus: Nuclear Risk, Climate Change & Disruptive Technology

The designs can be serious, irreverent, funny, informative, thought-provoking—although the best entries will operate on several levels.

Entries can be pure, beautiful information design pieces, like
Phil Dodd’s collaboration with us.

Or a traditional cartoon, like New Yorker artist Shannon Wheeler’s
take on nuclear security.

ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS BEGINNING FRIDAY 5/14/21, 10:00AM CST