The challenge was

Keep your smize on the prize.

Crack a smile with your next Design Challenge, even if we can’t see it.

The pandemic has made it tough to get a sense of how anyone is feeling out in public, because everyone’s facial expressions are hidden behind masks. The solution is simple: everyone should learn how to smize (smile with their eyes). The concept of smizing was popularized by Tyra Banks in Season 13 of America’s Next Top Model, when she showed her proteges the emotive powers of a slight squint.

For this challenge, we want you to create a Neck Gaiter design that’ll light up eyes. Think of ways it could immediately grab attention and trigger an involuntary smile. Make faces scrunch up with joy by illustrating cats being adorable. Aim directly at funny bones with cringy puns such as “That’s How Eye Roll.” Or, create something so ridiculous that people can’t help but look at it and guffaw. Whichever route you choose, remember that you can use the entire Neck Gaiter as your canvas, so consider making a vibrant full-bleed design that’s noticeable from a distance.

Catch someone’s eye with the Smize Design Challenge.

Grab your mockup template here and check out the catalog for further inspiration!

ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS BEGINNING FRIDAY 10/30/20, 10:00AM CDT

Featured designs:
The Overlook by Glitch Goods by Rob Sheridan
Okay by Tatak Waskitho
Modster Squad - Monster Mash by Anthony Petrie Print + Product Design