Creative Designs

ITAA design scholars are invited to submit abstracts to present original design scholarship at the ITAA annual conference Design Exhibition. The purpose of the exhibition is to provide an arena for design scholarship to be recognized by a jury of peers for contribution to the field of textile and/or apparel design and to provide a venue for presentation to conference attendees as well as publication in the Design Catalogue and the ITAA Annual Conference Proceedings.

Note: Professional and Graduate work submitted for exhibition at the ITAA annual conference must not have been shown or presented elsewhere, including social media. Undergraduate submissions are exempt from this rule.

CATEGORIES FOR DESIGN SUBMISSIONS

Professional (PRO): Work must have been executed within the last 3 years and must not have been previously shown at an ITAA Annual Conference. Work must be designed, patterned, and constructed by the designer(s), and must be completed at the time of submission. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected. Designers will decide on the order of authorship according to each individual’s contribution to the design piece. The first author/designer should be the submitter. Up to 3 entries per designer or co-designer may be submitted.

Graduate (GRS): Work must have been executed within the last 3 years and must not have been previously shown at an ITAA Annual Conference. Work must be designed, patterned, and constructed by the designer(s), and must be completed at the time of submission. Designers will decide on the order of authorship according to each individual’s contribution to the design piece. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected. Up to 3 entries per designer or co-designer may be submitted.

Undergraduate (UGS): An ITAA professional, emeritus, or graduate student member (ITAA design mentor) should supervise the undergraduate design development process for the design being submitted. All Undergraduate design submissions must have been completed under an ITAA design mentor. Undergraduate designs can be co-mentored; each mentor must be an ITAA member, and each member must write a mentor statement about their contribution to the work. The primary design mentor must submit the undergraduate student design(s) for juried review and designate the entry for the Undergraduate Review Category. Each individual ITAA designer may mentor or co-mentor up to 6 undergraduate student entries.

TRACKS FOR REVIEW AND PRESENTATION

Level of Production. Identifies the type of production for which the design is intended.

• MM – Mass Market (i.e., intended for a specified target market and widespread distribution)
• LP – Limited production (i.e., functional, custom/artwear/couture, or fiber)
• EX – Experimental (new material or methods; not yet reproducible)

Jury Tracks. These categories will drive the selection of the jurors for the design, to align specialties. Select up to three, ranked by priority.

• New technologies (3-D printing, smart garment, etc.)
• Historic reference
• Textile innovation
• Couture techniques
• Sustainability
• Functional clothing
• Ready-to-wear (market directed)
• Cultural reference
• Surface design
• Patternmaking
• Non-Apparel 2-D or 3-D design (wall hanging, chair, etc.)
• Accessory
• Conceptual/experimental
• Other

REVIEW PROCESS

Jurors will evaluate submissions by reading the Juror Review Abstract and by viewing the digital images of the artifact, and will evaluate each entry based on the Submission Evaluation Criteria below. A double-blind jury of textile and apparel peers from the ITAA membership will review all submissions; in addition, Professional entries will also be juried by a member of the textile and apparel industry. Acceptance or rejection for the ITAA Design Exhibition will be based on the jury’s scores in relation to these criteria and in relation to the number of submissions that the conference venue and the exhibit type will allow.

Review for compliance: Before being juried, submissions will be reviewed by the ITAA Design Review Committee for adherence to the submission policies. Submissions that do not correspond to the policies will not be forwarded to the jury. The following is a list of instances in which an entry might be disqualified; while this list is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive.

• If more than one image of the entry is collaged into an image.
• If less than or more than four images are included on the Image page.
• If work is not photographed on a plain, un-identifiable background.
• If the identity of the submitter or the submitter’s institution is revealed in the abstract, images, or YouTube Video.
• If the files are not uploaded as .pdf

Submission Evaluation Criteria:

1. Introduction/Concept/Context.

• Abstract should clearly define purpose statement and design challenge or research question.
• Abstract should clearly describe the relevance of the submission in filling a gap in extant literature or design scholarship (i.e., how is this generating new knowledge in our field.) Citations of this literature, design scholarship, theoretical framework applied, etc. should be included.

2. Aesthetic Properties and Visual Impact

• Abstract should discuss how the submission applies the elements and principles of design to create a compelling design work and how elements of formal aesthetics were purposefully used to meet the stated research purpose.
• Artifact images should effectively demonstrate that the elements and principles of design have been applied to create a compelling design work, and elements of formal aesthetics were used to meet the stated research purpose.
• Artifact should reflect what was stated in the abstract.

3. Methods: Process, Technique and Execution

• Abstract should describe the design process and execution of the design in detail including materials/medium, steps/stages, techniques used. Submission should demonstrate a rigorous design process.
• Artifact design and execution should demonstrate a mastery of technique. The reviewer should evaluate whether the artifact demonstrated that the techniques discussed as the rigorous process in the abstract were well done. Submission execution is appropriate and of high quality.

4. Cohesion: Submission forms a cohesive whole accomplishing the purpose while integrating content, concept, aesthetic properties, process, technique, and execution.

• Abstract should describe how the process accomplished the designer’s stated purpose.
• Images of the artifact provide visual support to the discussion in the abstract.

5. Design contribution: The submission is significantly different or novel in response to what is already in the public domain and the academic literature.

• The design contribution should contribute to existing knowledge and include a reflection of the design process which evolved from research and/or from the tacit knowledge and experience of the designer. Implications and future applications should be discussed.
• The physical outcome of the work supports the designers’ discussion of the work and its contribution to the existing tacit knowledge of the designer and to the field.

6. Design Mentor Statement: For Undergraduate Submissions ONLY

Written by the mentor, this statement explains the purpose of the mentorship relationship, and how that purpose was met, including a recommendation commenting on the quality of the work and why the mentor chose to sponsor this particular student’s work to this call. In the case of co-mentors, each mentor must write their own statement. Maximum 250 words.

ABSTRACT PREPARATION

Please note, there are several documents you will need for submission. These are listed below with a checkmark, with a detailed description following.

• Jury Abstract (please note the difference in formatting for Professional/Graduate and Undergraduate)
• Exhibition Abstract
• Short Abstract for Catalogue
• Garment images for Catalogue
• YouTube video link (optional)

Professional and Graduate Jury Abstracts

Prepare the abstract using 1-inch margins on all sides, Times New Roman, font size 12, for all text, including titles. The title should be centered on the top of the page, using Title Case, bold font, 30 word maximum. Excluding references, text of document must not be over 2 pages (single spacing) in length, including all figures and/or images. Within the abstract, up to three figures and/or images are allowed. References should use either APA or Chicago style. References can be on the third page but must not go over 1 page in length. The final page should include four 3”x5” images: front, back, and two alternate views or detail images. The paper must be a finished copy and show no editing marks. Additionally, the content in the abstract should NOT include any information that can identify the author or author's institution. Be sure to remove the author identified in the PDF properties as well. Submissions with identifiable information included will not be forwarded to judges and will be disqualified. The pdf file should be labeled in a prescribed format: level of review-level of production-abbreviated title. For example: PRO-MM-Sustainable Dress. Each submission must have a unique file name.

Undergraduate Jury Abstracts

Prepare the abstract using 1-inch margins on all sides, Times New Roman, font size 12, for all text, including titles. The title should be centered on the top of the page, using Title Case, bold font, 30 word maximum. The Design Mentor statement should be included below the title, before the student’s written abstract. Excluding references, text of document must not be over 2 pages (single spacing) in length, including all figures and images. Within the abstract, up to three figures and/or images are allowed. References should use either APA or Chicago style. References can be on the third page but must not go over 1 page in length. The final page should include four 3”x5” images: front, back, and two alternate views or detail images. The paper must be a finished copy and show no editing marks. Additionally, the content in the abstract should NOT include any information that can identify the author or author's institution. Be sure to remove the author identified in the PDF properties as well. Submissions with identifiable information included will not be forwarded to judges and will be disqualified. The pdf file should be labeled in a prescribed format: level of review-level of production-abbreviated title. For example: PRO-MM-Sustainable Dress. Each submission must have a unique file name.

Exhibition File (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

If your design is accepted for presentation, this will be printed and exhibited next to your design during the conference. This should be adapted from your Juror Review Abstract. It should include designer(s) name and institution, but NOT include your image page. Please note that this cannot be over 2 pages in length as display space is limited to the front and back of one page. References are not required.

Short Abstract (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

Prepare a brief, 150-word description of your work. This description will appear in the final design exhibition catalog if your work is accepted. You will be prompted to paste this description into a textbox during the submission process.

Images (ALL - Professional, Graduate, and Undergraduate)

Three High-resolution images of the FRONT, BACK, and SIDE/ALTERNATE VIEW. Please adhere to the following guidelines when editing and saving your images:

·       Format: JPEG image only

·       Image Dimensions: the image size is 3-1/2 inches wide by 5 inches tall

·       Resolution: 300 DPI

·       File Naming: Please title the JPEG file with the title of your design, category, and image type. For example: Design Title_PRO_Front

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ONLINE SUBMISSION

1. Begin the submission process by using the specific Oxford Abstract link provided on the Submission Page of the ITAA Website.
2. Choose Creative Scholarship as your submission category.
3. Add the title of your abstract – 30 word maximum. This is how it will appear in the final conference program and in the Conference Proceedings (assuming you submit the Proceedings). 
4. PRO and GRAD: Enter designer and any co-designer information. UG: Enter mentor and designer information. Note, no changes can be made to authorship after submission is made.
5. Select a Category for presentation. The category of the most senior designer must be selected. For example, if graduate and professional level designers collaborate on a piece, the PRO category must be selected.
6. Choose the level of production for which your design was intended.
7. Choose Jury Track categories from the following list. Select up the three descriptive categories that correspond to your design. Rank your first, second, and third choices.
8. Indicate awards for which your submission qualifies to be considered if you are interested in award competitions. Upload your abstract (see naming protocol above)
9. Type the 150-word design description/abstract in the text box. The description will appear in the final design exhibition catalog if your work is accepted.
10. Enter the dimensions of your design and the gender and type of dress form preferred.
11. Confirm that at least one designer/co-designer will register to attend and present the design at the Conference and that it has not been submitted to another conference.
12. Confirm that the submission has been approved by all authors and created within the last 3 years.
13. Upload your Juror Review Abstract.
14. Upload your Exhibition Abstract.
15. Upload Images for Catalogue.
16. Optional - Enter the URL to your YouTube site if appropriate. Remember no identifying information can be included in your link or you will be disqualified.
17. For undergraduate submission, upload mentor statement(s).
18. Click SUBMIT to complete the Submission process.

FOLLOW-UP

Submitters will be notified via email to the first author/designer of the outcome of the jury and exhibition acceptance process, and designers of accepted submissions will be emailed guidelines for the delivery of their piece(s) to the annual meeting site. A designer whose work is accepted, or the co-designer, must attend the ITAA Annual Conference and register for the conference by September 15. Design scholarship accepted by the jury of textile and apparel peers and presented at the annual conference will be published in the online Design Catalog and in the ITAA Proceedings (additional submission post-conference).

If accepted into the Design Exhibition:

• Apparel items will need to be mountable on a dress form, where appropriate. You are welcome to bring materials to pad out your dress form.
• International submitters are responsible for all customs fees and charges.
• Additional elements added to the display of a design that were not in the original submitted photographs of the garment (e.g. a backdrop, additional dress forms with proto-types, printed photographs, computers) are not allowed.
• Non-Liability: Reasonable care will be taken in handling and displaying accepted items. Neither ITAA nor the facility hosting the exhibit assumes responsibility for loss, liability, or damages incurred before, during or after the ITAA Design Exhibition.
• Accepted entries may be disqualified at any level of the review process. The following is a list of instances in which an accepted design might be disqualified. While this list is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive.
• ­  If the submitting designer or co-author/designer has not registered for the conference on or before September 15.
• ­  If the designer or co-author/designer is not present at the conference.
• ­  If the overall construction quality is judged to be poor during the on-site review.

AWARDS

Design scholarship accepted by the jury of textile and apparel peers for presentation at the annual conference will undergo an on-site review by judges who will determine award recipients based on physical inspection of the entries and review of the Juror Review Abstract. Authors who are interested in participating in award competitions must mark the appropriate awards that the topic of the study fits during the online submission process. Winners will be recognized during the annual conference. Awards are determined on an annual basis; below are awards that have been presented previously. 

Professional

• Vince Quevedo Best of Show Award
• Sandra Hutton Award for Excellence in Fiber Arts
• ITAA Award for Innovative Design Scholarship innovative design, focus on design scholarship
• ITAA Award for Creative and Innovative Employment of Technique(s) techniques used for innovation
• Margaret Rucker Best Design Award - Professional demonstrating innovative approaches to functional clothing design

Graduate

• ITAA Award for Innovative Design Scholarship innovative design, focus on design scholarship
• ITAA Award for Creative and Innovative Employment of Technique(s) techniques used for innovation
• Margaret Rucker Best Design Award - Graduate demonstrating innovative approaches to functional clothing design

Undergraduate

• Blanche Payne Scholarship for creative design or technical design research paper; 2-step application process.

For questions, please contact:

Krissi Riewe Stevenson, Chair Design Review Committee, kriewe@kent.edu

Jay Yoo, VP for Scholarship, Jay_Yoo@baylor.edu

Sherry Schofield, Executive Director, itaasherry@gmail.com