Calling Student Artists

The Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are calling student artists to design posters that will educate people about invasive species.

The winning poster will be displayed for one year at all the aquatic invasive species check stations and in an educational trailer that travels statewide to schools, libraries, and events, educating people about invasive species that threaten Washington’s natural resources, economy, recreation, and ecology.

Who Can Enter?

Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade may enter in one of three categories:

  • Grade school: kindergarten through fifth graders
  • Middle school: sixth through eighth graders
  • High school: ninth through twelfth graders.

Requirements

All entries must be submitted electronically. Digital mediums such as photographs, illustrations, cartoons, digital paintings are recommended, but high-resolution digital scans of artwork may be accepted.

Entries must focus on a specific species chosen from the provided list of invasive species. 

Posters should include the following information on that species:

  • Common name
  • Scientific name

Explanation of:

  • What it is
  • Is it in Washington yet? If so, how has it been introduced?
  • How to identify it
  • How can people help stop the spread or prevent infestations
  • Impacts
  • And any other information that the public should know

A sample poster has been provided below as a loose guideline. The style of the poster is up to the artist. Posters can be strictly informational, storyboard, comic book etc. Creativity is highly encouraged, but all illustrations and depictions should be as scientifically accurate as possible. WISC and WDFW logos will be added to all winning posters before printing. 

To avoid copyright infringement and plagiarism issues, only use images from the following websites:

If using an image from one of these sites, it must be labeled with a citation. See the example poster below. Artists are, of course, welcome to use their own original photos, drawings, etc. Please label them with the artist’s name. Do not use photos that are labeled “used with permission.”

The dimensions of the winning posters will be twenty-four inches wide by thirty-six inches long. All entries should be submitted in the highest resolution possible.

To submit, please fill out the entry form and attach it to the artwork and email to invasivespeciesinfo@rco.wa.gov by May 31, 2024. Participants may submit more than one entry. Please submit each entry separately with a new entry form.

Prizes

Three winners will be selected from each division. First place winners will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, a print of the poster, and have their poster displayed in WDFW’s invasive species trailer for one year.  Second place winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, and third place winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

Legal information

All contest submissions become property of the Washington Invasive Species Council and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The agencies reserve all rights for the artworks’ use in publications, in media, online, and in social media.  These are not exclusive rights. Artists may use their own submissions freely for other projects.

FAQ

What is the Washington Invasive Species Council?

The Washington Invasive Species Council was established by the state Legislature in 2006 to coordinate invasive species prevention efforts statewide to sustain Washington’s human, plant, and animal communities and its thriving economy.

What are invasive species?

Invasive species include non-native organisms that cause economic or environmental harm and can spread to new areas of the state. (Domestic livestock, intentionally planted crops, or non-harmful exotic organisms are not considered invasive species). Learn more about Washington invasive species on the council website.

How can I stay involved?

Get the app and get involved! Download the WA Invasives app and identify and report invasive species in your community. It’s FREE!

Sample poster