Loveland Artists Wanted: Design the 2026 Shorts Film Festival Poster

By. Mike Meldon

LSFF

The Loveland Shorts Film Festival (LSFF) is now accepting entries for its 2026 Poster Competition, and local artists are invited to submit original designs for a chance to be featured as the face of the festival.

This is the third annual LSFF Poster Competition, and the selected design will serve as the cornerstone of the festival’s advertising and public relations campaign.

Award for the Winning Artist

The artist whose design is selected will receive:

• $250 cash prize

• Two VIP passes to the Loveland Shorts Film Festival

• Widespread recognition across LSFF marketing materials and promotions

What Is the Loveland Shorts Film Festival?

The Loveland Shorts Film Festival is Loveland’s premier celebration of independent film. Sponsored and hosted by the Loveland Stage Company, the festival showcases the art of short filmmaking, featuring:

• Over 50 local, national, and international filmmakers

• Independent films 20 minutes or less

• A vibrant community of artists, storytellers, and film lovers

Poster Design Objectives

Your poster design should:

• Be eye-catching and visually engaging

• Clearly inform the public about the festival

• Serve as the primary marketing tool for LSFF

• Be adaptable for use on:

  • Programs

  • T-shirts

  • Tote bags

  • Other promotional materials

Who Can Enter?

• Artists 18 years or older

• Must live within 25 miles of Loveland, Ohio

• Open to individual artists only (no corporate submissions)

Design Rules (Please Read Carefully)

• All artwork must be original work created by the submitting artist

• No corporate or personal logos may be included

• Entries must be submitted online

• File format: PDF only

• Maximum file size: 25 MB

Poster Size & Format Requirements

• Final winning poster will be printed at 36” high x 24” wide

• All submissions must be in a 3:2 ratio for judging

  • Examples:

    • 24” x 16”

    • 12” x 8”

• Orientation should follow the 3:2 ratio exactly

Required Poster Text

Your design must include all of the following information:

• Loveland Shorts Film Festival logo (logo provided)

• Loveland Shorts Film Festival

• Loveland, Ohio

• July 31, August 1 & 2, 2026

• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Loveland Stage Company111 S 2nd Street Loveland, Ohio 45140

• Tickets: lovelandstagecompany.org/tickets

• Details: www.lovelandfilmfest.org

Key Dates to Know

• Submissions open: February 15, 2026

• Submission deadline: March 22, 2026

• Judging: March 29, 2026

• Winners announced: March 31, 2026

How to Enter (Step-by-Step)

1. Design your poster following all size, content, and rule requirements

2. Save your final design as a PDF (under 25 MB)

3. Email your submission to: giverwine@yahoo.com

4. Include the following information in your email:

   • Full name

   • Phone number

   • Email address

   • Mailing address

   • Title of your entry

   • (Optional) A short note explaining what inspired your design