314 Day Design for 2026
Call for Entrants

Some of the previous 314 Day designs. Artists clockwise from left: Chelsey Farris, Marley Billie D and Dan Zettwoch.

Project Overview

The objective of the 314 Day design is to represent the St. Louis metro and 314 Day together in a positive, celebratory way uniquely in the finalist’s style.

314 Day, created in 2006 by Terrell “Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk, is an event to bring St. Louis together. Every year, the celebration grows with widespread, week-long participation by residents, businesses, organizations, schools, and more from every corner of the metro. This year marks its 20th anniversary, and we want it to be larger than ever!

Collaboratively, the 314 Day Foundation and STLMade (an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc.) contribute to the celebration in many ways – one being the commission of an annual 314 Day design by an illustrator or graphic designer from the metro to commemorate the day in both marketing and merchandise. We also promote that artist with an interview and photoshoot for theSTL.com, as well as media and event opportunities.

*Do not send 314 Day designs at this time.* One artist from the submissions will be selected to create 314 Day design concepts (one design to be selected as the final) and be compensated for their work.

The Selected Artist

  • The selected artist will be chosen and notified the week of 13 October 2025.
  • The objective of the 314 Day design is to represent the St. Louis metro and 314 Day together in a positive, celebratory way uniquely in the finalist’s style.
  • The only mandatory: “314” must be included in the designs in some way (hero or secondary). The year should not be included (so merch is evergreen).
  • Designs generated via any form of AI (artificial intelligence) will not be accepted.
  • Deliverables:
    • Round 1: 3-5 different initial design concepts (including revisions if needed) before being delivered to Steering Committee for final selection/feedback
    • Round 2: any tweaks/revisions to selected design
    • Final Deliverable: one design with primary and simplified/secondary versions of the selected design in Adobe Illustrator (.ai) format
  • Selected artist will receive a one-time design fee of $4,000 invoiced upon delivery of final artwork. They will be interviewed for theSTL.com and participate in local media opportunities or events in February/March 2026 based on their availability.
  • Selected artist should be in town for 314 Day week (March 8-14, 2026) to participate in events or media opportunities.
  • Usage of the final design may include, but is not limited to:
    • Merchandise (giveaways + sales, such as but not limited to: t-shirts, bags, notebooks, prints, stickers, temporary tattoos, etc.)
    •  Social media graphics, digital and print marketing
    • Key visual for earned media coverage
    • Projection graphic for the iconic James S. McDonnell Planetarium
    • Interactive element at 314 Day events (design dependent)
  • Final design will be owned and used by the 314 Day Foundation, STLMade and Greater St. Louis, Inc. in 314 Day marketing and merch for 2026. Artist can use final art in self-promotion but is not to sell their own 314 Day merch, etc.

Who Can Submit: Artist Eligibility 

  • Open call to artists (illustrators/graphic designers) who:
    • Are able to provide their work in a digital format with print-ready, layered, Adobe Illustrator (.ai) files AND
    • Are at least 18 years of age AND
    • Are a resident of any of the following throughout both 2025 and 2026: (In Missouri) St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Warren County, Lincoln County, Bond County, (in Illinois) Calhoun County, Clinton County, Jersey County, Macoupin County, Madison County, Monroe County, St. Clair County AND
    • Can be interviewed for a story on theSTL.com (see stories from 2023, 2024, and 2025) as well as possible on-location, local media interviews (as the artist is available) leading up to the 314 Day 2026 AND
    • Neither they nor their immediate family works or volunteers for the 314 Day Foundation, Greater St. Louis, Inc., or any of their agencies

How to Submit: Portfolio Submissions

***Do not send 314 Day designs at this time.*** One artist from the submissions will be selected to create 314 Day design concepts (one design to be selected as the final) and be compensated for their work.

Submit the following FIVE items to 314day@thestl.com by 11:59 p.m. CDT, Friday, September 19, 2025:

  1. 8-12 samples of previously completed work that represent your current style and body of work. These can be via a portfolio website URL you already have or attached files (.jpg, .gif, .png, .tif, or .pdf). Max of 10 MB for all attachments or include a link to a file sharing site.
  2. Describe your connection to the St. Louis metro and why you’re interested in this project (150-300 words).
  3. Describe your perfect 314 Day (50-150 words).
  4. A resume or bio no more than two pages (.pdf, .doc/x or Google doc) or a paragraph in the email submission no more than 250 words.
  5. Your social handles (if any)

The Selection Process

A selection committee comprised of representatives from the 314 Day Foundation and Greater St. Louis, Inc. will choose three entrants to be shared with the 314 Day Steering Committee for selection of the single finalist.

Important Dates

2 September 2025 – Call for graphic designers/illustrators announced

19 September 2025 – Submissions due by 11:59 p.m., CDT via email to 314day@thestl.com

Week of 13 October 2025 – Selected finalist announced (first via email then, once confirmed, via 314 Day Foundation, STLMade and Greater St. Louis, Inc. social channels)

5 November 2025 – First round of design options due from finalist (as a pdf) + any initial feedback

Week of 17 November 2025 – Final design selected + any feedback

5 December 2025 – Final digital files for selected design due from finalist (must be able to convert design to print-ready, layered, .ai files for delivery)

January 2026 – Contact made to begin interview and photoshoot for theSTL.com

Late February/Early March 2026 – Full design reveal via social media and potential press interviews

8-14 March 2026 – Week of 314 Day celebrations

About 314 Day Foundation

314 Day is more than a party, more than a dance, more than a hashtag, and more than a trending topic on Twitter. We live with pride for the city all year long, and the date really resonates with us. Founded in 2006, 314 Day is about loving and learning the history of St. Louis and preparing for a better future. Using the city’s first area code and corresponding date, we celebrate the city and the people that make it special through special events, supporting small businesses, and giving back through the 314 Day Scholarship established at Harris-Stowe State University.

About STLMade

STLMade is a movement within the St. Louis metro that shines a light on the amazing things our innovative, tenacious, big-hearted people are doing. It’s supported by a region-wide collaboration of residents, local leaders, institutions, organizations, businesses big and small, and nonprofits helping to tell our story – that St. Louis is a place where you can start up, stand out and stay. STLMade is an initiative of Greater St. Louis, Inc. 

About Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Greater St. Louis, Inc. brings together business and civic leaders to create jobs, expand inclusive economic growth, and improve St. Louis’ global competitiveness. We speak with a unified voice, lead with a bold agenda, and act as one metro anchored by a vibrant urban core.