FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Q: What are the ‘Making Vinyl Packaging Awards’?
A: The awards competition aims to recognize the best in physical album packaging. Fifteen categories delve into the art and craft of creating a compelling package that matches the artistry of the music. This is the fourth year Making Vinyl has produced this competition.


Q: How often is this competition held? 
A: This is an annual event with a call for entries starting on Feb. 07, 2023. See here for the winners of our last competition. [Click Here]

Q: How and when will the award winners be presented?
A: Details will be posted on https://makingvinyl.com, and winners will be honored in Minneapolis in June.


Q: How are the awards judged?
A: A panel of professional, award-winning art directors will review submissions and vote on their overall aesthetic value, meeting certain criteria depending on the category (see descriptions). Points are tallied automatically.


Q: How can my submission stand out from the rest of the pack?
A: It behooves submitters to provide as many high-resolution, quality photographs, as well as full-motion video, that best shows why the package meets the level of excellence.

Q: How and when must I submit an entry to be considered?
A: Entries must be submitted entirely electronically by April 3, 2023.  Be sure to fill out all fields on the entry form, including credit card number, expiration date, security code, address of cardholder account; submitter’s email and phone number; and who should be listed on the trophy should the entry win.

Q: What is the timeframe for eligible entries?
A: Nov. 27, 2021, to March 3, 2023.

Q: How and when will submitters be alerted if they are a finalist or did not win?
A: Monday, April 17, via email.


Q: How are finalists and winners determined?
A: A panel of more than 30 art directors and designers around the world will review online all the submissions, from which the five entries in each category that received the most votes will become finalists. A select group of in-person judges will select winners.


Q: Although ‘Vinyl’ is in the competition’s title, do you also accept other forms of physical media? 
A: Yes, there are categories recognizing excellence in the packaging of compact discs, audiocassettes, and books combined with physical media.


Q: Can an entry be submitted in more than one category?
A: Yes, entries can be entered in multiple categories as long as it makes sense and meets the description. For example, vinyl or CD boxed set could be submitted in the ‘And They Said It Couldn’t Be Done’ categories or submission could be entered in the ‘Record Store Day’ and ‘Best Vinyl Reissue’ categories.


Q: Is the competition global?
A: Yes, packages released from anywhere in the world are eligible within the eligibility timeframe.

Q: Are refunds possible? 
A: No, once the entry is submitted, it is impossible to request a refund.


Q: What do winning entries receive?
A: Winners will receive a gold record that provides the title and category, as well as the individual or company responsible for the creation or submission, but you must tell us in advance that information to ensure it will be inscribed properly. The same is true for runners-up, who will receive certificates.


Q: Who may submit entries for the competition?
A: Submissions may come from record labels, pressing plants, brokers, packagers, printers, mastering facilities, artists, and distributors.

Q: How much does it cost to enter the awards?
A; $95 for one entry, $80 each for two to five entries from the submitter (e.g., label, packager, manufacturer, distributor, artist, etc.), $70 each for six to ten entries, and $60 each for eleven or more entries in other categories.

Q: When is payment due?

A: Payment is due when you start your entry form, so it’s best to determine beforehand how many entries you plan to submit.

Q: Will there be a ‘Best in Show’ award?
A: Yes, the second-phase judges will pick a ‘Best in Show Award’ from the finalists.

Q: Are there really categories honoring compact discs and another for cassettes?
A: Yes, while most of the competition is focused on vinyl, there are categories for multi-disc CD boxed sets, as well as tape formats. Another category titled “And they said it couldn’t be done,” is open to all physical media that demonstrates particular ingenuity.