What Makes a Monster

This guide describes an event series hosted in the past by the UF Health Science Center Library. For information on upcoming events at the HSC Library, see https://library.health.ufl.edu/ or follow us on social media:

The Health Science Center Library hosted a Monster- themed graphic novel contest!

Guidelines for Monsters Graphic Novel Contest

• Contest Period: 
  • The contest opens on January 20th and closes on March 9th, 2020.
  • Submissions received after March 9th will not be considered for inclusion in the contest.
• Eligibility:
  • Contestants must be over the age of 18.
  • Submissions can be the work of either one contestant or a small group of contestants.
  • Each entry much be original and not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student will not be considered. 
• Content:
  • Graphic novel must explore the idea of monsters in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.  Submissions can address the questions: what is monstrous and what does the word monster mean in society?
  • While the Libraries do not intend to censor any artwork, overly explicit or disturbing imagery will not be considered. The finalist artwork will be displayed to the community at the Health Science Center Library and should be appropriate for a broad public audience.
• Use of Entries:
  • Contest participants maintain copyright in their work and will be able to share and reproduce it as they choose.
  • University of Florida Health Science Center Library (UF HSCL) will be granted a non-exclusive permission to reproduce the submitted work for the purpose of celebrating the 200^th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and exploring the historical themes of monsters in medicine, as well as any related advertising, presentations, or publications.
  • The top submissions will be featured in an exhibition at the UF Health Science Center Library. Submitting work for exhibition at the UF Health Science Center Libraries (UF HSCL) releases UF HSCL from all loss, cost, damages, and liabilities for injury or damage or theft occurring during or arising from the exhibition of artwork.
• Submission:
  • Entries can be submitted online to reference@health.ufl.edu as a high-quality JPEG or PDF file or delivered in person to the HSCL Information Desk.  While we would prefer submissions to be sized in a standard ratio of 2x3 (e.g. 11x17, 10x15, 8.5x11, etc.), submissions will not be rejected based on size. If you would like more information about comic page sizing, consider using Phillip Ginn’s Comic Page Sizing Guides: https://gumroad.com/phillipginn
  • Submissions should include a Contest Entry and Permissions Form.  Only submissions with a fully completed entry and release form will be considered.
  • Submissions should be between 3-8 pages long.
  • Limit of one entry per contestant.
• Judging:
  • Submissions will be evaluated on the creativity of content within the monstrous theme.
  • Submissions with incorrect health information will immediately be disqualified.
• Winner Notification:
  • Winners will be announced by email before April 30, 2020.
  • Monetary prizes will be awarded for top submissions in gratitude for participation in this collaborative project.