Submitting The Goods
What are the dates and deadlines?
On the first of each month, we will reveal a new brief and the results from the last judge. Unless the timeline is extended or if ~life~ happens and we need a little extra time to launch the next brief.
Follow us on IG @youngsh.ts for real time updates!
How many submissions can I enter?
As many as you want, once a month. Just make sure they’re great.
But no pressure, you be you and all that. We can't wait to see your submissions.
How is my work judged?
Rock, paper, scissors. Jk!
Each judge has their own criteria for judging, and they will specify this in their brief.
Your work will be completely anonymous when the judge is viewing it. it will not contain your name or any background info that could subconsciously impact their decision. Again, for the people in the back, do not submit work with your name on it.
How well “executed” does my idea have to be to win?
Do whatevever it takes to sell your idea in the best, most polished way possible. Again, no pressure. But def try to win.
Where do I submit an entry?
Click on one of the many buttons here that say ENTER NOW. Like this one!
How should my entry be presented?
Unless the judge’s brief asks for a specific medium, you can present your idea to the judge in whatever way you see fit. Use your judgement. Bad pun intended.
The only thing we ask is that you link your idea with a URL. So upload your work on a website or hosting service like Vimeo, Dropbox, Google drive (or any URL that makes it easy for the judge to see your work), and have the link ready before submitting. You can link your work straight to your portfolio, too! just be sure the URL links straight to your submission, so it's easy for the judge to find.
Does my idea have to be integrated or include a digital component?
Unless the judge specifies, that's really up to you. In other words, we don't give a f*ck. But the judge might. Choose the medium of your dreams, or the one that best fits and pays off your idea if the brief is non-specific.
Do my ideas have to be fully produced?
No! Just make it great enough for the judge to want to connect with you, and ultimately, get you hired.
My idea relies on technology that may or may not exist. Can I enter it?
Please make it as realistic as possible, and don’t make up technology that doesn’t exist. Ask yourself - if i was able to execute this tomorrow, would it work?
Can I change the work once I've entered it?
If you can change what's in your URL link without anyone noticing, then do it. If not and you need an extra hand, email us hello@youngshits.com and we will do our best to help.
Does the work have to be in English?
Yes, and if you are submitting in another language, please use English subtitles.
If and when I win this shit...
How will this contest help get me hired?
Advertising is a small and well-knit community. So, making contacts is essential, no matter how experienced you are. If you win Young Shits, you will make a contact who’s seriously considering recommending you to their agency. And because some companies give employees a recommendation bonus, everyone wins. Plus, an average of 33% of people recommended for a position are HIRED.
Note: While this is a great opportunity to make a valuable contact and a recommendation can go a long way, every agency's recruiting system is different. Therefore we cannot guarantee that the winners will get jobs. *Insert sad face here*.
How does this one-on-one session thing work?
If you win, you and the judge will have a one-on-one session of some sort. If you live in the same city as the judge, an IRL connection might be possible, but it will most likely be a video call. The judge will email you and figure out a time/date that works best for both of you! If you are having trouble contacting your judge or scheduling the session, please email us hello@youngshits.com and we'll help. <3
What positions can I be recommended for?
Anything. You tell the judge.
Whether you are interested in copywriting, art direction, design, strategy, etc., the contact that you make can recommend you for whatever you both see fit post chat.
I’m an international student, can you help me get hired at my dream agency in my dream country?
Here are three main things we recommend:
APPLY FOR CONTESTS, and win them. This will help your Visa process.
Get recommended by someone who works at that agency (like a Young Shits judge, duh!). We are also happy to write a letter that states your participation and accomplishments with The Young Shits Advertising Club. Email hello@youngshits.com for assistance.
Intern in the country you want to work at. It will greatly increase your chances.
Can I even enter this shit?
Who is eligible to submit entries?
Students or recent graduates who are no more than one year out of school. Part-time or full-time, portfolio school, college, or university. You're eligible! And if you are more than one year out of school, you can enter into our professional category.
Do I have to be a US citizen to be eligible?
Nope. You can be from anywhere, just like our judges. Cool world-wide shit, right?
Do I have to work at an ad agency to enter into the professional category?
No! The point here is that we want to give everyone a chance to be creative and work their way into the ad world. Just remember to enter into the professional category if you are more than one year out of school.
Do you check if people are eligible to participate?
We sure do. If you are a student and win, we may ask for a student ID, tuition statement or another form of proof to make sure you are eligible for this category.
Can I get help from people who aren't eligible to enter?
Sure - use whatever resources you have at your disposal to better your idea, as long as they're okay with getting no credit.
Can I participate in the student category if I’m not an advertising student or in portfolio school?
Of course. The ad industry welcomes people from all walks of life, and so do we.
Can teams of three or more apply?
Only 1 - 2 people can apply as a team. Ad agencies tend to hire teams or individuals, so when you win and your contact recommends you for a job, we want to give you and your potential teammate the best chance possible at getting hired.
I’m interning at an ad agency. Do I apply for the student or professional category?
If you're less than a year out of school, apply for the student category. If you're more than a year out of school, apply for the professional category. If you are EXACTLY a year out of school, like, to the DAY, then round up and stop being a big piece of poo who counts days.
If I’m late entering, can I get an extension?
No guarantees, but email hello@youngshits.com to see what we can do. Late fees may apply.
Legal things and Other questions
Who owns the work submitted to Young Shits?
Neither the YS team or the creatives judging the work reserve the rights or claim ownership of any work submitted to YS Ad Club.
For case studies, should we only use royalty free music and stock footage?
While YS has no restrictions on what music or stock footage you use, we do recommend taking caution when posting the video to YouTube, Vimeo, etc. they have their own sets of copyright rules, and your video may be taken down. royalty free is the best bet.
Can I enter my Young Shits campaigns in other award shows?
Yes, unless the other shows have rules against re-submitting etc.
I’m not ready to get hired yet because I’m still studying / traveling / napping / living / just want to have fun. Is it still worth it to apply?
Definitely. Making personal, human contacts is vital in this industry, especially contacts from people working in top agencies. Make the contacts now, and they’ll help you when you’re ready to get hired.
Why is an industry contact such a big deal anyway?
Contacts are everything in this industry. It’s part of the reason you pay for portfolio school and internships. This is just a way to streamline that process by earning an impressive contact at a great agency.
I still have a frequently asked question that isn’t on this frequently asked questions list. Way to go, FAQ person. Who should I contact?
Please contact hello@youngshits.com or hit this button below to ask us.