Illustration students with the MTSU Department of Art & Design partnered with LRB Skate & Record Shop for this year’s 15-hour Illustration Challenge.

“Every couple of years, I host a 15-hour Illustration Challenge for all current students and alumni where we partner with a local company to create a custom illustration for a piece of merchandise,” said Tony Rodriguez, assistant professor of illustration at MTSU.

This year, participants took on the challenge of creating an illustration within a 15-hour window to be printed on a skateboard deck, with the potential to also be featured on LRB Skate apparel. The winning artist in this unique project involving MTSU students and a local, family-owned company working together will receive $200 as well as a free skateboard deck with their artwork printed on it.

1st place – Savannah Harden

2nd place – Chloe Register

3rd place – Caelan Dawe

Savannah Harden took first place in the challenge, held in late September, with Chloe Register placing second and Caelan Dawe third. Honorable mentions include Alaina Sorrow, Lila Gordon, Jillian DeGrie, Scott Moore and Jenna Peaden.

The Department of Art & Design held previous 15-hour Illustration Challenges in partnership with the Nashville-based Mythos Guitar Pedals to create a custom illustration for a new guitar pedal design within a 15-hour window. The winner of those contests received a monetary award and a free working pedal, with all proceeds of the pedal sale being donated to MTSU’s Department of Art and Design Sophomore Scholarship.

Honorable Mentions

For more information on the MTSU Department of Art & Design, visit mtsu.edu/art. Contact Tony Rodriguez for details on next year’s challenge at tony.rodriguez@mtsu.edu.

LRB Skate & Record Shop is located at 517 W. Main St.