By inviting young artists in Washington State to submit their designs, we aim to:

Discover and platform local talent from the next generation of visual storytellers.

Champion the theme of Neurodivergent Brilliance, creating a space for visual expression that matches the profound depth of the music.

Integrate authentic artistic perspectives directly into the single release, allowing a visual artist to become an official part of the "Blue Velvet Cake" narrative.

A Statement from the Composer, Nina Iorik, about "Blue Velvet Cake"

"Blue Velvet Cake" is a deeply personal sound world, specifically dedicated to neurodivergent individuals.

Musically, it is a blending of professional performance and community voice, written for piano trio (piano, violin, and cello) and a primary audio track. I treat the audio track as the soloist - a central narrator built from the authentic, recorded sounds of neurodivergent children. 

My goal with this composition is to challenge traditional auditory expectations, creating a rich, enveloping environment. 

The winning design will not just accompany the single; it will become the visual face of the music.

OFFICIAL RULES

1. Eligibility & Entry

Age Requirement: Open to ONLY to artists:

-  residing in a State of Washington

- under the age 18; 

Participants under 18 must provide a signed parental/guardian consent form to be eligible for rewards and publication.

Submission Deadline: All entries must be submitted via the official Google Form by June 1st, 2026, 11:59 PST. 

Results: Will be announced on June 4th at the website "ninaiorik.com".

Theme Adherence: Works must align with the themes of "Indigo, Blue, and Neurodivergent Brilliance".

2. Ownership & Usage Rights

Artist Ownership: The original artwork and all associated copyrights remain the sole property of the Artist.

Grant of Rights: By entering this competition, the winning artist grants Nina Iorik a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, reproduce, and display the artwork in connection with the single "Blue Velvet Cake".

Authorized Platforms: This license specifically includes, but is not limited to, streaming platforms (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music), social media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), and official promotional materials/websites.

No Additional Compensation: Beyond the initial rewards ($50 cash prize and tickets), no further royalties, licensing fees, or financial compensation will be provided for the ongoing use of the art in relation to this musical work.

3. Attribution & Credits

Credit: Nina Iorik agrees to credit the winner in the official metadata of the single release (where platform-supported) and in the physical/digital program notes for the World Premiere.

Promotional Use: All participants may use their submitted artwork in their personal portfolio or for self-promotion.

Winner Recognition: The winning artist will receive public recognition and features across Nina Iorik’s official social media channels.

Platform Promotion: Once the composition is recorded and uploaded to streaming platforms, the winning artwork will be featured as the official cover, serving as the visual representation of the music across all platforms.

4. Selection & Rewards

Participation: Every participant who submits an entry will receive an official Certificate of Participation to acknowledge their contribution to this project.

The Winner: One winner will be selected to receive:

A $50 cash prize.

An official Diploma of Recognition.

Two tickets to the performance at Benaroya Hall on June 8th, 2026.

A private meet-and-greet with the composer.

Notification: The winner will be contacted via the email or phone provided in the submission form.

5. Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 3000 x 3000 pixels (Perfect Square).

Resolution: 300 DPI.

Format: High-resolution JPG or PNG.

Human-Made Only: No AI-generated imagery will be accepted to ensure the authenticity of the young artist's vision.