EMA Merch Competition 2026

Turn sound into style. Design the merch that carries EMA’s identity.

The Erasmus Music Association is launching its very first community-designed merch collection and we want you to shape it.

This competition invites students to create original designs for EMA tote bags, T-shirts, and mugs. Whether your idea comes as a doodle, a lyric, a visual metaphor, a bold slogan, or an abstract feeling tied to music, this is your space to express what EMA represents to you.

You don’t need to be a professional designer.
You just need an idea, a connection to music, and the willingness to create.

Send your application to erasmusmusicassociation@gmail.com

Competition Rule

  1. The competition is open to all EMA members and EUR students.
  2. Participants may submit one design per category (totebag, T-shirt, hoodie, mug); entering multiple categories is allowed.
  3. Collaborative designs are accepted, but keep in mind that the price is only 1 free item per category won.
  4. Designs must be original, created by the participant, and submitted between 14 January at 09:00 and 14 February 2026 at 23:59.
  5. After submission, voting takes place from 16 to 22 February 2026, in two rounds: 
    1. from 16th to 19th of February 2026: ranking system (1 form) to get only the 3 best ranked 
    2. from 20th to 22nd of February 2026: vote on their favorite from the top 3 (1 form); the one with the most votes will be the winner
  6. Winners will 
    1. receive one free item of the category they won, featuring their design. 
    2. be invited for a special merch photoshoot in which they can direct how they want to showcase their designs.
  7. By taking part in the competition, participants consent to Erasmus Music Association featuring their designs in EMA’s communication and promotional materials, including social media posts, newsletters, and live events.
  8. Designers selected for the shortlist will have their creations showcased on EMA’s social platforms and will be invited to share a short reflection on the inspiration behind their design and their personal relationship with EMA and music.
  9. Should a design require technical modifications to meet merch production standards (such as sizing, colors, or print constraints), Erasmus Music Association commits to collaborating with the designer to adapt the design in a way that respects its original concept.

Design Guidelines

  • Any artistic style is welcome: doodles, patterns, slogans, quotes, photos, symbols, poetry, abstract shapes, humorous ideas…
  • The name of the Erasmus Music Association should be included in your design (even if small).
  • Designs should capture what EMA represents: music, community, creativity, and student life.
  • Designs must be submitted as an SVG (recommended for vector-based designs), PNG, or JPEG.
    • Files should be high-resolution and sharp at the intended print size.
    • PNG files with a transparent background are preferred when applicable.
    • Avoid screenshots or heavily compressed images.
    • EMA may digitally clean or vectorize the design in collaboration with the designer if needed.
  • Category-specific guidelines: 
    • T-shirt: back and/or front designs are possible.
    • Hoodie: back or front designs are possible.
    • Totebag: the design will only be printed on one side. Bold, centered designs work best due to fabric texture.
    • Mug: Avoid very small text or fine details, as curved printing surfaces may affect readability. High-contrast designs are strongly recommended.
  • Keep designs simple enough to print cleanly (aim for designs that work visually, try to keep a high contrast, and avoid highly detailed elements, low-resolution images, or overly complex shading).
  • No copyrighted elements are authorized.
  • Avoid offensive or inappropriate content; keep the spirit inclusive and student-friendly.

Ready to join?

This is more than a merch drop.
It’s a collective expression of what EMA sounds like, feels like, and stands for.

Send your application to erasmusmusicassociation@gmail.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my design isn’t “print-ready”?

That’s completely fine. If a design needs technical adjustments to be suitable for merch production, EMA will collaborate with the designer to adapt it while preserving the original idea and artistic intent.

Can I submit more than one design?

Yes. You may submit one design per category (T-shirt, tote bag, mug), and you are free to participate in one, two, or all three categories.

Is participation free?

Yes. There is no participation fee at any stage of the competition.

Who owns the design rights?

Designs remain the intellectual property of their creators. By entering the competition, participants grant EMA the right to use the designs for merch production and promotional purposes related to the association and competition.

What do winners receive?

Each category winner receives:

  • One free merch item featuring their design

  • Public recognition through EMA channels

  • Participation in a post-release photoshoot once the merch arrives

Who can vote?

Only EMA members can participate to the vote taking place online.

Will my name be shown with my design?

Yes, but this applies only to designs that rank among the top 3 in the competition.
Your design will then be featured publicly, and designers will be credited by name alongside their design and story.