Do you dream of the days when airships ruled the skies, gentlemen duelled with steam-assisted rayguns, and a waxed moustache was considered the very apex of fashion? Then Direct Blinds wants to hear from you.
Following the fantastic success of their retro gaming blinds, Direct Blinds are holding a competition to find their next big graphic design. Steampunk is the theme - so whether it's a smoggy cityscape, a clockwork contraption, a dirigible battle or something altogether more fanciful, they want to see what you can do.
The competition runs from November 19th, with the deadline for entries on December 3rd. Entries will be judged by acclaimed science fiction authors Ian Macleod and James P Blaylock, who will select 20 of the best to be displayed in an online gallery. It's then opened up to a public vote to decide the overall winner, who receives:
- A £250 cash prize
- A roller blind featuring their design
- Promotion of their work across Direct Blinds and industry sites
"A stunning design turns the ordinary into the extraordinary - and there are few things more extraordinary than the fantastical world of steampunk," said Nic Swift, joint managing director, at Direct Blinds. "We look forward to seeing some amazing entries in this competition, and wish all our anachronauts the very best of luck."
To enter, click here.
If you are looking for some inspiration, check out the fantastic book Steampunk by Brian J. Robb, which features a foreword from competition judge James P. Blaylock. This large, hardback book from Aurum Press is filled with illustrations and a history of the genre, as well as information on real life inventors such as Nikola Tesla. Even if you are not going to enter the competition, the book is an excellent addition to the library of any sci-fi fan.