SmartStop Self Storage (“SmartStop” or the “Sponsor”) invites U.S. and Canadian artists (excluding Quebec residents) aged 18 and older to participate in an exciting Call for Entry to design city- or region-themed door wraps for its Ladera Ranch, California location (“Facility”). This project seeks 15 artists to create vibrant, meaningful designs representing cities or regions across North America, showcasing their work on SmartStop's drive-up storage units. Artists must select a location from a pre-determined list, submit a JPEG or JPG under 5MB, and provide a 150–250-word essay or a 1–2-minute video explaining their connection to the chosen city (“entry”). Please note: Winners will be required to submit a high-resolution, scalable vector design (PDF, AI, or EPS) of their winning entry. (See the official Submission Requirements below for more details.) Each winning entry will be awarded a USD $1,000 prize, prominently featured at the Facility, and celebrated through press coverage and SmartStop’s digital channels. Submissions are due by April 18, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT. Winners will be announced on May 1, 2025, with installations scheduled for early June. No purchase necessary.
Site Specifics:
SmartStop’s Ladera Ranch location spans approximately 136,300 net rentable square feet and includes approximately 1,300 storage units and 18 RV storage spaces. Unit options include interior and drive-up units. The project area includes a row of exterior drive-up units, approximately 10’ x 10’. Artists should consider the practical aspects of their designs, ensuring they are visually appealing and suitable for the specified dimensions.
Design Theme: Each artist must select one specific city or region from the pre-determined list of 15 cities and create a door wrap design that captures the area’s essence. Your initials or signature must be included somewhere on your design. Please provide a separate header that will serve as the title. The header should include the name of the city or region reflected in the submitted design. Refer to the attached mock-up for a sample header image placement.
Essay or Video: Along with the design, artists must submit a 150–250-word essay explaining why they chose their specific city or region and what it means to them. Essays should be submitted in PDF format. Artists may submit a 1-2-minute video explanation instead of an essay. Videos must be submitted in MP4 format.
Dimensions: Door wraps should be designed to fit doors as outlined in the City/Region and Door Sizes section below.
Media: Files must be uploaded on the call for entry website at https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14993 and must be JPEG or JPG, under 5MB with a minimum of 1200 pixels on the longest side.Winners will be required to provide a vector file in PDF, AI or EPS format and ensure that the design is scalable and high-resolution.
City/Region and Door Sizes
Please note that while some doors are uniform in size, others have slightly different dimensions. Be sure your design fits your selected city’s dimensions.
City/Region
Door Dimensions
Location Header Dims
1
Asheville, NC
96” x 120”
96” x 24”
2
Edmonton, AB
104” x 120”
104” x 24”
3
Houston, TX
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
4
Las Vegas, NV
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
5
Miami, FL
103.5” x 120”
103.5” x 24”
6
Montreal, QC
88” x 120”
88” x 24”
7
New York Metro, NY/NJ
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
8
Orlando, FL
104” x 120”
104” x 24”
9
Phoenix, AZ
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
10
Sacramento, CA
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
11
Seattle, WA
103.75” x 120”
103.75” x 24”
12
Southern California
104.375” x 120”
104.375” x 24”
13
Tampa/St Pete, FL
100.75” x 12”
100.75” x 24”
14
Toronto, ON
104.1875” x 120”
104.1875” x 24”
15
Vancouver, BC
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
Eligibility Criteria
This call is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec residents, who are 18 years or older. Professional and emerging artists are eligible. No previous experience is required. Please note that artist teams are not eligible for this project, and each artist must submit their own design. Limit of one (1) entry per person.
BY ENTERING, YOU AGREE TO THESE OFFICIAL RULES, WHICH ARE A CONTRACT. THESE OFFICIAL RULES REQUIRE YOU TO AGREE TO ARBITRATE DISPUTES RATHER THAN GOING TO COURT, GRANT US CERTAIN RIGHTS AND LICENSES, PROVIDE US CERTAIN INDEMNITIES, WAIVE CERTAIN OF YOUR RIGHTS AND REMEDIES, AND LIMIT OUR LIABILITY AND OBLIGATIONS TO YOU.
DATES OF CONTEST:
Entries to the Call for Entry to design city- or region-themed door wraps (the “Contest”) must be submitted between February 19, 2025, at 11:59:59 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) and April 18, 2025 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT (the “Contest Period”). Sponsor’s computer shall be the official timekeeping device for the Contest.
SPONSOR:
SmartStop Self Storage, 10 Terrace Rd, Ladera Ranch, California 92694.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Contest is open only to legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec residents) who as of the time of entry are 18 years of age or older. The Contest is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Contest is void wherever restricted or prohibited by law. An eligible artist is a “Contestant” in the Contest.
TO ENTER:
During the Entry Period, visit https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14993 and follow all instructions provided, complete the form to register, and upload your submission and essay or video. Once submitted, entries cannot be changed or modified. Limit of one (1) entry per person. No purchase necessary.
Sponsor is not responsible for any entry that is lost, late, misdirected or undeliverable, whether due to your account settings, system errors, omissions, interruption, deletions, defects, delay in operations or transmissions, theft or destruction or failures, faulty transmissions or other telecommunications malfunctions, entries not received resulting from any hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections, failed, incomplete or garbled computer or telephone transmissions, typographical or system errors and failures, faulty transmissions, technical malfunctions, or otherwise. All entries submitted shall become the exclusive property of Sponsor (including all IP rights in the Entry) and will not be returned. Any attempt by a Contestant to obtain more than the stated number of entries allowed by using multiple/different identities, and/or any other methods will void that Contestant’s entries and that Contestant may be disqualified from the Contest.
As a condition of entering the Contest, you consent to (i) Sponsor obtaining and delivering your name, address and other information to third parties for the purpose of administering the Contest and complying with applicable laws, rules and regulations, (ii) the collection, storage and use of your personally identifiable information by Sponsor in accordance with its privacy policy, located at https://smartstopselfstorage.com/privacy-policy, and as otherwise set forth herein, and (iii) the publication of your full name, city of residence, and your entry. Any communication or information transmitted to Sponsor by electronic mail or otherwise is and will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary.
City/Region and Door Sizes
Please note that while some doors are uniform in size, others have slightly different dimensions. Be sure your design fits your selected city/region’s dimensions.
City
Door Dimensions
Location Header Dims
1
Asheville, NC
96” x 120”
96” x 24”
2
Edmonton, AB
104” x 120”
104” x 24”
3
Houston, TX
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
4
Las Vegas, NV
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
5
Miami, FL
103.5” x 120”
103.5” x 24”
6
Montreal, QC
88” x 120”
88” x 24”
7
New York Metro, NY/NJ
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
8
Orlando, FL
104” x 120”
104” x 24”
9
Phoenix, AZ
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
10
Sacramento, CA
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
11
Seattle, WA
103.75” x 120”
103.75” x 24”
12
Southern California
104.375” x 120”
104.375” x 24”
13
Tampa/St Pete, FL
100.75” x 12”
100.75” x 24”
14
Toronto, ON
104.1875” x 120”
104.1875” x 24”
15
Vancouver, BC
104.5” x 120”
104.5” x 24”
JUDGING AND WINNER SELECTION:
Eligible Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
Judging Criteria – City- or Region-Themed Digital Art Wall Wrap Competition
Each entry will be evaluated based on the following six criteria, along with the percentage of the total score for each criteria:
1. Creativity & Originality (20%)
Does the design present a fresh, innovative perspective on the chosen city/region?
Does the design showcase unique artistic expression rather than generic or overused imagery?
2. Representation of the City/Region (20%)
Does the design effectively convey the identity, culture, landmarks, or atmosphere of the location?
Is the city/region recognizable through visual elements, symbolism, or storytelling?
3. Alignment with SmartStop’s Branding & Mission (20%)
Does the design reflect themes of community, connection, or positive impact?
Is the content appropriate for all ages and suitable for public display?
4. Technical Skill & Execution (15%)
Is the design well-crafted, demonstrating a high level of digital artistry?
Are composition, color, lighting, and detail effectively used?
5. Emotional & Narrative Impact (15%)
Does the design evoke a strong emotional response or connection to the city/region?
Does the design tell a compelling story or create a sense of place?
6. Adherence to Submission Guidelines (10%)
Does the design meet the technical requirements (resolution, format, size, etc.)?
Has the submitted entry followed all entry rules and provided necessary descriptions or explanations?
All submissions will be reviewed and judged internally by approximately 50 SmartStop employees. Judges will make their individual selections using an online voting tool. The highest-scoring artworks will be considered for recognition and potential awarding. In the event of a tie, the tie will be broken by the company’s Chief Executive Officer.
One (1) winner per each of the 15 listed cities will be selected by the judges, and their decision will be final. Sponsor will attempt to notify the winner within two business days via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, they may forfeit the prize, and an alternate winner may be selected. If any potential winner is found to be ineligible, or if he or she has not complied with these Official Rules or declines the prize for any reason prior to award, such potential winner will be disqualified and an alternate winner may be selected, at Sponsor’s discretion.
PRIZE/PRIZE CONDITIONS:
Each winner will receive:
Monetary Award: One winner for each city/region will receive a USD $1,000 prize. Limit one prize per artist.
Feature: Winning entries will be featured at SmartStop's Ladera Ranch location.
Publicity: The artist from each winning entry will be highlighted in a press release and showcased on SmartStop's social media channels and website. (Collectively, the “Prize”).
ARV of the Prize: $1,000 USD. Prizes are awarded "as is," and no substitution or cash redemption is allowed. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize with a prize of comparable or greater value if Prize should become unavailable for any reason. Prize is not transferable. The winner is responsible for all taxes and other fees related to acceptance of the Prize.
Receiving a Prize is contingent upon compliance with these Official Rules. Each potential winner will be required to execute certain documents, which may include, without limitation, an affidavit of eligibility and/or proof of residency, liability release/ copyright assignment agreement and moral right waiver (as applicable), applicable tax documents, and, where imposing such condition is permitted, a publicity release (collectively, “Prize Claim Documents”). If a potential winner cannot be contacted, does not wish to accept the Prize, or fails to sign and return the Prize Claim Documents within the specified time period, that potential winner forfeits the Prize and an alternate winner may be selected in Sponsor’s sole discretion.
All Entries and contestants are subject to verification at any time and for any reason. The Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to require proof of identity and/or eligibility (in a form acceptable to the Sponsor – including, without limitation, government-issued photo identification): (i) for the purposes of verifying an individual’s eligibility to participate in this Contest; (ii) for the purposes of verifying the eligibility and/or legitimacy of an entry and/or other information entered (or purportedly entered) for the purposes of this Contest; and/or (iii) for any other reason the Sponsor deems necessary, in its sole and absolute discretion, for the purposes of administering this Contest in accordance with the Sponsor’s interpretation of the letter and spirit of these Rules.
In the event of a dispute as to who submitted an entry, the entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the person who is assigned to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, school district, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. Selected entrant may be required to provide the Sponsor with proof that the entrant is the Authorized Account Holder of the email address associated with the selected entry.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Sponsor reserves the right to modify or cancel the Contest if factors beyond Sponsor’s control interfere which may include without limitation, infection by computer virus, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, including but not limited to Acts of God, pandemics, epidemics, weather, fire, strike, acts of war or terrorism, government restriction, or any other condition beyond Sponsor’s control, which may corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Contest. ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW, AND, SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. SPONSOR'S FAILURE TO ENFORCE ANY TERM OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF THESE PROVISIONS.
Contestant agrees to allow Sponsors unrestricted use and reproduction of the artwork submission, images of the design submission, contestant names, and photographs of the artist for the purpose of event marketing and publicity, and promotion.
Contestant affirms that Contestant’s entry is their own design and is neither copied nor duplicated from previously published art, including paintings, drawings in any medium, or published photographs, or from images of any kind previously published in any medium, including the internet.
Entries cannot:
be obscene or offensive, or endorse any form of hate or hate group;
defame, misrepresent or contain disparaging remarks about any person or entity, including but not limited to the Sponsor or its affiliates, as determined in the sole discretion of the Sponsor;
contain any material that may, in the sole discretion of the Sponsor, infringe on the intellectual property rights of any third party, including but not limited to, copyrights or trademarks owned by others. You must use your own material in the creation of your submission;
contain, advertise or promote any third-party brand or product of any kind without express written authorization from the third-party brand and Sponsor;
contain material that is unlawful, in violation of or contrary to laws; or
contain obscene material, contain defamatory or libelous statements, invade privacy rights, exploit individuals or in any other way violate applicable laws and regulations.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP:
Ownership of Submissions: By participating in the Contest, each Contestant agrees that any and all designs, artworks, concepts, and related materials submitted for the Contest (the "Submission") shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Sponsor upon submission, subject to the terms outlined below.
Grant of License: Upon submission of a Submission, the Contestant grants the Sponsor a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, display, and create derivative works based on the Submission, in any medium, whether now known or hereafter devised, for any purpose related to the Contest, including but not limited to advertising, promotion, and marketing.
Exclusive Ownership by Sponsor: If the Contestant is selected as a winner or finalist, the Sponsor shall have exclusive ownership of all intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademark, and any other proprietary rights, in and to the Submission. The Contestant agrees to execute any further documents required to transfer and assign all such rights to the Sponsor. Contestant understands and accepts that the original design image will be printed on a wrap, and changes may be made to the artist’s original design at the discretion of Sponsor. Contestant waives all rights to money generated from the rental of any storage unit.
Moral Rights: The Contestant waives any moral rights, including the right to attribution or the right to object to derogatory treatment of the Submission, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
No Further Use by Contestant: Upon submission, the Contestant agrees not to use or allow the use of the Submission for any commercial or promotional purposes outside of the Contest without prior written approval from the Sponsor.
Representation and Warranties: The Contestant represents and warrants that the Submission is an original work, free from any infringement of third-party rights, and that the Contestant has the full right to grant the rights specified in this clause.
No Obligation to Use Submissions: The Sponsor is under no obligation to use, display, or distribute any Submission, even if selected as a winner or finalist.
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:
The Released Parties are not responsible for: (i) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Contest; (ii) electronic or human error which may occur in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; (iii) any injury, damage or loss (including death) to persons or property of any kind, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from Contestant's participation in the Contest or from the receipt, use or misuse of any Prize; (iv) stolen, lost, late, misdirected, corrupted, incomplete, or indecipherable Entries; or (v) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunctioning of any computer, mobile device, cable, network, hardware or software.
RELEASE:
By participating in this Contest, Contestants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, its parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, agents, insurers, divisions, predecessors, successors, consultants, legal advisors, and suppliers, and each of its and their respective officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, members, shareholders, and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt, redemption or use of any Prize.
DISPUTES:
Any disputes will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court in [Jurisdiction]. All issues will be governed by the laws of California.
WINNER LIST:
To view the winner list, please visit SmartStop’s Instagram account @smartstopselfstorage.
QUESTIONS:
For any inquiries, please email contact@smartstop.com.
