Request for Qualifications – RFQ
Submissions Due: February 17, 2025
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The North Olympic Library System (NOLS) is seeking to hire an artist to design a graphic for the Summer Reading Challenge T-shirt and tote bag to be used during the 2025 Summer Reading Program.

Answer a few questions and share examples of your artwork following the instructions below. (You don’t need to create the T-shirt design to apply!)

The Summer Reading Challenge is offered during the Summer Reading Program. After participants read for 30 days, they can select a Summer Reading Challenge T-shirt or tote bag. The Reading Challenge T-shirt has been a part of the program since 2016, and some participants have collected a shirt from each year. The tote bag, which will feature the same design, is a new prize option offered this year.

NOLS will collaborate with the selected artist through 1-3 rounds of revisions to refine the one-color design. NOLS will select ink and product color based on final design. NOLS will retain the rights to the artwork, allowing the artist to display the final product for portfolio and marketing purposes. For more details, read the Final Design Requirements list.

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“Level Up at Your Library” is an all-ages summer reading program based around fun and games. Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships, new and old. Whether you’re playing with STEAM concepts or gamifying your reading logs, learning to play chess or how to code video games, “Level Up at Your Library” reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, they are a space for fun!

The Summer Reading Program is an annual program that encourages community members to read throughout the summer, by offering fun programs, reading incentives and challenges. The program is for all ages and is especially focused on encouraging kids to read.

NOLS is a rural county library district with four primary service sites: the Main Library located in Port Angeles, and branches located in Sequim, Forks, and Clallam Bay. NOLS offers an information and resource-rich website, numerous online resources, and also serves NOLS’ communities through an array of community engagement services and initiatives including a Bookmobile.

Local artists from the North Olympic Peninsula are encouraged to apply. All artists are welcome to apply.

Artists who are interested in being considered for this project must submit their response using the online form. All submissions must be received by Monday, February 17, 2025.

Artist responses must include:

1. 1. Brief statement about your work and why you’re interested in creating a design for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge T-shirt and tote bag (200 words maximum). Include your email, phone number, and mailing address.
   2. Portfolio or images demonstrating your work as it relates to this project. A link to an online portfolio or website can be provided, or up to four files can be attached. Accepted image file types: PDF, JPG, PNG, TIF, HEIC, IMG. Each file size should be less than 10MB.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent for all submissions received.

Evaluation of submissions received in response to this RFQ shall be based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to:

• The completion of all information requested in this RFQ.
• The ability to meet established deadlines.
• Any other factors considered to be in the best interests of NOLS.

The selected artist will receive $500 upon project completion. A contract covering timeline, deliverables, and payment will be agreed to before work begins.

All questions should be directed to Karyn Bocko, Marketing and Communications Manager, at 360-417-8500 x7712 or kbocko@nols.org.