Yesterday’s headline about Blago’s book deal and ChiPubLib.org’s branding design contest got me thinking. What this state needs is some sort of open-source visual forum as cathartic homage to the man with the hair. So here it is, Illinois, EL*STOP is officially announcing our first design contest. We hereby invite you to submit spec designs for the dust jacket cover of Blago’s forthcoming tome. Prizes (most likely in 12 to 16 fluid ounce increments) will be given in the following categories:

• Best Overall Design
• Best Design - Hair
• Best Design - Comedy
• Best Design - Earnest
• Best Title

Also, I’m thinking that, in honor of the offer got for a spot on the Joliet Jackhammers minor league baseball team, I’ll buy a full round at a bar of your choice to the person who comes up with he best Blago rookie card (extra points/shots for producing a two-sided design with stats).

Send all submissions to elstopcontests[at]gmail[dot]com. And, hey, even if you’re not a “designer,” draw us a stick figure or go to town with an old newspaper and the office copy machine, zine style. Anything has to be better than this:

Read More: book deal, design contest, Rod Blagojevich