Legendary technology guru Guy Kawasaki, who used his role as an Apple Fellow to help the Macintosh succeed, is now the CEO of Garage Technology Ventures, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Working in conjunction with iStockphoto.com, Kawasaki has come up with a unique contest for his next book, “The Art of the Start”: the person who submits the best cover design wins a Canon EOS Digital Rebel camera, with lens; an autographed copy of the book; and 250 credits toward images at iStockphoto.com.
Dubbed “Design Eye for the Startup Guy,” the contest requires an image designed to fit a cover trim size of 6 1/8 inches by 9 1/4 inches. In addition to the author’s name, it must include the phrases “The Art of the Start,” “The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything,” and “Author of Rules for Revolutionaries.”
Judging will be broken down as follows: 40 percent devoted to the salability of the design; 30 percent for creativity and originality; and 30 percent coming from the incorporation of the book’s theme. “The Art of the Start” is aimed at people just starting a company, employees of existing companies trying to bring new services and products to market, and those who want to found schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. Its main topics cover pitching, fundraising, branding, recruiting, partnering, and other topics vital to such endeavors.
If you’re intrigued, head over to the iStockphoto.com Web sits to learn more. But hurry, because this contest ends April 15. There’s a US$1 entry fee, payable through a BitPass account.