Nanobrewery Logo Contest

As part of a “What If” campus project, we’re imagining the future of a Hamilton Nanobrewery—a small-scale, experimental brewery rooted in creativity, community, and student ideas. To kick things off, we will be having several events during the week of April 6th, 2026 and we’re inviting the campus community to help design a logo.

Whether you’re a painter, illustrator, graphic designer, or someone who just likes to sketch ideas on a napkin, we want to see your vision.

All members of the Hamilton community may enter, with individual or collaborative submissions accepted. 

What to Submit

• Hand-drawn illustrations
• Digital graphic design
• Mixed media concepts

Your logo must:

• Include the phrase “Hamilton Nanobrewery”
• Be original work
• Be adaptable for multiple uses (stickers, signage, merch, digital)

Optional inspiration (not requirements):

• Hamilton College culture or history
• Experimental / “nano” scale brewing
• Community, creativity, or sustainability
• The speculative nature of the “What If” project

How to submit

Submit your logo using the following google form: https://forms.gle/DW4Ese7TZPepEeZC9 

Submission Guidelines

File formats accepted: JPG, PNG, PDF (vector files encouraged if digital)
Please include a short description (100–200 words) explaining:

• Your concept
• Medium used
• How it connects to the idea of a Hamilton Nanobrewery
• If hand-drawn: a high-quality scan or photo

Please consult the college graphic style guide

Selection & Recognition

• Designs will be reviewed by a small panel connected to the What If Project
• One design may be selected as the featured logo
• Selected and finalist designers will:
  • Be credited wherever the logo is used
  • Be featured in project materials and campus showcases
  • Gain portfolio-ready experience tied to a real campus initiative

Timeline 

Submission deadline: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Review period: Thursday-Friday, March 12-13, 2026
Announcement of selected design: shortly thereafter!

Rights & Use

• Artists retain ownership of their work
• By submitting, artists grant the project permission to display and use the design for non-commercial, educational, and promotional purposes related to the Hamilton Nanobrewery and the What If Project
• Any future commercial use will involve artist credit and consultation

Questions?

Contact: Karen Brewer, kbrewer@hamilton.edu