The competition instructions state that when using the rotation-embossing technique, the Pantone TPX color palette should be used. However, this color palette was removed from Adobe Illustrator last year (?) and is no longer available.

You can define the colors using the tools available to you, and in this case, it's not a big issue if you don't use the Pantone TPX color palette.

How are the colors defined?

In a pattern printed using rotational printing technology, there can be a maximum of six (6) printing colors. The printing colors are selected from the Pantone TPX color palette. In a digitally printed pattern, the print base is white, and the color scheme of the print material is RGB.

Can I submit multiple competition proposals in the same PDF file if I want to participate with more than one proposal?

If you want to submit more than one competition entry, you can combine the proposals into the same PDF file. However, please make sure to compile the competition materials as requested: each submission should have its own cover page, and there should be one blank page at the end of the file with your name, pseudonym, contact information, and education.

NOTE! Please consider the file size; the size of a single file should not exceed 10MB. If the PDF file exceeds this size, please create separate files for each entry. Place all PDF files into a single folder. Name the folder with your first and last name. Share the folder with us.

How do I share the folder with you?

Share the folder with us by following these steps: In Google Drive, click 'SHARE' in the top menu, add the email address youngfinnishdesign@gmail.com in the 'Add people' field, and make sure to select 'Editor' from the dropdown menu. Then click 'Send'.

Can I use the same pseudonym for all competition proposals?

You can use the same pseudonym for all of your submissions. The competition is anonymous.

Why should large, solid-colored areas be avoided in the material? What is the reason for this, and how large are these areas generally?

A solid, large area of color requires more from the digital printer than a variable color surface. This increases the risk of second-rate quality. Some specific colors may also pose risks, but I wouldn't want to scare the designers with that. A large area might be, for example, a 15x15 cm solid block of one color. However, it’s not necessary to think about it that precisely. This advice is just my preference for digital printing, as the print quality on a solid color surface may also end up "grainy," and in some colors, this is especially noticeable. Instead of measuring areas, it’s better to plan for some texture on the surface that makes the hue more variable. For example, a plaster-like or concrete wall texture, watercolor-like color variation, or the characteristic texture of woven fabrics (denim, twill, etc.).

What are Paapii and Finsket looking for in the winning designs?

“We want something new, a fresh perspective and handprint. We’re looking for a new designer and a unique new creator. Don’t browse our store to see our products; design something completely new! The brand's customers want sustainability and distinctive patterns. Paapii and Finsket are not stores where you’ll find subdued patterns, but the customer might actually find the craziest design that represents their personality or something they want! :)”

What kind of ideas have the patterns behind them had before?

Personal experience, something interesting for oneself, going off the beaten track, not trends or future trends. Ideally, designers would also aim for a longer lifecycle in their designs. What is important to you could also be important to many others, who would then want to buy clothing with that pattern.

If I remember correctly, digital printing costs more than rotary printing. Does it matter which printing technique is used more in the patterns?

It doesn't define the choice; there are no impulse purchases. The pattern, color, and model should match what the customer wants.

Will the colors of the patterns change in the future? For example, if a super-hit product/pattern emerges?

In rotary printing, changing colors is easy, but in digital printing, it’s not as straightforward. The colors that succeed best are the ‘right’ original colors.

Is placement possible in the pattern family?

Yes.

How does the evaluation process proceed, and what are the most important criteria for selecting patterns?

In pattern selection: Can it be industrially produced? If the pattern spans the entire width of the fabric, each product will be different. It’s not advisable to design patterns where, for example, a design on the sleeve is always the same. However, we don’t want to limit you, so you can also design for the entire width of the fabric.

We are looking for designs where the designer’s own style comes through strongly.

The usability of the pattern and its visual appearance are key. Since we are responsible, we do not produce anything that contradicts this principle.

There may be a smaller segment where the pattern is best suited. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a pattern that works for, say, a shirt that pleases the mass market.

Ideally, the pattern should be designed to be cut in two directions, as this reduces waste and is more sustainable.

Once the winner is chosen, how will the collaboration with Paapii and Finsket continue? Even though there will only be two winners, is it possible to continue collaborating with Paapii and/or Finsket as a pattern designer? What will happen to the pattern rights after the competition?

We are already planning the autumn 2025 collection and thinking about how we could utilize the winning work in the upcoming collection.

We would also like to do more Paapii x designer collaborations — we want to collaborate on a collection, not just purchase individual patterns from designers.

Our hope is to find unique designers and ideas through the competition. The usage rights of the patterns will be agreed upon in contracts with the designer.

Question: Will the color schemes of the patterns play a large role in the selection of the winner during the competition phase? After all, colors can be changed for production purposes.

It’s not a determining factor. When production planning starts, the designer and the company can discuss the colors. It also depends on the design technique, how easily the colors can be adjusted. A proposal with a color combination that doesn’t please the jury but has an incredible pattern won’t be an obstacle to winning.

Are you looking for a stylistically suitable/suitable designer for long-term collaboration, or is the competition focused on one-time designs?

It would be great to find designers with whom we could create commercially viable collections. When the products are launched, the customers and sales will decide if the collaboration continues! :)

Can there be more than three patterns?

Yes, but at least three.

Can the same pattern family participate in both brands' competitions, or do you evaluate all the patterns submitted from the perspective of both brands?

It’s preferred that the designer sees which patterns are for Paapii and which are for Finsket. It’s not advisable to submit the same material to both. Consider the user: Paapii is more feminine (dresses, skirts, etc.), so think about what pattern would work for a tunic, for example. Finsket is for men and unisex.

Is there a specific target age group for Paapii women's clothing and Finsket clothing?

Paapii: Around 35-45+
Finsket: The buyer might be different from the user (e.g., for gifts). There are also younger customers — 50+
For example, Finsket has patterns with moose for hunters, and Owl patterns for football fans.

Does participating in the competition give permission to publish the competition patterns, e.g., online or elsewhere? For example, I once received an honorable mention in a pattern design competition, and my pattern was published at a fair and on the company website, but I didn't receive any compensation. It was a bit annoying not being able to offer the pattern to other clients.

The publication of the winning works will be agreed upon separately with the winners.

Can I publish my own patterns in my portfolio before the competition results are published?

No, the works must remain unpublished if Paapii or Finsket wants to commercialize them.

Will the winning pattern be released in the spring or autumn collection?

Good question! The release schedule will be defined after the competition, so you can design the patterns to fit your desired season. If you wish, you can also mention in the proposal text section that you see the pattern as suitable for a particular season. So, no restrictions :)

Can I participate if I graduated in 2014?

Yes, you can.

Can I participate if I graduated in 2013?

Unfortunately, no. The competition is open to those who have graduated within the last 10 years.

What does "pattern family" mean? Does it refer to three patterns that are variations of the same design in different colors? Or does it refer to three different patterns that work together, e.g., with a consistent shape and/or color language?

A pattern family can include one bold design and a simpler pattern that supports the first pattern in its shape language. A pattern family can also include a few different colors and/or versions of the same pattern that work together in a collection.

Who can participate?

You can participate if you have training in or study:

• Design: products, furniture, services, ceramics, packaging, glass, etc.

• Clothing and/or textile design, weaving

• Architecture + Interior design

• Graphic design You can participate if it’s been no more than 10 years since your graduation.

Can I participate with multiple proposals?

Yes, you can. Just remember to send all proposals in the same PDF presentation but clearly separate each proposal with its own cover page that includes the proposal name.

What dpi/resolution should the patterns have? And what is the thinnest line thickness that can be printed?

Resolution: 300 DPI
For rotary printing, the report height is max 64 cm. The width doesn’t matter much as printable materials come in different widths. The pattern should be designed to be continuous across the width as well. If you want to create a full-width report, the drum is likely around 2 meters wide. Printable material widths vary from about 180 cm to 145 cm.

Can the pattern family include more than three patterns?

Yes, at least three.

Can I get fabric from Paapii or Finsket for the competition?

Unfortunately, no.

Why must I have a design education to participate?

The YFD X Paapii & Finsket competition is for designers who have received design education, both graduates and students. We set this limit because we organize competitions for those who have received formal design education, which aligns with our mission to support designers early in their careers.

Can any designer from any design field (including students) participate in the competition?

Yes, as long as they follow the participation guidelines and criteria.

Can architects participate?

Yes.

Can the file size exceed 10MB? What if I propose multiple designs in one proposal, can the file size exceed that in that case?

No. If the file size is too large, we’ll ask the designer to reduce it anyway.