We are doing another cover contest that includes a $500 sponsored CASH prize, a cover, and a 6-8 page editorial for two (2) winners. This opportunity is open to all pronouns.

*NOTE* Our previous competition attracted a lot of dishonest competitors. We are implementing more rules, policies, and actions to prevent this from happening to allow ALL competitors a fair chance to win a cover, editorial spread, and $500 cash prize.

If we feel you’re being dishonest, you will be immediately disqualified. NO WHINING!

Submissions start on April 29, 2022. See full details below.

Contest Rules:

1. THIS CONTEST IS 100% FREE!
   
2. You must Follow Us on Instagram (@obviousmag).
   
3. You must sign up for our newsletter (We may announce winners via email too). Make sure to use the same email for submission.
   
4. Follow @chinoiam on Instagram (Sponsor for the competition. He rewards $500 CASH to each winner. Two (2) total).
   
5. You must be 18 to enter. No exceptions.
   
6. Open to U.S. Residents only. You must currently reside in the U.S and live here at the time of your submission.
   
7. You CAN NOT have more than 50,000 followers on Instagram at the time of your submission.
   
8. Your Instagram page cannot be private. No exceptions!
   
9. We’re filling two (2) covers only.
   
10. The covers/editorials will be photographed and produced in one of the following cities: New York City; Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; or Los Angeles, CA. *NOTE* You are responsible for getting to one of these cities. We will produce the photoshoot based on your city of choice (if you win).
    
    OBVIOUS Magazine is not responsible for air or ground transportation to and from the set. We are providing food and non-alcoholic beverages on set.
    
11. RECAP: You must Follow @obviousmag on Instagram, sign up for our newsletter, and Follow @chinoiam on Instagram (Sponsor for the competition. He rewards $500 CASH to each winner).
12. Everything above will be verified before selecting our semi-finalists.

Contest Submissions Breakdown

1. Submissions start April 29, 2022. Submit a 1-minute (60-second, 9:16 format. It’s VERTICAL and fullscreen) stating your name, age, and city & state you reside in. Tell us about yourself and why we should select you as a cover model. Anything over one 1-minute will NOT be considered. DO NOT ADD ANY MUSIC, GIFS, TEXT, WATERMARKS, OR EMOJIS to your video. No filters of any kind! No profanity or vulgarity. No nudity!
   
   Send your video submission to 👉 [email protected] using wetransfer.com (IT’S FREE), including your name, city & state, and Instagram handle (check the spelling). Add: ‘Cover Model Submission’ in the Subject Line. REMEMBER OUR EMAIL FOR SUBMISSION IS [email protected].
   
2. Submissions end May 10, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST (DO NOT wait until the last minute to submit).
   
3. On May 13, 2022, 30 semi-finalists will be revealed on our Instagram page @obviousmag via REELS. You will be tagged and automatically notified via Direct Message (DM) and email. Make sure you add your individual post link in your bio and have your friends & family comment below your submission on our page. We want to hear what people have to say about you.
   
   Each semi-finalist must submit 2-5 high-res professional images for the next phase by May 23, 2022, at 11:59 pm EST. Only send pictures you deem cover-worthy. Please include the photographer’s name and their Instagram handle. No nudity!
   
4. On May 24, 2022, we will reveal the nine finalists (update) via our Instagram page @obviousmag using images they’ve selected as ‘mock covers.’
   
   The six finalists will create an up to 3-minute video showing their personality, vibe, and/or modeling skills (kind of ‘A day in the life). Your 3-minute video (or less) is due June 3, 2022, by 11:59 pm EST. DO NOT ADD ANY MUSIC, GIFS, TEXT, WATERMARKS, OR EMOJIS to your video. No filters of any kind! No profanity or vulgarity. No nudity!
   
5. On June 4, 2022 (updated), the (9) nine finalists (updated) videos will be posted on our Instagram page @obviousmag.
   
6. On June 7, 2022, the (2) winners will be announced via our newsletter AND our Instagram page @obviousmag using the mock covers. The mock covers are not the covers used for The Fashion Issue.
   
7. Depending on OBVIOUS’ and talent’s schedule, the cover/editorial shoots will be produced in June, July, or early August.

FAQs (Updated Frequently)

1. I will be 18 after the competition starts. Can I still enter? No. You must be 18 at the start of the contest.
2. I’m non-binary. Can I enter the contest? Yes. You can enter no matter your pronouns. Let us know your preferred pronoun.
3. When will the contest winners receive their $500 prize? After this issue drops on September 6, 2022, the contest winners will receive their monies via CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle.
4. When are the covers released? The Fashion Issue covers will drop on August 30, 2022.
5. Are there any reasons the cover model winners could forfeit their opportunity to be on the cover/spread and receive their cash prize? Yes. We want everyone involved to have a great experience. If we discover you’re being dishonest, bullying, cheating, and violating our house rules.
6. If a US resident currently residing abroad, can I enter the contest? No. It would be best to be in the US, where the photoshoots are produced.
7. Is there an age limit for submissions? No. You must be 18 to enter.
8. I’m a twin. Can we enter as a couple? No twins or couples can join together. You can, however, enter as individuals.
9. I was selected as a finalist. Can I create new images for the cover mockups? Yes. You can send already produced pictures or create new ones. You are responsible for any costs involved.
10. I will be 18 after the competition starts. Can I still enter? No. You must be 18 at the start of the contest.
11. When will the contest winners receive their $500 prize? After this issue drops on September 6, 2022, the contest winners will receive their monies via CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle.
12. When are the covers released? The Fashion Issue covers will drop on August 30, 2022.
13. Are there any reasons the cover model winners could forfeit their opportunity to be on the cover/spread and receive their cash prize? Yes. We want everyone involved to have a great experience. If we discover you’re being dishonest, bullying, cheating, and violating our house rules.
14. If a US resident currently residing abroad, can I enter the contest? No. It would be best to be in the US, where the photoshoots are produced.
15. Is there an age limit for submissions? YES. You must be 18 to enter.
16. I’m a twin. Can we enter as a couple? No twins or couples can enter together. You can, however, enter as individuals.
17. I was selected as a finalist. Can I create new images for the cover mockups? Yes. You can send already produced pictures or create new ones. You are responsible for any costs involved.
18. I have a disability. Can I enter the contest? Yes, you can.
19. For the covers and editorial spreads, will nudity be involved? No. You will be in a safe space.
20. Am I allowed to bring a chaperone to the shoot? Yes. One person. They may not interfere with our production or concepts for the shoot.
21. Am I allowed to videotape (BTS: Behind The Scenes)? No. We will have someone on set documenting the process. You will receive video(s) once the issue is released on September 6, 2022.
22. Will winners be required to fill out a 1099 form to receive their cash prize? Yes. Both winners will be required to submit a 1099 form and be responsible for their own taxes if this applies.
23. I’m recording my video via Instagram Reels/Stories. Is this allowed? Yes, however, it may download with your IG handle and logo which isn’t allowed. No watermarks.
24. How to set the video to a 9:16 aspect ratio? 1. Open the Camera. 2. Slide to Video. 3. Videos on current iPhones automatic format to 9:16 format (it’s VERTICAL and fullscreen). Record the way you normally hold your camera. DO NOT record 16:9 wide. Keep your camera straight. Use a tripod or prop it on a desk or counter. You can also have a friend or family member to help.

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