For more than 40 consecutive years, America’s egg farmers have presented the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to the first lady of the United States. This tradition started in 1977 when first daughter Amy Carter, alongside her mother Rosalynn, received the inaugural Commemorative Egg, and it continues today.
Annually, the American Egg Board (AEB) carefully selects an artist to create this unique piece of art that is presented on behalf of America’s egg farmers. During the span of each First Lady’s four- or eight-year term, the AEB presents a different egg design and style every year that reflects her values or interests.
Starting in 2018, the AEB began publicizing the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg in both earned and paid media efforts. In 2019, the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg moved front and center as part of the AEB’s Easter program. Annually, the involved artists and the AEB work together on the egg’s final design and execution.
For the first time ever in its 43-year history, the 2020 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg was unveiled digitally and showcased alongside the entire collection of previous First Lady’s Commemorative Eggs. Partners like the White House Historical Association, the U.S. Ranchers and Farmers Alliance and others also shared this collection through social media.
2021 Creative Overview:
In years past, the First Lady’s Commemorative Eggs reflected the passions and public interest of America’s first ladies, promoting such initiatives as literacy, active lifestyles and the White House Easter Egg Roll. You can view the entire collection and background stories HERE.
During an election year, the design process is somewhat more challenging; however, because of the collaborative process that takes place before the final egg is created and the needed behind-the-scenes content, we want to start this process now. We acknowledge that we may not know our next first lady by the submission deadline for the 2021 Commemorative Egg. You can opt to design two versions for each potential first lady or submit one design.
As such, the American Egg Board is providing complete creative freedom for the initial round of submitted designs. Please note that there is no honorarium for time spent on a design submission. The final egg artist who executes the design receives a small payment for the second egg that is purchased for the AEB’s collection. All artists involved receive credit for their work and are mentioned in the appropriate PR-related materials.
Deliverables:
This is a two-step process. After submitting your design idea, the American Egg Board will review all submissions before finalizing a design to be used for the final 2021 Commemorative Egg.
- DESIGN SUBMISSION PHASE:
(PLEASE NOTE: ONLY ONE (1) SUBMISSION WILL BE SELECTED TO MOVE ON TO THE EXECUTION PHASE)
- One (1) sketch or digital rendering of your artistic vision for the egg. You may create your egg design as well; however, the American Egg Board will provide design feedback and changes, as needed.
- For our friends in the “egger” community, you may opt to create your design on an actual egg; however, there still may be changes requested. No submission is considered final. If you plan to submit an actual egg, please contact Ashley Richardson for mailing instructions. We also can’t guarantee the return of any physical submission; we will do our best, however.
- EXECUTION PHASE:
(ONLY APPLICABLE IF YOUR DESIGN IS SELECTED; THE AMERICAN EGG BOARD MAY SELECT A SEPARATE DESIGN AND EXECUTION ARTIST)
- One (1) designed egg
- o Must be a real, large chicken egg, without a branded stamp
- o Can be either a brown or white egg
- One (1) replica egg of the final design
- One (1) full description of inspiration for the design and shorter quote, in the artist’s own words for use with media and/or on AEB-owned social and digital platforms (descriptions and quotes are subject to AEB approval and may be edited)
- o Artists may also be asked to participate in phone or in-person interviews, pending location, comfort level, etc.
- Potential participation in video (b-roll) and photo capture (for use with media and/or on AEB-owned social and digital platforms):
- o Behind-the-scenes photo and video capture of the artist with the egg as a work in progress
- o Photo and video capture of the artist with the final egg
- o Photo and video capture of the egg
General Guidelines:
- Do embrace your personal artistic style – be bold, fun, and unique.
- Do consider a modern, upscale design (e.g., keeping in tone with the 2019 egg) that showcases the incredible amount of artistic talent involved; do not include recently used techniques like quilling or hinged doors. Our preference is not to include store-bought accents. Ideally, the 2021 design continues to elevate a fresh, modern look that will drive media interest.
- Do not include any profane language, or alcohol-related or “risqu?” content on the egg.
- Do not include figurines/characters on or in the egg. Ideally, all elements are handmade.
- Do not include religious symbols or overtly religious themes on the egg.
- Do not include partisan political statements or themes on the egg.
- Given the uncertainty of an actual White House Easter Egg Roll in 2021, please do not incorporate any elements from the Egg Roll itself; however, Easter and springtime inspiration is welcome.
Helpful Resources:
- Timeline and images of past Commemorative Eggs:
o https://www.incredibleegg.org/commemorative
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