Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a sampling of frequently asked questions regarding the Aster Awards. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, or have a more specific inquiry, please feel free to contact us directly.

Can Entries Be Submitted Online?

YES! 😎

Entries can now be submitted and paid for online! Simply choose the “Enter Online” button and fill out the entry form. It is recommended to NOT use Internet Explorer. You will be able to drag and drop your artwork/radio/video files into the gray box in section 8. There is no limit to the number of entries submitted. You will receive a confirmation email once the files have been downloaded. CLICK HERE TO ENTER ONLINE.

ACCEPTED FILE FORMATS: PDF, JPEG, MP3 as well as all digital video formats. If you have a video file over 20mb and are concerned about upload time, we suggest that you provide a word document or pdf with a hyperlink to where the video can be viewed or contact us at (828) 506-1000 for other options.

PAYMENT: When you finish submitting your entries, choose the black “Finish and Pay” button at the bottom where you will be taken to our TLS-secured payment page. A payment receipt will be emailed to you. The charge will appear on your credit card statement as “Awards Program Services.”

When will the 2025 Winners be announced?

2025 Winners will be posted on the Aster Awards’ website — www.AsterAwards.com in May 2025. An email will be sent out to winners notifying them of the announcement.

How is the judging conducted?

All entries for each category are placed together for judging by a panel of design and healthcare marketing professionals with decades of combined experience. Entries are judged on: Creativity, Layout/Design, Typography, Production, Quality & Overall Effectiveness.

An overall Best-Of-Show trophy, Judges Choice trophies and Beautiful, Gold, Silver, and Bronze certificates are issued by both Group and Category. Judge’s Choice trophiess are presented to Division winners receiving a perfect score from the judges.

What materials are eligible?

All advertising/marketing materials developed, produced and/or distributed during the calendar year 2024 are eligible for the 2025 program.

How much are entry fees?

POSTMARKED BY FEBRUARY 28, 2025

SINGLE ENTRIES – $50.00/each

TOTAL AD CAMPAIGNS – $75.00/each

SERIES ENTRIES – $75.00/each

POSTMARKED BY APRIL 11, 2025 (LATE ENTRIES)

ADD ONE TIME LATE FEE OF $25 (NOT PER ENTRY)

How can I pay the entry fees?

If sending a check by mail, enclose one check for the total amount of all entries with a copy of each Entry Form, together, in an envelope marked “Payment”. (Make checks payable to: Creative Images, Inc.) Payments can also be made on our secure site when entering online. No refunds once entries are received and processed.

Payments can also be sent under separate cover if needed.

Visa, MasterCard, or American Express are also accepted.

* Please be sure to check the correct box on the entry form to indicate how payment will be provided.

Where do I ship my entries?

Ship all entries to:

Creative Images, Inc.
“Aster Awards Competition”
627 Nautilus Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

How do I submit my entries if I choose to send them by mail?

If you wish to mail your entries, CLICK HERE to download the entry form.

MOUNTED ITEMS: Mount all one sided materials… newspaper ads, magazine ads, posters, billboards, outdoor transit, logos, letterhead, etc., on a display board with the Entry Form attached. Photos of billboards or outdoor transit are acceptable. No specific size requirements in mounting. PDF Files are accepted.

PRINTED MATERIALS: For multiple sided entries, (brochures, annual reports, direct mail, magazines, handbooks, etc.) place the entry in an envelope or box along with the Entry Form. PDF Files are accepted.

RADIO SPOTS: Submit as a mp3 file on a CD or Flash Drive in an envelope with an Entry Form attached.

VIDEO/TV: Submit television and special video productions in digital format on DVD or flash drive or as a hyperlink in a word document or pdf. Video entries should be submitted in an envelope with an Entry Form attached.

CAMPAIGNS/SERIES: Submit total advertising campaigns and series entries in a large envelope or box. Make sure an Entry Form is attached securely to outside of envelope or box. All media including TV & Radio should be included for campaigns. PDF Files are accepted.

WEBSITE: Write the url as the Name of Entry (See #1 on the Entry Form).

MOBILE & APPS: Mobile website/app entries must be accessible via iTunes or placed on media with appropriate download instructions. They will be judged on a mobile device.

What is the best category for my entry?

Select the category that you feel best describes your entry. The judges will reassign entries into a more suitable category if the need arises.

Will my entries be returned to me?

Entries will not be returned. Aster Award entrants agree that all entries may be reprinted non-exclusively in  promotional materials affiliated with Creative Images, Inc. Entrants hold or will secure the necessary licenses for use of all creative content embodied in any of the entries.

May I submit the same entry in additional categories?

Yes, you may enter the same entry in additional categories, but you must include an additional entry fee as well as send a duplicate copy of the entry to be judged. All categories are judged separately.

How many winners per category?

There is no set number of awards. Depending on the number of entries per category and the quality of the materials the judges assign appropriate awards depending on the entry’s overall score. The judges reserved the right to assign no winner to a category if the quality of submissions does not meet their expectations.