About Our Poster & Button Design
First Night Monterey staff collaborates closely with CSUMB and the Service Learning class, which provides students with valuable hands-on experience in publication design while contributing to the promotion and success of First Night Monterey's annual event.
- Design Process: Students are responsible for creating designs for the poster and buttons based on the theme. They may explore various visual elements, typography, and color schemes to effectively convey the essence of the event and attract attendees.
- Competition: At the end of the five-week period, the students' designs are evaluated, and a winner is selected. The winning design is chosen based on criteria such as creativity, visual appeal, and alignment with the event's theme and objectives.
- Opportunities: The student whose design is selected as the winner of the competition receives opportunities to produce the graphics for print and web. This involves working closely with FNM staff to finalize the designs and prepare them for various promotional materials.
FNM 2026 Poster Submissions
And the Winner is....Maria Ruiz!
Maria Ruiz is from Salinas and recently graduated from Cal State Monterey Bay, majoring in Communications Design with a focus in Visual Design, along with a minor in Business and Marketing. Besides design, Maria loves exploring new areas with friends and family, going out for tennis and matcha, and making earrings! She also "loves, loves, LOVES" tabby cats. Her future plans are to continue freelancing and doing contract work with the goal to work in a design agency in a year or two. Maria is extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to create designs and publications for First Night Monterey 2026, an opportunity to further her career as visual designer. She gives big thanks to all the people in her life for their love and support.
Congratulations, Maria!
