RIPS, the world’s best-selling cigarette paper on the roll has launched The Great Rip Up, a national online competition to find a budding artist to design their iconic packaging, which has remained untouched since the early 1980s.

Artists must submit a design for the limited edition Xtra Thin Kingsize smoking paper box, to the theme ‘Road Trip’ by January 15th 2009.

The winning artist will receive a cash prize of £500 and will see their design printed on over 200,000 boxes, distributed through UK retailers and on promotional marketing materials.

RIPS Managing Director, Mike Gorman explains, “We don’t have any preconceptions about the kind of design we looking for, which means we want people to be as out-there and creative as they like. What we do know if that we need a design that will give our product standout in a competitive market and that really captures the personality of our consumer. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants a leg-up in the design world.”

Artists are required to download a design template at www.thegreatripup.co.uk and submit their work via the website. All entries will be posted within the website’s Showroom until a winning design is selected by a RIPS judging panel in January 2009 from a shortlist of four designs.

Visit www.thegreatripup.co.uk for more information.