Contest FAQ's
We do a lot of things at the Institute and get a lot of questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked. Not seeing your question here? Contact us.
Do I have to draw my cartoon or can I paint it?
You can illustrate your cartoon in any way you like, as long as the final submission is in a .jpeg or .pdf format.
Do I have to use the annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest task for my invention?
No. You can choose any task or problem for your invention cartoon. Be sure your task is the final step of your machine.
Can I enter a machine drawing that has been previously submitted for the Cartoon Contest but did not earn an award?
No. All entries must be new machines created for entry into the current contest.
What is a step?
A step is one transfer of energy from one object to the next in the chain reaction sequence of your invention. Identical transfers of energy in succession will be counted as 1 step (ie dominoes).
How do I illustrate a step?
Like Rube, use letters to indicate the steps in your invention - minimum A-G (7 steps), maximum steps A-Z (26 steps)
Does my invention have to work?
No, but it must adhere to the laws of gravity. For example, a ball doesn't fall up, but it can drop and bounce up!
How do I make my invention funny?
Use elements in your drawing that would be impossible to create in a real life, working RGM. Let your imagination fly. Rube populated his inventions with animals that have human traits like: asthmatic fleas, a vain octopus, a bored penguin and their characteristics add momentum to the machine. You can also suspend time. For example, (A) palm tree grows, (B) hits a scaffold, and (C) drops coconut... Get inspired by browsing through the gallery of rube's invention cartoons.
How do I submit my cartoon?
Take a scan or photo of your cartoon, save it as a .jpg and follow the instructions on our website.
How is the Cartoon Contest judged?
Judging is purely subjective and done by the various members at the Rube Goldberg Institute, in addition to members of the National Cartoon Society. Combined, our team holds numerous Guinness World Records, tons of experience designing our own machines, and even Rube's own DNA.
The top invention cartoons from each division will be announced at the annual Reuben Awards and via a live stream award ceremony on Friday, August 22, 2025 @7:00 pm EST.
