The Judge's Mindset
As a judge for the Rookie Awards, your evaluations play a key role in recognising and encouraging emerging talent. To ensure a fair and balanced approach, it’s important to adopt the right mindset when reviewing entries.
Remember: These Are Junior Artists
The entrants you are reviewing are not seasoned professionals—they are junior artists taking their first steps into the industry. Your goal is to evaluate their potential, not to compare them to senior artists or seasoned veterans.
Focus on identifying whether they have the foundational skills and mindset to succeed in an entry-level position.
Ask Yourself: Are They Industry-Ready?
The primary objective of the Rookie Awards is to showcase talent that is ready for the creative industries. When scoring entries, consider whether the artist demonstrates:
- Technical Competence: Do they have the necessary technical skills for their chosen discipline?
- Creative Thinking: Do they show originality and a strong sense of artistic identity?
- Presentation Skills: Have they presented their work in a clear and professional manner?
- Adaptability: Does their work suggest they can handle a variety of tasks and challenges in a real-world setting?
Categories Are Industry-Based, Not Discipline-Based
Rookie Awards categories are structured around industries, such as Visual Effects, 3D Animation, and Motion Design—not specific disciplines like modeling, texturing, or animating.
You do not need to compare a modeler to a compositor or an animator to a texture artist. Instead, focus on evaluating how well the submission fits into the overall category and demonstrates readiness for the creative industry.
Think Beyond Your Company’s Standards
You might work at a prestigious company with extremely high entry-level requirements. While your insights are invaluable, it’s essential to think about the broader industry landscape, including smaller studios and boutique agencies.
Ask yourself:
- Would this artist thrive in a smaller or mid-sized company?
- Do they have the potential to grow into more complex roles with the right mentorship?
A Fair and Encouraging Approach
Your role as a judge is not just about determining winners; it’s about providing constructive feedback and guidance. By focusing on potential, creativity, and readiness, you’re helping to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.