Understanding the Brief
As a judge for the Rookie Awards, your role is to evaluate entries against the contest’s core objective: identifying emerging talent that is ready to step into entry-level roles in the creative media industry. The submissions you review should reflect a professional standard, much like a job application, showcasing the entrant’s skills, creativity, and potential.
What Entrants Have Been Asked to Do
Entrants are tasked with creating a concise and impactful portfolio that highlights their best work. This is not about showing everything they’ve ever done but about curating their strongest projects to demonstrate industry readiness.
These are the key elements entrants have been encouraged to showcase:
Industry-Ready Skills
- Submissions should demonstrate technical and creative abilities that align with entry-level roles in the industry.
- This includes proficiency in design, animation, coding, or other creative disciplines relevant to their field.
Highlighting the Best Work
- Entrants have been guided to select only a few standout pieces that best reflect their strengths.
- Projects should showcase their unique style, technical skills, and creativity.
Concise and Impactful Presentation
- Submissions should be professional, clear, and free of unnecessary details.
- Brief project descriptions should highlight the work and skills demonstrated without over-explaining.
Use of Diverse Formats
Entrants have been encouraged to present their work in various formats to best showcase their abilities:
- Videos: Short animations or clips hosted on platforms like Vimeo or YouTube.
- Images: High-quality visuals (2K resolution) that capture key details.
- 3D Models: Interactive presentations using tools like Marmoset Viewer or Sketchfab.
- Code Snippets: Relevant to coding disciplines, shared via platforms like Gist.
Creativity and Personality
Entrants have been urged to combine visuals and text creatively to present a narrative that reflects their personal style and approach to their craft.
As a Judge, Look For:
- Quality Over Quantity: Encourage entrants who focus on a few exceptional pieces rather than overwhelming submissions with mediocrity.
- Clarity and Professionalism: Assess how well the work is presented and whether it is concise yet impactful.
- Adaptability: Look for versatility in their approach, showcasing a range of skills across different projects.
- Industry Potential: Consider whether the entrant shows the technical, creative, and professional traits required for an entry-level role.
By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’ll help identify and celebrate the next generation of creative professionals. Thank you for contributing your expertise to this process!