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Planning Your Entry

Rookie of the Year

As you gear up to submit your entry for the Rookie of the Year category, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. This checklist is designed to help you navigate the preparation process and ensure you’re set up for success. By following these steps, you’ll give yourself the best opportunity to showcase your talent and impress the judges.

1. Your Primary Objective

Your entry is meant to showcase your skills and passion for a specific career path in the creative industry. Think about what you want the judges to see: your best work, your readiness for entry-level roles, and your potential as an emerging artist. This is your moment to make a lasting impression, so keep that goal in mind as you prepare.

2. Select Your Best Work

Choose a few standout projects that you are most proud of and that best represent your skills and passion. This is your opportunity to showcase what you do best, so focus on projects that truly reflect your artistic vision and abilities.

3. Quality Over Quantity

Your entry should be a single page that highlights your best work. It’s essential to prioritise quality over quantity—judges want to see the depth and skill behind your talent, not an overwhelming number of projects. By taking the time to curate your selection carefully, you can ensure that each piece resonates and effectively communicates your strengths.

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Avoid overwhelming the judges by showcasing too much work. A crowded entry can dilute your strongest pieces and make it difficult for them to see your true talent.

4. Choose Your Category Wisely

Selecting the right category is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your entry. This choice reflects your career aspirations and helps the judges understand where your passions lie. Take the time to think deeply about which category aligns best with your skills and future goals. Remember, it’s not just about what you can do—it's about where you see yourself thriving in the creative industry.

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Remember, you only get to choose one ROTY category, so make it count! Think about where you want to shine the brightest and go all in. This is your chance to show off your passion—don’t split your focus!

5. Think Like It’s a Job Application

Approach your entry with the mindset of a job application. This is your opportunity to present yourself professionally and highlight what makes you unique. Consider how you want to be perceived by the judges and use this entry to communicate your readiness for an entry-level position in the industry.

6. Clarify Your Role and Passion

Be clear about the specific roles in the industry that you are most suited for and passionate about. This clarity will not only help you articulate your strengths but will also reassure the judges that you know where you want to go in your career. Share why you are excited about that role and how your experiences have prepared you for it.

7. Provide Insight and Knowledge

Include more than just finished images and videos, as it not only highlights your final output but also demonstrates your understanding of the craft. It is beneficial to add text descriptions, but also to share wireframes, shaded views, and behind-the-scenes content to give judges a comprehensive view of your creative process.

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Do not share detailed step-by-step processes of your projects. Balance your project materials by showcasing both the making-of content and the final results, but keep it concise and relevant!

8. Prepare Informative Project Descriptions

For each project, write a brief yet informative description. Explain the project's goal, what you specifically created, the software you used, and any key insights that illustrate your skills. This context will help judges understand not just what you created but also your thought process and expertise. Be informative but don’t overwhelm them with too much information.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare your entry, remember that the goal is to present your best self and your strongest work. Take your time with each step, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers or mentors. This is a significant opportunity for you to shine, and with careful preparation, you can make a memorable impression.