XCEL ART SUBMISSION RULES

1. Only individual submissions are allowed; no group projects will be accepted. Participants must meet the competition's age and category requirements.
2. Artwork must be completed in a portrait or landscape orientation. The recommended size is between 16x20 inches and 18x24 inches.
3. Artworks must be submitted in high-quality JPEG or PNG format. File size should not exceed 8 MB. If traditional mediums are used, a high-resolution scan or photograph of the artwork must be submitted. Digital artworks must maintain at least 300 DPI resolution.
4. Participants are encouraged to submit an optional artist statement (up to 200 words) explaining the inspiration, techniques, and relevance of their work to the competition theme.
5. All submissions must be entirely original and created by the participant. Works that incorporate copyrighted or pre-existing images, graphics, or materials will be disqualified. Submissions must not have been previously published or entered in any other competition.
6. File Naming: Use English characters only, and name the file as follows: LastName_TitleOfArtwork (e.g., Smith_SunsetDream.jpg)
7. By submitting, participants grant XCEL ART non-exclusive rights to display, reproduce, and use the artwork for promotional and educational purposes. Artists retain ownership and copyright of their work.
8. Failure to adhere to the guidelines or submission of incomplete/low-quality files will result in disqualification. Submissions with offensive or inappropriate content will be rejected.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1. Creativity and Originality
   Judges Expect: Artwork that presents a fresh and innovative approach to the theme of Manga, Anime, and Cartoon Characters. This can include new character designs, unique interpretations of existing characters, or original storytelling within the artwork. Judges are looking for originality and an imaginative perspective that stands out from other entries. Participants Should Aim For: Push the boundaries of traditional designs, experiment with new ideas, and present characters or stories in ways that haven’t been overdone in the genre.
   Participants Should Aim For: Push the boundaries of traditional designs, experiment with new ideas, and present characters or stories in ways that haven’t been overdone in the genre.
2. Composition and Design
   Judges Expect: Well-organized artwork with a clear visual flow. Whether it’s a standalone illustration or part of a larger narrative (like manga panels), the composition should guide the viewer’s eye and create a balanced, harmonious piece. The arrangement of characters, background, and objects should be intentional and contribute to the overall impact of the artwork.
   Participants Should Aim For: Ensure that all elements (characters, background, props) are positioned in a way that complements each other. Focus on visual balance and structure, whether using symmetry or dynamic asymmetry.
3. Theme Interpretation
   Judges Expect:Clear and effective communication of the theme, which in this case revolves around Manga, Anime, and Cartoon Characters. The artwork should resonate with the audience and clearly reflect the core concepts of these art forms—whether through character design, emotion, or narrative.
   Participants Should Aim For: Ensure the theme is prominent in the work. If it's a character design, make sure the design fits the Manga/Anime style. If it's a scene, make sure the setting, mood, and elements all contribute to the theme. the theme.
4. Theme Interpretation
   Judges Expect:Artworks that evoke emotion from the viewer, whether joy, nostalgia, excitement, or even tension. Manga, Anime, and Cartoons are deeply emotional mediums, and judges are looking for pieces that can create this emotional connection.
   Participants Should Aim For: Consider the mood or tone you want to convey. Think about how your characters' expressions, poses, and settings can elicit emotions from the viewer.
5. Technical Skill and Craftsmanship
   Judges Expect:A high level of proficiency in the chosen medium, whether digital or traditional. This includes clean lines, accurate proportions, appropriate shading, color usage, and overall polish. Judges will evaluate the technical execution to ensure that participants have mastery over the materials they’ve chosen to use.
   Participants Should Aim For: Take time to perfect the technical aspects—whether that’s achieving smooth line work in digital illustrations or mastering shading and texture in traditional pieces. Attention to detail is important.
6. Innovation and Vision
   Judges Expect:Artworks that not only follow the genre but also bring something new to the table. This could be a unique art style, a fresh take on the genre, or new interpretations of the characters. Judges will look for entries that are daring, experimental, and show a forward-thinking artistic vision.
   Participants Should Aim For: Think outside the box—whether that means incorporating elements from other art forms or finding new ways to represent Manga/Anime/Cartoon characters. Be bold and unafraid to experiment with your art.
7. Relevance to the Theme and Cultural Context
   Judges Expect:Art that is not only visually compelling but also culturally relevant to Manga, Anime, and Cartoons. This includes a nod to the history and culture of these art forms, whether it’s a reference to a famous series or a stylistic choice that is characteristic of the medium.
   Participants Should Aim For: Make sure your piece feels connected to the Manga/Anime/Cartoon universe. Whether it’s through cultural references, visual style, or familiar character tropes, judges expect the artwork to be grounded in the genre’s traditions.
8. Overall Impact and Presentation
   Judges Expect:A complete, well-polished piece that works effectively as a whole. The first impression matters: judges want to see a cohesive artwork that can stand on its own, not just as a technical piece but also as an expressive, engaging artwork.
   Participants Should Aim For: Ensure the final artwork is neat, well-composed, and leaves a strong impression. Take time to refine the final version to make sure all aspects—concept, execution, and presentation—are finished and impactful.