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2023 Student Awards

Call for entries

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Open Doors with The Applied Arts Awards

Breathtaking portfolio piece. Strut with confidence. Fast-track to landing your first job. Winning awards open doors.

"After getting my work published in the Student Awards issue of Applied Arts, I was extremely fortunate to have been contacted by two agencies ... and was hired!"

Marvin Veloso, Graphic Designer, Student RGD, Alumni of Seneca College

Since 1992 the Applied Arts Awards have helped creative individuals bolster their careers. Our mandate is to foster new creative talent to help them earn recognition, confidence and initiative. Winning an Applied Arts Award will not only help you get your work noticed, it shows initiative to the creative industry. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to launch your career, the Applied Arts Awards give you an advantage in this competitive market. So draw attention to yourself now and be remembered when you send in your resume.

"I can’t begin to express how much your awards program has done for my career as a design professional. It’s opened so many doors being a past winner."

Vicky Li, UX Designer, Wing, San Francisco, CA, Alumni of OCAD University

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What Winners receive

• Their winning work published online in the Winners Gallery, in the Advertising & Student Awards Annual, set to release in December 2023 and promoted across our social platforms to an audience of well more than 178,500 senior-level creative's in the advertising and design industries.
• A complimentary copy of the Student & Advertising Awards Annual.
• A personalized Awards certificate for each winning entry signed by Georges Haroutiun, Applied Arts founder/art director.

The Applied Arts Student Awards competition is open to high school and post-secondary students completing a degree/diploma studying in a creative arts program; such as:

• Integrated Advertising & Design Programs – Brand activation, brand identity, digital experiential/innovative, social responsibility, etc.
• Creative Advertising – Print, digital, radio and video
• Graphic Design – Editorial, packaging design, promotional design, typography
• Digital, Motion & Gaming – Apps, digital content, animation, game design & development, motion and website design
• Photography & Illustration - Illustration, photography, mixed media and 3D modelling

Be sure to review the Call for Entry kit and 2023 Categories Kit for important information and tips on entering.

BE ONE OF THE STUDENTS THAT HOLD THE ATTENTION OF OUR 2023 JURORS!

2023 Call for Entry Kit 2023 Student Awards Categories Kit

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Jury & Judging Process
Eligibility
Categories & Entry Fees
Entry Material Guidelines
How to Enter
Payment & Refunds
Winners
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
Disclaimer

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2023 Student Awards Jury

No matter what area of communication arts you are studying, having your work seen by award-winning, working professionals is the best way to get your career on the right track. Whether potential future employers, future colleagues, future clients, or future mentors, these are the people who can give your portfolio that standout piece, and your confidence that added boost. Every year, we invite a new team of jurors. Together, they represent some of the best companies, brightest rising stars, and most seasoned pros in the business.

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Judging Process

All work is entered and judged digitally. Therefore, please read our RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES, in the 2023 Categories Kit to ensure you submit your work properly for maximum impact.

The judges are divided into groups, with each viewing a different and random group of entries. Each judge reviews and scores entries separately. Judges do not confer or discuss their work, and there is only one round of judging.

• Each entry is judged independently on its own merit. Judges are asked not to rank or compare entries.
• We have no predetermined quota of winners If a category has no winners, it is eliminated. Similarly, a category may have multiple winners. All entries above the cut-off score are declared winners and published.
• We do not rank winners (i.e. no gold, silver, etc.). Every entry above the cut-off score is given equal exposure as a winner.

Entries are given one total score, based on three criteria only:

1. Creative merit.
2. Technical excellence.
3. Suitability for end use in the category it was submitted to.

NOTE: Entries submitted to the high school categories are judged with the level of experience and available resources taken into consideration.

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Eligibility

Open internationally to post-secondary (under-graduate and graduate studies) and high-school students. All entries are submitted digitally, in hi-res format. Only digital entries are accepted for this competition.

High-School Students | Are only eligible to apply to the high school categories.

Graduates | If you graduated from a post-secondary school within the past year, you may still submit work completed during your studies.

Work completed either as a school requirement or independently (personal work), during any year of your schooling, is eligible to be submitted to the competition (but not work submitted previously).

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Categories & Entry Fees

Entry fees vary per sub-grouping and category. Please be sure to download the 2023 Student Categories Kit for detailed pricing.

INTEGRATED ADVERTISING & DESIGN PROGRAMS - $40
Brand Activation Program
Brand Identity Design Program
Concept Development
Digital Experimental/Innovative Program
Entire Advertising Campaign
Entire Design Program
Entire Packaging Design Program
Entire Promotional Design Program
PR/Social Media Campaign
Social Responsibility Program

ADVERTISING - SINGLE / SERIES: $35
Print/Offline Ad or Promotional Messaging
Digital Advertising
Radio
Video – Any TV or Online Ad

DESIGN - SINGLE / SERIES: $35
Corporate Design Applications
Logo Design or Rebranded Logo
Editorial Design
Packaging Design
Product Development
Promotional Design
Typography Design & Application

DIGITAL MOTION & GAMING - SINGLE: $40
Apps
Digital Animation
Digital Content
Motion (Video or Short Film)
Website Design

PHOTOGRAPHY & ILLUSTRATION - SINGLE / SERIES: $35
Illustration
Photography
Photo Illustration
Photo Manipulation
3D Modelling

HIGH SCHOOL - SINGLE / SERIES: $20
Entries can be from any application from the sub-groupings above.

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Entry Material Guidelines

All entries are submitted digitally only. Hi-res, final files are to be submitted for judging. These files will be used for publication, if selected as a winner.

Main Entry Files

REQUIRED
Your Main Entry File(s) must clearly show the entry (ideally with no additional graphics) in hi-res format.

PERMITTED

*Exceptions are noted in specific categories.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE MULTI-PAGE PDFS: Use a PDF with multiple pages to incorporate any additional images while still adhering to the maximum number of files allowed. For example, the PDF could have several pages that show the image/illustration in final context, inside pages from a book or multiple views of 3D entries such as packaging, etc. but it only counts as 1 file. This allows you more opportunities to show your work, without going over the file limit.

Support Files

Support Files are mainly for clarity to assist the judges. They are optional and not for publication (except where noted), and do not count towards the file limitations noted above. Upload these to the "Entry Supporting Materials" sub-section of ENTRY MATERIALS on the entry form.

Please note these important required vs. optional Support Files for certain entries:

REQUIRED
~ English translations for non-English entries:  Include any important text (e.g. headlines, entry title) either as a Support File or within a multi-page PDF as part of your Main Entry File.

PERMITTED
~ Explanatory notes for the judges: Although not recommended (except where noted in a category), brief descriptions/explanations of up to 50 words may be added for clarity (or up to 10 seconds for video files) Include either as Support File or within your Main Entry File.
~ Case studies While not recommended (as outcomes are not a criteria for judges in scoring), case studies can be added ONLY as a Support File and should be limited to max. 45 seconds. REMINDER: You must include the actual creative to be judged as your Main Entry File.

NOT PERMITTED
~ Entering URLs of the same creative as a Support File: Don’t submit a URL link if you’ve already submitted an MP4 as your Main Entry Material. However, available links to non-static creative are requested in the Winners information section for publishing in the online Winners Gallery.
~ Files submitted, be they Main Entry Files or Support Files (including URLs) should not identify the entrant (except for self-promotion work).

Acceptable File formats AND RESTRICTIONS:

STILLS

• File Format: PDF (recommended), JPG, PNG, GIF
• File Size: 8-inches (or 2,400 pixels) on the longest dimension
• Resolution: Min. 300 DPI
• Colour Mode: RGB
• File Limit: Max. 5 MB for images/PDF files

MOTION / ONLINE VIDEO / BROADCAST VIDEO / AUDIO

• File Format: MP4, MP3
• File limit: Max. 80 MB
• IMPORTANT re MP4: Video files will be resized by our system to 800px wide keeping aspect ratio.

DIGITAL / INTERACTIVE

• File Format: Show digital/interactive entries as a walkthrough as an MP4, website, URL to file sharing site or PDF.
• Note for URLs: Password-protected URLs are not allowed. Ensure the URL is accessible until December 2023.

RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES

Entries are judged online. Here's how to help the judges:

• A multi–page PDF is preferred over multiple, individual JPG or PDF files.
• More is not better. Curate your images to the maximum indicated for each category, except where noted below.
• Use a multi-page PDF to give judges the full picture at a glance. Show multiple views of 3D pieces, zoom in on small print or details and show complex/novel work in the context of how it was seen by the audience.
• For conceptual or innovative work, ensure the judges understand the assignment/objectives, by including a brief description. Keep it short and concise/to the point (max. 50 words, or up to 10 seconds if video).
• Look at your entry on a smaller–screen and ensure all-important details are legible at that size, as that's how a judge may be viewing it.

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How To Enter

The entry form consists of five (5) steps. You will have the option to save your progress during each step of the process.

Create your "MY ENTRIES" Account.

This is your Applied Arts Awards account for all Awards competitions. Once logged in, personal account information can be updated, a new entry can be started, copied from an existing one, or edited; and you can pay for all or some entries.

Bookmark https://www.appliedartsmag.com/myentries/ for easy access to your account later.

Be sure to provide a phone number and email address that you access regularly outside of school when setting up your "My Entries" awards account. All winners will be notified in June, so it is CRUCIAL that you are available to provide any additional images or information we may need for the Awards Annual.

NOTE: If you've entered the Applied Arts Awards previously, please use the email address associated with your account.

All entrants must complete an online entry form in My Entries, regardless of payment method, to be eligible for entry.

Step 1: Entry Information

Select the Student Awards competition, choose a sub-group, category and your entry title.

Step 2: Entry Materials

Entry format: All entries are to be submitted digitally. See ENTRY MATERIAL GUIDELINES section above for detailed specifications.

Step 3: Winners' Information

This section is for publication only and is not visible to the judges. Please review the information carefully. There will only be 48 hours to edit this information after the Winners have been notified.

The "Winner" field is the primary individual you want to be credited on the piece (i.e. the student).

NOTE: In instances of a group project enter only the first individual of the team as in the "Winner" field. The other team member(s) should be added in the CREATIVE CREDITS section. (See Step 4: CREATIVE CREDITS for further explanation on how to enter additional names so that they are properly credited as "Winners").

Optional fields: Phone, email, web address, social handles, and the URL to the winning entry (typically, for motion entries). If these are entered, they will be published beside your winning work.

NOTE: We recommend including the URL as, due to file sizes, we don't upload the MP4 files directly for viewing in the Winners Gallery. They are only used for judging.

Description of Entry: For the purpose of providing a brief creative summary of the project to be published beside your winning entry. The description is limited to a maximum of 500 characters (includes spaces).

NOTE: The "Descriptions of Entry" are for publication use only and are not shown to the judges. If additional clarity is needed for the judges, a description/explanation may be added to either your Main Entry file(s) or as a Support File. Please limit it to 50 words or a max 10-second intro for video/broadcast.

Step 4: Creative Credits

Credits are a summary of the individual(s) or organizations(s) that have worked on the project (i.e. instructor, school, or program).

A maximum of 6 creative credit roles will be published in the Annual, however, any/all creative credits you entered will appear in the online Winners Gallery.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• In instances of a team entry (e.g. student group project), enter the subsequent names here (Reminder: you entered one name in the "Winner" field). Choose the "Other" role and enter Student, or Winner as a custom role field. They will not be counted towards your 6 credit roles, and will be credited together as the "Winners". These individuals may also be added a second time, identifying their specific roles on the project (e.g. art director, writer).
• Credits only need to be entered once. Credits automatically get saved to your account to be used for any competition. For subsequent entries, select either a saved credit or add a new credit. To change the order of your credits, change the number from the sort column and select "Update Sort" when finished.
• We strongly recommend credits be completed at the time of submission. If selected as a winner there will be only 48 hours to edit or add the creative credits. Be sure to review your creative credits carefully, particularly the credits to be printed in the Annual.

Step 5: Certificate information

Winners will receive one certificate for each winning entry. Complete the winning individual you wish to appear on the certificate. The entry title with the category the project won, and school will automatically be included on the certificate. You will have the opportunity to order additional certificates once winners have been notified.

Next: Finalizing Your Entry
After Step 5, the entry form is complete. Press the "Save" button to return to the "My Entries" dashboard to submit a new entry, copy an existing entry to a new category, or submit payment.

IMPORTANT: A submitted entry is not final and entered in the competition until it's paid for. Entries may be edited until paid for. Once payment has been processed, it is final.

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Payment & Refunds

Entry fees vary. Check the 2023 Student Awards Categories Kit for entry fees. Some or all of the entries can be paid for at any given time – just select which entries to pay. Once an entry is paid it is officially in the competition and cannot be modified.

Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express (AmEx is for Canadian payments only at this time), or PayPal. US and international entry fees are payable in US funds.

NOTE: For US/International entrants, select PayPal as your Payment type, then click the "Pay with Credit Cards or VISA debit".

We only accept cheque, or direct deposit in special circumstances. These cases must be pre-approved. Contact awards@appliedartsmag.com with your request.

Note to Students with a School Code
For students with a school code, please select "School Code" as the method of payment, followed by the school code issued by your instructor/school.

Note to Teachers
If you have a large volume of student entries to submit and would like to organize payment through your school, contact awards@appliedartsmag.com for a School Group Code. We will track entries and issue an invoice.

Keep a record of your submissions.

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Winners

All entrants will be notified by mid-June 2023 via email. At that time, you will have only 48 hours to correct or finalize creative credits and descriptions.

To ensure you don't miss the results notifications, add winners@appliedartsmag.com to your address book.

What Winners receive

• Their winning work published in print in the Advertising & Student Awards Annual.
• Their winning work published online – both in our Winners Gallery on appliedartsmag.com as well as our social media channels for all winning entries.
• A complimentary copy of the Winter 2023: Advertising & Student Awards Annual.
• A personalized, awards certificate for every winning entry signed by noted designer Georges Haroutiun, the founder and art director of Applied Arts.

ADD-ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR WINNERS*

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Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility FAQ

I'm a high school student. Can I enter? Yes. There are a limited number of categories available for high-school students in the Student Awards competition. The rest of the categories are open only to post-secondary students attending a college, university or other type of art school.

I am currently studying a post-graduate/graduate program, am I still eligible to enter? Yes. You are still eligible to enter the Student Awards competition.

Am I still eligible to enter if I recently graduated? If you've graduated in the past year you are still eligible to enter the Student Awards. You may also qualify to submit work to the Young Blood categories in the professional competitions. Please see the specific discipline for eligibility.

Judging FAQ

Will the judges see my descriptions during the judging? Judges do not see the creative descriptions you have entered. These are only for publishing beside your entry if chosen as a winner. If you feel judges need an explanatory note, you may include a brief description as a Support File (no more than 50 words or 10 seconds for broadcast/video).

Categories FAQ

Can I enter a piece in multiple categories? Yes. In your account on the My Entries home page, click "Copy" on any entry you've created. Be sure to change the discipline and/or entry category to the new one you want to submit to.

Which category does my entry belong in? Often the best way to understand a category is to see previous work that won in that category. Check our online Winners Gallery for examples. If you still have questions regarding our categories or require assistance in selecting the appropriate category, contact awards@appliedartsmag.com.

NOTE: Applied Arts reserves the right to move an entry to another category if we feel it unsuitable or incorrectly categorized.

Is my entry a single series, and campaign? A single means one piece, and series means you are submitting more than 1 piece of the same project to a maximum of three. A campaign is up to 6 pieces for the Student competition. If an entry contains more than the specified images, we will either contact you to split the submission into multiple entries, or choose which ones will be judged, so it's best to stick to the indicated number of pieces specified.

Entry Material FAQ

At what specs do I need to submit my entry? Refer to ENTRY MATERIAL GUIDELINES section for specifications.

Can I submit a hard copy or disk? No. Only digital uploads are accepted.

The program crashed. Did I lose everything? No. You are saving your work as you go through each section of the entry form. If the program crashes as you are completing a certain section, it may not have been saved in that section.

The file I uploaded won't show me a preview. Why? You may not see the image preview if you haven't followed the specs outlined in ENTRY MATERIAL GUIDELINES. Check your file and re-upload. If you continue to experience difficulties, try clearing your browser history or contact awards@appliedartsmag.com.

I uploaded the wrong file. Can I change it? Yes. You can resubmit images at any time until payment is made. Click the "X" beside the appropriate file and re-upload your image.

NOTE: The thumbnail image may not correctly display your new image. If this happens close your browser and log back into "My Entries" for the changes to show. If you continue to experience difficulties, try clearing your browser history or contact awards@appliedartsmag.com.

Rights FAQ

Do I need to get the rights of the subjects or material used from external sources in my entry? It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure copyright is not infringed. Upon entry you must grant us the rights to reproduce the image or images for both our online and print publications, so you would most likely need to have these rights in place to protect yourself. Although you do not need to send us a copy of the release forms, we do suggest that you have them. Entrants who request we don't run their winning work because they don't have the rights will not be refunded for their entry. NOTE: Student work is often exempt from copyright rules.

What rights do I retain if my work is chosen? You retain all rights to your images.

Payment FAQ

How do students enter and pay? Payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, or with a School Code. If using a school Code select the "School Code" option under Payment Method to finalize the entries.

Can I submit more entries after paying? Yes. In My Entries, you will have the opportunity to submit additional entries even if others already entered have been paid. This will simply generate a new confirmation email when you complete your entries with payment.

I want to change something after I've paid. What do I do? Once an entry is paid, you cannot change the category, entry title, entry format, winners information, description of entry, or credits. A paid entry is final, so check carefully before proceeding to the payment field. If chosen as a winner, you will be given a small window of time to add or edit information.

Can I get a refund? Entries are non-refundable; costs cover administration, processing and the judging of the entry. A submission of entry acknowledges acceptance of these rules.

My client has revoked the right for me to enter work I’ve already paid for. What do I do? We do not issue refunds, but contact awards@appliedartsmag.com if you need the entry removed from the judging or winners' pool.

I'm getting error messages when I try to pay. What do I do? If you entered your payment information incorrectly on your first attempt, any subsequent attempts would be declined, even if you change your payment type. Close your browser and log back into My Entries. You should now be able to proceed with payment. If you continue to experience difficulties, contact awards@appliedartsmag.com.

Winners FAQ

If I win, what image will you use for reproduction? We will use the image(s) you submitted on entry. In the case of series, complete, campaign or motion, we select a sampling at our discretion from the images/files submitted.

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Contact

Questions? If you've checked all of the above sections and cannot find the answer to your question, or if you are having difficulty entering, contact awards@appliedartsmag.com.

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Disclaimer

Applied Arts reserves the right to amend these rules throughout the competition. Applied Arts assumes all entries are original and the property of the entrant, with all rights granted therein. Applied Arts reserves the rights to publish or exhibit entries for our print or electronic formats, or related promotions. Entries are non-refundable. Costs cover administration, processing, and the judging of the entry. Entries may be moved to a more suitable category, if Applied Arts deems the category chosen unsuitable. All descriptions and credits are subject to be edited for length, clarity and grammar in accordance with the Applied Arts editorial style guide. A submission of entry acknowledges acceptance of these rules.