Rookie Awards 2021
The 11th Annual Rookie Awards is open to young creatives in visual effects, animation, games, virtual reality, motion graphics and 3d visualisation. There is simply no better way to launch your career and start sharing your amazing work online.
Overview
The 11th Annual Rookie Awards is the world’s largest contest for aspiring creatives in games, animation, visual effects, immersive media, motion graphics and 3d visualisation.
The contest provides a rare opportunity for you to share your work to industry heavyweights and influencers, receive badges and certificates, connect with other young artists and potentially launch your creative career beyond your expectations.
Don’t worry if you’re not ready to apply for jobs or think you can win because you can still walk away with a truck load of prizes. At its core, being an artists involves sharing your work, so why not start now and get your work in front of some of the biggest names in the industries.
Still not convinced? Why not watch some honest entrant video testimonials from other artists just like you about how this contest changed their lives - even when they didn’t win.
Groups & Categories
There are categories across all skill levels and creative media interests, so you are sure to find one that inspires you. To make things easier, we have split the contest into 5 main Contest Groups:
- Rookie of the Year - 9 x categories open to individual artists to showcase their specific industry based skills.
- Film of the Year - 3 x individual/team based categories for artists working on films.
- Game of the Year - 3 x individual/team based categories for artists working on games.
- Career Opportunities - Various opportunities provided by production studios.
- Specialty - Open to individual artists under 18 years.
Scroll down the page to view category information and links to full details.
Eligibility
- You must be an aspiring student, self-taught artist, or hobbyist with a passion for creative media.
- You are not eligible to enter if you have more than 12 months professional experience in a related field.
- For further information please read the rules. Don’t worry, there isn’t too much lawyer talk in there.
Important Dates
- Entries Open 7 March 2021
- Entries Close 1 June 2021.
- Finalists announced 9th July 2021.
- Winners announced 27th July 2021.
Dates mentioned are at 11:59 pm on the date in question. All dates are based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tips & Advice
- You can enter multiple times!
- Take a moment to watch our introduction video by the founders of The Rookies where they explain the contest in detail, discuss the categories, how to enter, common mistakes and tips for creating a perfect entry.
- Check out incredible entries from 2020 and use them as inspiration.
- Make sure to read the 14 Most Commonly Asked Questions.
- Ask questions on our Discord Channel if you need help.
- Follow us @therookiesco
- Stay updated with #rookieawards2021.
Get Started
- Find a Category that interests you from the Contest Groups listed below.
- Select View Category Details to read the categories specific brief, judging criteria, deliveries and requirements.
- Follow the instructions on the category page about How to Enter, and submit an entry!
- Rinse and repeat steps to enter multiple times.
• Contest Group
Rookie of the Year
This is the primary category that the vast majority of entries submit work. They are open to individual artists only. Select a category from below that most closely relates to your career goals and training.
2D Animation
Entries should showcase content created in two-dimensional format and has been enlivened with movement. This type of animation is regarded to be the traditional form of animation. Projects can be of any topic. Characters, creatures, props and even environment work will be considered.
3D Animation
Entries should include content specifically created for feature animated films/shorts. The key is that all elements should be full CG - environments, characters, set, props, animation and effects.
Concept Art
Concept Art is created for feature film, computer games, story narrative, theme parks, advertising and fan-art purposes.
Game Development
Projects entered should include content specifically with the intention of contributing to a computer game. This includes models, environments, animations, fx elements, code and more. The judges will be looking for the best creative and/or technical submissions for this massive category.
Visual Effects
This category is for artists working with assets and elements that are integrated with live-action footage to create photo realistic environments, characters, sets, props, animation and effects that would be dangerous, expensive, impractical, or simply impossible to capture on film.
Architectural Visualisation
Open to artists who specialise in Architectural Visualisation. This is content created to help visualise building interiors and exteriors, landscaping, town planning and sustainability.
Motion Graphics
Motion graphics are a way to communicate with the viewer, and add depth to a story. Together with music and effective copy, they can give us a message. We use them to create ads, title sequences for movies, videos and to share information.
Immersive Media
Looking for artists creating content specifically for use with virtual reality headsets. The judges are wanting to see completed games, apps, immersive experiences and all the elements involved in pushing this technology to the next level.
Product Design
Focused on the art of visualising products, furniture, and gadgets that are to be manufactured through techniques of mass production. Judges looking to see the process from concept design through to completed renderings and even real-world prototypes.
• Contest Group
Film of the Year
Open to individuals and teams that have created short films using 2D Animation, 3D Animation and Visual Effects.
2D Animation
Looking for the very best in 2D animated short films. The films can be created by both teams and individuals. Trailers and unfinished projects allowed.
3D Animation
Looking for the very best in 3D animated short films. The films can be created by both teams and individuals. Trailers and unfinished projects will be considered.
Visual Effects
Films created by both teams and individuals that include live action visual effects used to help tell a story, add that wow factor, or include live action footage.
• Contest Group
Game of the Year
Open to individuals and teams that have created games for console, mobile and immersive media.
Console & PC
Looking for the very best games for PC & Console. The games can be created by both teams and individuals. Trailers and unfinished projects allowed, but finished games preferred.
Immersive Media
Team and individual games that have been designed to use the latest immersive media headsets and systems. Completed projects preferred, but game play examples and trailers accepted.
Mobile
This category is for individuals and teams that have created a game for mobile devices. The judges are looking for finished games here, but feel free to submit trailers if necessary.
• Contest Group
Career Opportunities
There is simply no better way to launch your career with a fully paid Internship at these incredible companies from around the world.
Weta Digital
Weta Digital is looking for an Intern to join the modelling team for one month of experience.
BVN REAL
BVN REAL is looking for one lucky winner to (virtually) mentor.
Outpost VFX
Outpost VFX are looking for one lucky winner to (virtually) mentor from the VFX category.
Goodbye Kansas Studios
Goodbye Kansas Studios is looking for 1 x intern to join the team for 4 weeks of experience with their world-class team.
Ninja Theory
Ninja Theory is looking for an Intern to join their team and experience what it's like to be part of this world-renowned studio. Apply for this opportunity to launch your career instantly.
Epic Games
For over 25 years, Epic Games has been making award-winning games and engine technology. 5 entrants will win a telephone interview with the talent team looking for hire applicants.
BINYAN
Binyan is looking for one lucky winner to mentor from the Arch-viz category.
Browzwear
The world's leading true-to-life 3D garment design software.
Kilograph
Kilograph is a leading Arch Viz Company in Alicante Spain offering a internship to an aspiring architectural visualisation artist.
INDG
Making every product playable - digitizing full product portfolios at scale in CGI through automation and in-house technology.
Important Looking Pirates
Important Looking Pirates is looking for 3 x interns to join the team for 2-3 months of experience with their world-class team.
ON Animation Studio
On Animation Studios is looking for an 3D Artist to mentor for 4 weeks of experience with their world-class team.
IO Interactive
IO Interactive is looking for a 3D Animator and a Concept Artist to be the lucky winners of a (virtual) mentorship.
2G Studio
2G Studio is looking for one lucky winners to (virtually) mentor from the Arch viz category.
• Contest Group
Specialty
Don't quite fit any of the other contests listed above? The contests in this specialty group might be exactly what you've been looking for.
Young Guns
All great digital artists start at a young age. This is why we have a category open specifically for young artists from around the world to showcase their passion and amazing skills.
