➔ Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, and Adobe, join Autodesk and Epic Games as major partners
➔ EA Sports and Outpost VFX join Wētā FX as major studio partners
➔ CLO supports the Rookie Awards alongside Marvelous Designer this year
➔ 40% of judging panel represented by women
➔ Random Giveaway to 12 x lucky participants worth up to $40,000 USD
➔ 17 career opportunities available at top studios
The Rookies, a leading platform dedicated to elevating emerging talent in digital arts, has kicked off the 13th edition of its prestigious global competition, the Rookie Awards. Artists of all skill levels from around the globe are invited to showcase their work in visual effects, animation, games, VR, virtual fashion, motion graphics, concept art, and design, for a chance to earn recognition from over 150 industry heavyweights, win an array of prizes, and industry opportunities that can propel their careers to new heights.
The Rookie Awards has become a must-enter event for up-and-coming artists who are looking to make a name for themselves in the industry. Winning a Rookie Award is a “stamp of approval” that can launch an artist's career and help them transition from debut to professional. The competition's judges include some of the biggest names in the business, and finalists will have their work seen, graded, and shared by industry professionals.
This year's competition is fortunate to have eight major sponsors, including Epic Games, Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Adobe, Autodesk, and three major studio sponsors - Wētā FX, Outpost VFX, and EA Sports. In addition, dozens of other companies are sponsoring the contest and actively helping provide opportunities for aspiring digital artists: SideFX, Chaos, Lenovo, CLO, Marvelous Designer, Foundry, GridMarkets, Marmoset, Huion, Maxon, Wacom, Isotropix, Toon Boom Animation, KitBash3D, Sini Software, Browzwear, 2G Studio, 3D World, AWN, Ghost VFX, Blowfish Studios, Binyan, Mighty Kingdom, DNEG, INDG, On Animation Studio, That's No Moon, Unsigned Studio, beloFX, Playside Studios, and Realworld One.
“I love being involved with The Rookies and the community they have built. I feel there is an opportunity within The Rookies to continue having outreach and support for artists outside of my regular job which I am very thankful for.” - Kelly Barschig, VP, Talent Acquisition, That's No Moon
The official Category Groups and Categories are:
● Rookie of the Year: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects, Concept Art, Game Development, Immersive Media, Motion Graphics, Product Design, Architectural Visualization, and Virtual Fashion.
● Film of the Year: 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Visual Effects.
● Game of the Year: Immersive Media, Mobile, PC & Console
● Specialty: School of the Year
Important dates for the Rookie Awards are:
● 07 March 2023: Entries open
● 01 June 2023: Entries close
● 09 July 2022: Finalists Announced
● 27 July 2022: Winners Announced
“Celebrating new talent and ideas, The Rookie Awards provides creators of all skill levels with a much-needed platform in their emerging careers. Epic is proud to sponsor The Rookies as they continue to recognize the exceptional work of students and schools across the globe,” said Julie Lottering, Director, Unreal Engine Education at Epic Games.
“I am so fortunate to follow the journey of so many of our members from the moment they join as debuts, to marveling at their Rookie Awards entries as they progress on their journeys. I am always amazed at the passion, creativity, and talent that is evident in their work,” said Sabrina Scalfari, Marketing & Education, The Rookies.
The Rookie Awards is more than just a competition; it's a community of like-minded artists who support and encourage each other to push the boundaries of their craft.