ARCHITECTURE

Plans for building structures or environments.

Building designs, landscape designs, interior designs, urban plans. Can include 2D work such as sketches, drawings, details, and computer-aided designs, blueprints, floor plans, or 3D work such as scale models made from foam core, balsa wood, cardboard, wooden blocks, polystyrene, found or reused objects, etc.

Plans may be hand-drawn or computer generated. Models must be sturdy and able to endure shipping and exhibition.

For ARCHITECTURE submissions you can upload 4 images.

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CERAMICS & GLASS

Vessels made from ceramics or glass.

Vases, teapots, bowls, plates, cups, tiles, tableware or other vessels.

Ceramic pieces are typically potteryware, such as earthenware, stoneware, or porcelain.

Glass pieces may include stained glass, cast glass, fused glass, blown glass, etc.

Unfired ceramics and oil-based clay works should not be submitted. Ceramic or glass sculptures, such as busts, figures or abstract forms should be submitted in the Sculpture category. Ceramic or glass pieces intended to be worn for personal adornment should be submitted in the Jewelry category.

For CERAMICS & GLASS submissions you can upload 4 images.

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COMIC ART

A pictorial narrative that tells a story through use of sequential frames, with or without text.

Comic strips/books, storyboards, web comics, and selections from graphic novels. Images can be rendered through drawing, painting and digital art.

Do not base characters and plots on already published comic books or published series. Students may submit up to 8 images to represent their work. Works must be more than one panel. Single panel illustrations should be submitted in the Drawing category.

For COMIC ART submissions you can upload 8 images.

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DESIGN

Commercial and applied arts. Design includes artwork that has a clearly defined purpose such as advertising, communications or product fabrication.

Magazine layouts, advertising, posters, book covers, greeting cards, fonts, letterhead, business cards, calendars, signage, baskets, textiles. May also include plans, models, or proposals for products such as electronic devices, transportation (cars, bicycles, skateboards, etc.) furniture, children’s toys, or other new, innovative products.

For DESIGN submissions you can upload 4 images.

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DIGITAL ART

Computer-generated artwork using computer software or works captured by a digital camera and heavily collaged or manipulated to produce digital multimedia work.

The production of digital art relies entirely upon computer software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Freehand, CorelDraw, or other graphics editing programs.

Digital collages, photo manipulation, digital painting, and fractal art.

Identify computer software used in the materials/description section of online registration. In general, digital artwork that contains text, especially for commercial purposes, should be entered in the Design category. Digital Photography that is lightly manipulated should be entered in the Photography category. Digital work with a strong interactive element should be submitted in the Video Game Category. Time-based digital media should be submitted in the Film & Animation category.

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DRAWING

Art drawn on a two-dimensional surface, usually paper.

Pencil, ink, charcoal, pastel, crayon, scratchboard, marker, etc.

Drawings copied from published photographs, the internet, or existing works should not be submitted and may be disqualified.

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FASHION

Articles of clothing or fashion accessories.

Fully-realized articles and outfits, sketches, tech packs, etc. Jackets, dresses, shirts, gowns, scarves, hats, bags, belts, shoes, etc. as well as experimental designs, wearable art, and work made from found materials.

For FASHION submissions you can upload 4 images.

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FILM & ANIMATION

Time-based media that is a sequence of moving images viewed with a monitor, television, or projector.

Hand-drawn, computer-generated, or stop-motion animation. Documentary films, narrative films, commercials, experimental video, etc.

All media is to be uploaded directly to the online registration system. Do not mail DVD.

During registration, identify equipment and software used in the materials/description section of registration.

COPYRIGHTED MUSIC
Students cannot use copyrighted music in their work without the permission of the original artist. Students who obtain copyrights to music must obtain documentation from the artist and send it with their submission. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers strongly encourages use of original or public domain music. See copyright release section of guidelines.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILM CONSENT FORM
In addition to the registration form, you must complete and include a Photography and Film Consent Form for each recognizable person.

FORMAT AND SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Your film should be in one of the following formats: .mp4, .mov, .wmv, .avi, .mpg, .mpeg. Total file size may not exceed 200MB. We recommend that the file size not exceed 20MB per minute of footage. For example, a 1-minute video should be 20MB or less, a 2-minute video should be 40MB or less.

WORKS CAN BE COLLABORATIVE
Collaborative categories (Film & Animation and Video Games) can include up to 5 students total. One student must create an account, then enter the names and email addresses of up to four other peer collaborators (eligible students in grades 7-12) in the Work Information section. There should only be one registration for each work. Each collaborator should not register separately.

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JEWELRY

Art objects worn for personal adornment.

Bracelets, rings, brooches, earrings, cufflinks, necklaces, etc. in any material, including metal, semi-precious stones, plastic, beading, glass, found objects, etc.

For JEWELRY submissions you can upload 4 images.

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MIXED MEDIA

Art made from more than one medium, usually with a three-dimensional element.

Collage, assemblage, cut paper, handmade paper, batik, fiber-based art, fine art books, etc.

Combinations of painting and drawing applied only to one surface should be submitted to either the Painting or Drawing categories. Mixed media assemblages meant to be viewed in the round should be submitted in the Sculpture category.

For MIXED MEDIA submissions you can upload 4 images.

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PAINTING

Pigment applied to a two-dimensional surface, usually canvas, paper, or panel.

Oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, tempera, ink, encaustic, fresco, spray paint, etc. applied on canvas, canvas board, paper or any flat surface.

Paintings copied from published photographs, the internet, or existing works should not be submitted and may be disqualified.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Images captured by either an analog or digital camera and viewed as a print.

Black and white photographs, color photographs, digital or analog photographs, photograms, other experimental photography, etc.

Identify type of photographic techniques used in the materials/description section of online registration. Works that are collaged or heavily manipulated with computer software must be submitted in the Digital Art category.

For digital photography, editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Photo Pro, Photo Explosion, etc.) is acceptable to use for minor touch-ups and image correction in a manner that replicates traditional darkroom techniques (cropping, dodging, burning, adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, etc). Works that are digitally collaged, cloned, layered, merged, distorted, or heavily manipulated with computer software must be submitted in the Digital Art category.

In addition to the registration form, please complete and include a Photography and Film Consent Form.

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PRINTMAKING

Art made by the process of printing, usually on paper, fabric, or another flat surface.

Monotype, collograph, woodcut/linocut, intaglio, lithography, etching, silkscreen printing, and other methods of printing.

Identify the printmaking technique used in the materials/description section of online registration.

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SCULPTURE

Three-dimensional art objects created by carving, casting, or other shaping techniques.

Modeled, carved, cast, constructed, or assembled from any material including but not limited to: clay, cardboard, metal, acrylic, wood, glass, stone, marble, textiles, plastics, and found objects.

Large-scale Installation art should be submitted in the Sculpture category.

For SCULPTURE submissions you can upload 4 images.

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ART PORTFOLIO
(FOR GRADUATING SENIORS)

Art portfolios must include 8 different artworks and can be in a variety of different media (outlined in the 15 art categories) or the same medium. A portfolio comprised of works in different mediums or the same media should be classified as an "Art Portfolio", with one exception: A portfolio comprised entirely of photography entries must not be submitted as an "Art Portfolio" -- it must be submitted as a "Photography Portfolio".

In addition to the artwork, students must submit an Artist Statement: In 300 to 750 words total, answer the following questions:
   • Why did you select the work you submitted for your Art Portfolio?
   • How do you hope people will react when they look at your work?
   • What role does art play in your life?
   • Copy and Paste your artist statement when prompted into the online registration.

If students want the works included in the Art Portfolio also to be judged in individual categories, those works must be registered within the respective categories.

Seniors may resubmit artworks that may or may not have won in previous Scholastic Awards as part of their Art Portfolio.

Seniors can only submit ONE of each type of Portfolio.

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PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
(FOR GRADUATING SENIORS)

A body of the student’s best eight photographs that demonstrates a high level in originality, technical skill and personal vision. Includes photography ONLY.

ALL eight works must be photographs; otherwise, it must be submitted as an Art Portfolio. Please carefully review the Photography Category description, examples, and special instructions to determine whether all of the works fit this criteria.

In addition to the photographs, students must submit an Artist Statement: In 300 to 750 words total, answer the following questions:
   • Why did you select the work you submitted for your Photography Portfolio?
   • How do you hope people will react when they look at your work?
   • What role does photography play in your life?
   • Copy and Paste your artist statement when prompted into the online registration.

If students want the works included in the Photography Portfolio also to be individually judged in the Photography category, those works must be registered as separate submissions.

Seniors may resubmit photographs that may or may not have won in previous Scholastic Awards as part of their Photography Portfolio.

Seniors can only submit ONE of each type of Portfolio.

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CATEGORIES FOR NATIONAL JUDGING

Video Games is a National Category and judged only in New York. The deadline is January 9, 2012. Video games are not judged at the regional level. Please register online, upload work, and mail submission forms and fees to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in New York. DO NOT send submission forms and fees to your Regional Affiliate.

An interactive media experience that makes use of game play and digital media (e.g., visual art, sound design, digital storytelling, etc.).

Video Game submissions may be entered in one of the following ways:

1) Video Game Concept Documents: Concept documents that provide a clear description for the core game play, visual style and (if appropriate to the game) characters and storyline. Submissions can be hand-drawn and/or computer generated but must include a 250-500 word overview of the core game play.

OR

2) Playable Games: Students may create playable games using the following recommended programs: Scratch, Flash, Gamestar Mechanic and Game Maker. Students may submit work in another platform where the final game can be played by the judges on a browser or a personal computer without the purchase of any proprietary software or having to register for a private community.

Gamestar Mechanic Games: Through a partnership with E-Line Media, students may create playable games through the free Scholastic Awards Edition of Gamestar Mechanic (http://gamestarmechanic.com/scholasticawards) and submit games directly through the Gamestar Mechanic website.

Students using Gamestar Mechanic to create a video game should register both on:
The Awards registration site:
http://artandwriting.org/registration
and:
http://gamestarmechanic.com/challenges/about/SAWA2012

WORKS CAN BE COLLABORATIVE.
Collaborative categories (Film & Animation and Video Games) can include up to 5 students total. One student must create an account, then enter the names and email addresses of up to four other peer collaborators (eligible students in grades 7-12) in the Work Information section. There should only be one registration for each work. Each collaborator should not register separately.

DEADLINE:
POSTMARKED by January 9, 2012 and sent directly to:
     Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
     Attn: Video Game Submission
     557 Broadway
     New York, NY 10012
Email info@artandwriting.org with subject line: Video Game if you have questions.

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Instructions for all writing categories

Font: Times New Roman or Arial at 12 pt.
Titles: Titles at the top of the first page only. Do not use a separate title page. Poems should be titled individually.
No Name: The student's name should NOT appear anywhere on the manuscript.
No Images: No illustrations, photographs or graphics.
Sources: Sources must be cited. Footnotes/works cited are not considered part of the word count.
Collaboration: Collaborative works are not allowed in any writing categories.

DRAMATIC SCRIPT

Writing that uses dialogue, action and stage direction to tell a story, including scripts for television, film, or stage.

Grades 7 – 12:
Maximum 30 pages

Excerpts can be submitted.

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FLASH FICTION (formerly Short Short Story)

A highly focused story characterized by its brevity. A short form of storytelling.

Grades 7 – 12:
Maximum 1,300 words

Please note word length for Short Story compared to Flash Fiction. Stories in which humor or science fiction/fantasy are key elements should be submitted in those respective categories.

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HUMOR

Writing that uses satire, parody or humorous anecdote.

Grades 7 – 12:
600 – 3,000 words

Work in any genre in which humor is the key element should be submitted in this category.

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JOURNALISM

Writing that informs and educates the general public about newsworthy topics or current events. Works of journalism are intended for publication in newspapers, magazines or online media, and are characterized by a presentation of facts or description of events.

Grades 7 – 8:
400 – 2,000 words

Grades 9 – 12:
500 – 3,000 words

This category includes nonfiction work only. Fictional essays should be submitted in the Short Story or Flash Fiction categories.

Sources must be cited. Footnotes/works cited are not considered part of the word count.

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PERSONAL ESSAY/MEMOIR

A self-revelatory work dealing with individual experience.

Grades 7 – 8:
500 – 3,000 words

Grades 9 – 12:
750 – 3,000 words

This category includes nonfiction work only. Fictional essays should be submitted in the Short Story or Flash Fiction categories.

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PERSUASIVE WRITING

Writing that makes an argument to support a particular point of view or position. The writer presents a clear stand or opinion, and then provides facts and data to support it. Examples of persuasive writing include: editorials, position papers, essays prepared for debate or speech.

Grades 7 – 8:
400 – 2,000 words

Grades 9 – 12:
500 – 3,000 words

Sources must be cited. Footnotes/works cited are not considered part of the word count.

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POETRY

Writing in verse. May include prose poetry, free verse, structured poetry (sonnets, sestinas, tankas, cinquians, villanelles, etc.), song lyrics, and spoken word.

Grades 7 - 8:
20 – 100 lines
(total for the entire collection)

Grades 9 – 12:
30 – 200 lines
(total for the entire collection)

Each submission consists of 2 – 5 poems to be considered as a collection. Each collection of 2 – 5 poems counts as one submission. Students may submit more than one collection, but must register each as a separate work.

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SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY

Writing that uses supernatural elements or invented technologies.

Grades 7 – 12:
600 – 3,000 words

Work in any genre in which science fiction/fantasy is the key element should be submitted in this category.

Do not base characters or plots on already published works (books, movies, comics, etc.).

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SHORT STORY

A tightly crafted fictional narrative.

Grades 7 – 12:
1,300 – 3,000 words

Please note word length limits for Short Story compared to Flash Fiction. Short Stories in which humor or science fiction/fantasy are key elements should be submitted in those respective categories.

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WRITING PORTFOLIO
(FOR GRADUATING SENIORS)

"Writing Portfolios" must include 4-8 different works and can be in a wide variety of genres (outlined in the 9 writing categories) or in the same genre. .

Grade 12 ONLY:
The word count for each piece submitted in a writing portfolio should adhere to the length limits listed in each individual category. The maximum number of words for a writing portfolio is 24,000 (not including the table of contents or writer's statement)

Please do a word count BEFORE submitting work.

Portfolio must include a table of contents and a writer's statement. Seniors may resubmit works that may or may not have won in previous Scholastic Awards as part of their Portfolio.

A portfolio can consist of works in any assortment of the 9 writing categories, but it cannot include a Novel submission.

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CATEGORIES FOR NATIONAL JUDGING

Novel Writing is a National Category and judged only in New York. The deadline is POSTMARKED by February 17, 2012. Novels are not judged at the regional level. Please register online, upload work, and mail submission forms to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in New York. DO NOT send submission forms to your Regional Affiliate.

Include an outline, up to two pages, for the entire book, which is not counted in the page requirement. The outline is meant to provide readers with a full understanding of the scope of your novel and will not count toward the scoring of your novel. Outlines should include:

   • A plot overview summarizing your complete story.
   • A brief summary of each chapter (one or two sentences per chapter).
   • A brief character development summary for each of your main characters (one or two sentences per character).

Grades 7 – 12:
Submit an excerpt of up to 50 pages of your manuscript (not including outline).

Please note the following:
   • Submissions must be uploaded online AND printed and mailed to the address below, along with the submission form.
   • Include an outline, up to two pages, for the entire book, which is not counted in the page requirement. The outline is meant to provide readers with a full understanding of the scope of your novel, and should include a list of chapters as well as plot and character development summaries.
   • Work must be double-spaced in 12-point font with one-inch margins.
   • The title of the work should appear at the top of the first page only. Do not use a separate title page.
   • The student's name and school must NOT appear anywhere on the manuscript itself.
   • Adaptation of or sequels to already existing published series are not accepted.
   • Due to the large volume of submissions, we're unable to give feedback on manuscripts.

DEADLINE: POSTMARKED by February 17, 2012
and sent directly to:
   Alliance for Young Artists & Writers
   Attn: Novel Submission
   557 Broadway
   New York, NY 10012

Email info@artandwriting.org with subject line: Novel Writing if you have questions.

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