This year's theme is a broad invitation to creatively interpret the most important medium in art. We understand light here in a multidimensional way: from classic studies of chiaroscuro and the impressionistic pursuit of a fleeting moment, through a metaphorical search for hope and truth, futuristic or apocalyptic visions of energy or superpowers, to advanced optics in the worlds of video games. For a digital artist, “hunting for light” is a constant process of balancing between shadow and glow to give digital worlds depth and emotion.
You can submit one design (character, environment, prop) to one of the categories:
The competition is aimed at emerging artists. We encourage participation from art and graphic design students, artists in the early stages of their careers, and students from art high schools.
Crystal Canvas Rookies is a digital contest for emerging artists. The name Crystal Canvas refers to turning to other media for expression: from traditional canvas to the liquid one, the crystal display. Digital painting used in design and promotion of mobile games, combining the world of art and technology, broadens the discussion of image as a medium for expression and content. With this contest, we would like to draw emerging artists’ attention to mobile games and the possibilities they generate. Especially with the main theme, Hunting Light, which is almost limitless in its interpretations.
The aim of this competition is to promote art created with the use of digital techniques, as well as to attract attention to the fact that mobile games are a form of modern art themselves. They are not only a commercial phenomenon but can also be of artistic and philosophical nature.
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The unique phenomenon that firmly developed on account of games is concept drawing. For a long time traditional drawing also had not been recognized as an independent form of visual art. Drawings were made to encapsulate the artist’s idea on a sketch in preparation for a painting or a sculpture. Similarly, nowadays, concept art is the introduction and the basis for developing the real games assets; it designs the atmosphere, the characters and the environment of the virtual world. Those elements will affect gamers emotionally or even physically, as they identify themselves with games’ heroes.
All assets promoting this edition of the contest have been created by previous Crystal Canvas contestants. The author of the artwork leading the contest’s design is Karol Cadet. The rest has been provided by Malwina Werner and Liza Daragenskaya.
They will oversee the level of the competition and select the winners based on: originality and atmosphere, quality of execution and, of course, compliance with the theme.
Awards are granted separately for the 2D and 3D categories, celebrating the unique skills and creativity of all artists.
Also, to give as much exposure to young artists as possible, we will be choosing six more contestants
for the exhibition (besides the podium and honorary awards).
All contestants taking part in the exhibition will receive a PGA ticket.
Your application has been sent!
We received your application. The winners and honourably mentioned will be contacted by email on the day the results are announced.
The 2025 Crystal Canvas Rookies was an inspiring celebration of digital artistry, inviting emerging artists to explore “The Future of Water” through both 2D and 3D artworks. The contest challenged participants to imagine how water – its role, meaning, and form – might evolve in tomorrow’s world, spanning themes from technology and ecology to culture and emotion.
Our young artists showcased their works for the first time at the Game Industry Conference vernissage and then stepped onto the main stage of Poznań Game Arena — and they absolutely nailed it.
SEE EDITION 2025The second edition of Crystal Canvas Rookies, themed “Aerial Adventures,” brought together nearly 100 young artists from across Poland to explore ideas of flight, freedom, and imagination through stunning 2D and 3D digital artworks.
This edition featured first collaboration with the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, strengthening ties between the art and gaming communities. Outstanding works were awarded in separate 2D and 3D categories, celebrating creativity and artistic ambition.
For the first time, winning artists presented their projects on the Poznań Game Arena main stage, sharing their visions with a wide gaming audience.
SEE EDITION 2024In 2023, Crystal Canvas Rookies launched its inaugural edition, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of art and technology. The theme of “Myths and Legends” captivated emerging artists worldwide, challenging them to reimagine timeless tales in the digital realm.
The competition aimed not only to promote digital art but also to highlight the artistic potential inherent in mobile games. Through categories like “Character” and “Environment,” participants were encouraged to delve into their cultural heritage and express it through imaginative designs.
The success of the first edition laid the foundation for subsequent contests, fostering a community of emerging artists eager to explore the limitless possibilities of digital expression within the gaming industry.
SEE EDITION 2023
Not necessarily. You can submit a brand-new piece or a previously completed project, provided it fits this year’s theme, “Hunting Light.” However, please ensure the work was not created for commercial purposes.
No. Each participant may submit only one original project in their chosen category (2D or 3D).
The competition is open to individuals aged 16 and over who are currently students (high school or university) or graduates with no more than one year of professional experience in the art industry. Self-taught artists at the beginning of their creative journey are also more than welcome.
First-place winners from previous editions, employees of the Organizer, and teams (submissions must be individual) cannot participate.
Yes! You retain the right to showcase your work in your portfolio and on social media platforms at any time.
The “Hunting Light” theme is a broad invitation for your imagination. You can submit character designs, environment designs, or prop designs in any style – from high fantasy to gritty sci-fi. It can be interpreted metaphorically or taken as an inspiration to some other idea. Make sure to describe the artwork shortly, so that there is no confusion with interpretation.
No. 3D entries are judged based on 2D renders. Choose your best render to serve as the final illustration, and use the concept boards to show your process (blockouts, clay renders, or work-in-progress stages).
No. The use of AI software or AI-generated imagery is strictly prohibited. The Organizer reserves the right to request access to layered working files to verify authorship.
Yes, photo-bashing is an acceptable technique.
Your entry must be a .zip file (max 25MB) containing:
A Final Illustration (72 dpi, .jpg or .png format).
A Process Board (concept sketches, stages of the project, 72 dpi).
A Short Project Description (.docx or .pdf format). Optional: You may also include a moodboard. However, it will not be taken into consideration during the evaluation of the artwork by the Jury.
You should have a high-resolution version of your project ready (300 dpi, 100×250 cm format). This high-res file will only be requested if your work is selected for the physical exhibition.
The Jury will evaluate entries based on originality and atmosphere, technical execution, and relevance to the theme.
No, your presence in Poznań is not required to be named a winner or to receive a prize.
For winners (1st–3rd place) and honorable mentions who wish to attend the vernissage and presentation, the Organizer will cover travel costs within Poland (to Poznań and back) and provide one night of accommodation.
We will contact all finalists and honorable mentions directly. We’ll provide a template and help you verify that your files are correctly prepared for both print and the big screen.
CONTACT US AT
crystalcanvas@tensquaregames.com
