This theme goes beyond ecology, inviting artists to explore its future in every form: from cutting-edge technology to mythology, culture, fantasy and emotions. What stories will water tell tomorrow?
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, The Future of Water, 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 Bartłomiej Jędrzejewski. The rest has been provided by Karol Cadet and Dahlia Khodur.
If you’d like to learn more about last year’s competition, what participants thought of it, and what they got out of it for themselves – read the summary of Crystal Canvas Rookies 2024 edition.
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.
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 second edition of Crystal Canvas Rookies, themed “Aerial Adventures,” soared to new heights, celebrating the creativity of nearly 100 young artists from across Poland. Participants explored the vast possibilities of the theme, crafting breathtaking 2D and 3D artworks that captured the essence of flight, freedom, and imagination.
This edition was marked by a special collaboration with the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, strengthening the connection between the gaming and art communities. The competition recognized outstanding talent in separate 2D and 3D categories, rewarding artists who pushed artistic boundaries and brought aerial visions to life.
For the first time in Crystal Canvas Rookies, winners had the opportunity to present their artworks on the main stage of Poznań Game Arena, showcasing their talent to a broad gaming audience.
SEE EDITION 2024
In 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. Among the entrants was the future jury member and TSG employee, Malwina Werner, whose exceptional work showcased her talent and creativity. 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 the next edition.
SEE EDITION 2023
CONTACT US AT
crystalcanvas@tensquaregames.com
