The following explanation of the judging criteria can help you to design your entries.  Please review the terms below and apply them to your design for the best results. 

COMPOSITION/DESIGN

• The principles of art provide fundamental guidelines that artists use to organize and arrange the visual elements in their work. They are concepts such as balance, proportion, emphasis, rhythm, unity, and variety. By applying these principles effectively, participants can create visually appealing and harmonious compositions that captivate the viewer's attention.

• The elements of art serve as the basic building blocks of any artwork. They include line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. By skillfully utilizing these elements, participants can effectively communicate their ideas and concepts through their artwork.

OVERALL UNITY

• Ensure all parts of the artwork belong together and contribute to its overall harmony, no parts awkwardly left out of place.

• Overall unity can be achieved through the skillful repetition of artistic elements such as color, value, and line.

CLARITY OF EXPRESSION

The elements and principles of art convey mood and emotion, e.g.

• Jagged, erratic lines convey tension or unease, while smooth, flowing lines evoke a sense of calm or serenity.

• Angular and sharp shapes create a sense of energy or aggression, while soft and rounded forms evoke feelings of comfort or gentleness.

• Warm hues like red and orange evoke passion, energy, or warmth, while cool tones like blue and green evoke calmness, tranquility, or sadness. Vibrant and saturated colors convey excitement or intensity, while muted or desaturated colors evoke subtler or melancholic moods.