Overall Entry Guidelines

These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level. Additional state and/or local program requirements may apply.

 

Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme are accepted.

• Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.

• New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).  

 

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

• Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

• No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

• Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

• Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

 

Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

• Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.

• Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

 

Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

• Original Use: Technology/software may not be used to provide the primary design and/or concept.

• Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry. 

• Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).

• Graphic Design Platforms/Tools: To ensure original artwork, platforms (like Canva) with materials, templates or generated graphics (even if copyright free) created by someone else, must be used sparingly—if at all. When used, unoriginal elements (e.g., graphics, icons, images, etc.), should be reconstructed/manipulated to create something new.

  
  Here are a few specific ways a graphic design platform may be used:

  • To edit original student photos or video footage (i.e., lighting, speed, filters, etc.) 

  • To resize/crop an original illustration, photo or video

  • To overlay background music on original video footage

   

• Here are a few ways a graphic design platform may not be used:

  • Films created using templates/slides (Note: Film Production prohibits PowerPoint, which includes slide-based tools)

  • To collage different unoriginal photos or graphics in Visual Arts

  • To add graphics, text or icons to a Photography entry (Note: Photography entries cannot include added graphics)