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CGAfrica is thrilled to invite 3D artists to take part in the “Rise of Ancient Kingdoms: The Pyramid Builders 3D Modelling & Rendering Challenge,” a highlight of our annual African Heritage Challenge series. This challenge is a unique opportunity for artists to display their creativity and technical skills by designing and rendering 3D models inspired by the iconic pyramids and ancient structures of Egypt.

Participants will be tasked with creating a stunning 3D model of a pyramid, set within a beautifully designed environment that captures the grandeur and mystery of ancient times. Whether you choose to stay historically accurate or explore a more imaginative interpretation, your work should tell a compelling story and bring the ancient world to life in a visually striking way.

Submissions will be judged on several factors, including visual appeal, originality, storytelling, creativity, and the technical complexity of the model and scene. The overall execution and quality of the render will also play a crucial role. We’re looking for creations that captivate the viewer and convey a strong narrative.

Be sure to review the full contest rules for more details.

We are excited to see how you reimagine the splendor of ancient kingdoms and bring your creative visions to life. Best of luck with your entries!

Prizes

The First place

  • 1-year subscription to The Gnomon Workshop
  • TopoGun 1 Standalone licenses
  • 1-year seat license for InstaLOD (worth 6000$) and 1-year seat license for InstaMAT (worth 300$)

The Second place

  • 6-month subscription to The Gnomon Workshop
  • TopoGun 1 Standalone licenses
  • 6-month seat license for InstaLOD (worth 3000$) and 6-month seat license for InstaMAT (worth 150$)

The Third place

  • 1-month subscription to The Gnomon Workshop
  • TopoGun 1 Standalone licenses
  • 3-month seat license for InstaLOD (worth 1500$) and 3-month seat license for InstaMAT (worth 75$)

Honourable Mention

Rules

Deliverables:

  • A 3D model of a pyramid or similar ancient structure in an immersive 3D environment.
  • A high-quality rendered image of the model and environment.
  • A wireframe and clay render of the full scene.

Submission Guidelines

  • Render resolution: Minimum of 1500 pixels wide (horizontal format).
  • Image format: JPG, with a file size not exceeding 5MB.
  • Only one entry per participant, including one final render and one wireframe/clay render.
  • Third-party assets (e.g., vegetation, small objects) can be used for environmental details. However, the main structure must be fully created by the participant.
  • Post-production enhancements like colour adjustments and compositing are allowed, but photo-bashing and paint-overs are not.
  • WIP documentation: Participants must post the work-in-progress (WIP) steps of the model

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on the following factors:

  • Visual Appeal: Quality of the final render, aesthetics, and realism.
  • Concept Originality: Creativity in interpreting the theme.
  • Presentation: The overall look of the environment and how it complements the main structure.
  • Technical Complexity: The intricacy of the model and its
  • storytelling
  • Execution Quality: How well the scene tells a story and engages the viewer.

Judges

TBC

Terms

Failure to comply with these terms may result in disqualification. All designs must be original, and participants are responsible for ensuring that their submissions do not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights. CGAfrica reserves the right to use, display, or modify submitted artwork for promotional purposes.

Participation as a Team

Only individual entries are allowed. Team submissions will not be considered.

Ownership of Submitted Artwork

By entering the competition, participants retain full ownership of their submitted artwork. CGAfrica is granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute the artwork solely for promotional purposes across its platforms, including showcasing it in marketing materials related to the competition. Artists maintain the right to display their work in personal portfolios and other non-commercial settings. This license does not transfer any ownership rights to CGAfrica, and artists remain the sole owners of their work.

Service Charge on Prizes

A maximum of 15% of the prize value will be deducted to cover bank and administrative charges.

Endnote

Please review and follow all guidelines. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or removal of entries.

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