NWTC Digital Arts Contest 2026 Spring

The Annual NWTC Digital Arts Contest will showcase the Digital Art of NWTC Students. Digital Art comprises audio, graphic design, photography, video, and web design in any combination. The winners will be announced at the Digital Arts Festival and posted on the festival website. Divisions for area High School students, NWTC students, Alumni, and Faculty/Staff are available for all categories.

NOTE: NWTC Faculty and Staff may submit content in any of the contest categories; however, they will not be eligible for awards.

How To // ENTER

Submit entry with link via online form https://forms.office.com/r/tqP3kRFtA5

Recommended Websites to Upload Content

Using Google Drive? To get a shareable link, be sure to set sharing options to “Anyone with the link can view” when copying the link. Further explanation can be found on your Google Drive under the Learn More option.

NOTE: Each entrant in the Digital Arts Contest is responsible for ensuring that he or she has the right to submit the audio, photos, and video. No commercial audio, photos, or video can be used in your submission in whole or in part. Entrant MUST cite all Creative Commons content with the creators’ names and email. Entrant must check “agree to the Terms and Conditions” on the entry form to be entered into the contest.

Entry // DEADLINE

Submissions are due Friday, April 17th, 2026, at 11:59 pm CST.
The work will be judged for placement into the contest in an appropriate category. Prizes for student entries in each category will be awarded!

Awards // ANNOUNCED

Award winners will be announced at the Digital Arts Showcase on May 7, 2026, and posted on the NWTC Digital Art Showcase Website on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Category // AUDIO

Audio Production

Judging Considerations: Production of any type of voice audio recording, such as radio documentary, advertising, or radio drama. Submission contains voice or sounds that you have the right to use or are in the public domain. (DeWolfe music can be used)

Music Production

Judging Considerations: Production of a song or instrumental. Submission should come from an original production created in software using samples, synthesizers, and/or digital processing, and must include a release from the artist.

Sound For Video

Judging Considerations: Production and postproduction of audio accompanied by video. Submission contains video with voice or sounds that you have the rights to use or are in the public domain. Submit a video link that includes the video and sound. (DeWolfe music can be used)

Category // DESIGN

All category submissions will be judged on the design’s creativity, originality, legibility, and proper use of design principles. Submissions in each category must be original works from the artist and not violate any copyright/trademark rights. Submissions will only be accepted as a Link to a PDF file of work (Full Resolution file placed on Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox). Do not attach actual files to the form or send a link to unpackaged working .indd, .ai, .psd files. Include a Description of the project on the form when submitting, including size, software used, client/audience, and reason for use if applicable.

Digital Illustration & Painting Maximum Submission: One illustration or painting file per entry.

Judging Considerations: Artistic illustration or portraiture created primarily using digital illustration or painting software (i.e., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Fresco, Procreate, and/or other software)

Identity & Brand Design

Judging Considerations: Logos, Brand Concepts. Business card, identity manual, and deliverables showing the originally created brand identity. Submission can be a multi-page PDF showing both the layout output file and/or a mock-up of the actual final production (bound, folded, trimmed work) for reference.

Graphic Design Publication & Packaging Design

Judging Considerations: Digitally created printed communication. Possible works include: Flyers, Brochures, Book Jacket, Catalog, Postcard, Poster (18” x 24” or smaller), Mailer, or Packaging Concept. Packaging artwork, mock-up, or concept of product package or label. Can submit as a single product or a grouping of a collection of packages. Submit a single or multi-page PDF showing both layout output file and/or high-resolution photos or mockup final production (bound, folded, trimmed work) for reference in use.

Judging Considerations: Digitally created printed banner or sign. Possible works include: Horizontal or Vertical Banner, Decal or Signage, Poster (larger than 18” x 24”). Submit a multi-page PDF showing both layout output file and high-resolution photos/images of banner, sign, or decal mock-up in a “real-life setting” for in-use reference.

Category // PHOTOGRAPHY

Submissions in each category must be original works from the artist and must not violate any copyright/trademark rights. Submissions also assume that the entrant obtained all necessary model and/or property releases.
Portrait Maximum submissions: 3 images
Judging Considerations: Individual images that exemplify the 12 elements of photography with a subject matter focus on any form of portraiture, including but not limited to children, animals, milestone portraits, general portraits, and weddings.

Illustrative: Nature & Wildlife Maximum submissions: 3 images

Judging Considerations: Individual images that exemplify the 12 elements of photography with a focus on capturing nature, landscape, and wildlife.

Illustrative: Commercial/Editorial Maximum submissions: 3 images

Judging Considerations: Individual images that exemplify the 12 elements of photography with a subject matter focus on commercial and editorial work, including but not limited to product, architecture, advertising, fashion, and corporate photography.

Photo Slideshow

Judging Considerations: A series of images should convey a strong concept, whether through still images or video. Submission audio should be original work, have the rights to use, or be in the public domain. Outside works must be cited in the video.

Category // PODCAST

Audio or Video Podcast Maximum length per episode: 20 minutes
Judging Considerations: Audio or video podcast should contain a strong concept with a high level of creativity and execution through the medium. Submission should be your own produced podcast; it does not have to have been distributed. You could be the host or the producer of the content. Submit a link to the episode. More than one episode per podcast series can be submitted for the contest.

Category // VIDEO

Concept/product/service creatively solves a problem or need for an audience. May also be a creative video that entertains through visuals and audio, in both concept and execution. Submission should be original work, have the rights to use, or is public domain. Outside works in the video must be cited.

Video Less Than 2 Minutes

Video 2-5 Minutes In Length

Motion Graphics

Category // WEB DESIGN

All category submissions will be judged on the design’s creativity, originality, legibility, and proper use of web design principles. Submissions in each category must be original works from the developer and must not violate any copyright/trademark rights. Must include a Description of Submission on the form when submitting, software used, client/audience, and reason for use if applicable.

Web Design Single or Multi-Page Websites

Judging Considerations: Single or multi-page website communicating a concept, message, or product. Submissions will only be accepted as a link to a ZIP file containing working HTML assets (HTML, CSS, JS, and Images). ZIP files may be placed on Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. Do not attach actual web files to the form.

Disclaimer: Submitted content can be used by the Contest to promote this year’s event and future Digital Arts Contests and by NWTC for promotional purposes. By agreeing to the Terms and Conditions on the form, you agree to the NWTC copyright release. If collaborative works, all parties must agree and give permission to submit. NWTC Faculty and Staff who are also students will be considered Faculty or Staff and not be eligible for awards. Students ARE allowed to submit classroom assignment content to the festival as well as digital content produced outside of class. No Obscene or Vulgar material will be accepted, and all words that cannot be broadcast on normal TV or Radio must be bleeped or silenced.