Our Submission Guidelines

DAA welcomes submissions from talented young artists from middle school to university, across four exciting categories. Each submission should reflect original creative effort, with clear conceptual insight and visual impact. Please read the detailed requirements for each category below.

Categories

Digital Art

Original 2D artwork created wholly or partially using digital tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, 3D modeling software, or AI-assisted tools). Work must be your own composition.

Submission Requirements

  • Format: .JPG or .PNG, high-resolution (300 DPI), max file size 20MB
  • Include title and a 150-word description
  • Clearly list software or tools used
  • AI-generated pieces must be disclosed; pure AI-generated works are not eligible

Judging Criteria

  • Concept originality and innovation
  • Technical execution and digital craftsmanship
  • Composition and visual storytelling

Drawing & Painting

Hand-drawn or hand-painted original work using any medium: pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, oil, etc.

Submission Requirements

  • Format: High-quality scan or photo of artwork in .JPG or .PNG, 300 DPI
  • File size limit: 20MB
  • Include title and a 150-word description
  • No digital alterations allowed

Judging Criteria

  • Artistic technique and manual skill
  • Emotional or conceptual depth
  • Originality and composition

Video

A video piece up to 3 minutes long, which may include a short film, animation, music video, documentary, or other themed montage. Works can be narrative, abstract, or experimental.

Submission Requirements

  • Format: .mp4, .mov, .avi, .wmv, .mpeg
  • Max duration: 3 minutes, file size limit: 200MB
  • Include title and a 150-word description
  • Must be original in concept and execution

Judging Criteria

  • Storytelling or concept delivery
  • Editing, motion design, and audiovisual quality
  • Creativity and impact

Photography

Original images captured with a mechanical or digital camera. Acceptable genres include conceptual, portrait, nature, documentary, and abstract.

Submission Requirements

  • Up to 8 photographs per participant
  • Format: .JPG or .PNG, minimum 300 DPI, max size per image: 10MB
  • Minor digital enhancements are allowed (lighting, cropping), no AI-generated images
  • Include title and a 150-word description for each photo

Judging Criteria

  • Composition and visual clarity
  • Thematic strength and originality
  • Emotional or intellectual resonance

Submission Divisions

Participants may submit one entry per category. All entries will be judged within their respective age divisions, with required consent from a legal parent or guardian for participants under 18.

  • Junior Division: Grades 6–8 (typically ages 11–14)
  • Senior Division: Grades 9–12 (typically ages 14–18)
  • University Division: Undergraduate students