Digital Media Arts Competition

PROGRAMS

2026 DMA WINNERS

1st Place Winners

Graphic Design

Cici Wang
PYLUSD
“Set Sail”

Animation

Ryan Schneider

SVUSD

“Clean Brain”

Website Development

Emily Kim
AUHSD
SkyDash

Photography

Lennon Morales
HBUHSD
“El Pequeno Paraiso”

Short Film

Jorge Rodriguez
HUSD
“The Origin of Mr. Fan Silippo”

Music Composition

Jenner Yaep

TUSD

“GRUV”

Thank you to all participants!

Digital Arts Categories

Teachers, showcase your students’ creativity and artistic talent in our Digital Media Arts competition! Students create and submit original artwork to creatively express themselves through the use of digital media
technology.

Students can enter artwork in 1 of 6 categories:

GRAPHIC DESIGN / DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION

ANIMATION

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

PHOTOGRAPHY

SHORT FILM

Music Composition

Graphic design pieces are two-dimensional pieces that are created using a combination of
graphic elements, including typography, graphics, and computer-generated imagery that is used
for printed materials. Some examples of graphic design pieces include logo design, illustrations,
advertising posters, and fine art illustration. Graphic design entries should be submitted using a
JPEG or PDF file format.

With 3-D & 2-D animation, all elements are created using 3-D and 2-D computer graphics
software. This kind of animation is used when individual elements interact with each other to tell
a story using time and motion. Animation techniques, animation controls, storytelling methods,
and time-based motion are all part of the judging criteria for this category. All animation entries
should be uploaded to YouTube and be no longer than 5 minutes in length.

Successful website entries are complete, functional web pages that have good, consistent
layouts, use of hypertext links, images, and use web coding. Website entries should include the
link to the website. The site being used to market a product is encouraged.

Photography is a single image that uses photographic imagery that is combined to create a
composition. Successful photography entries are photos that have some aspect of digital
manipulation, such as airbrushed, collage, and manipulated using various digital techniques.
Photography entries should be submitted using a JPEG or .PDF file format. All photos must be
shot by the photographer, not taken from the internet or another source.

Successful Short Film entries show visually creative ways of expressing a story using time and
motion. Techniques used to create film, such as camera operation, storytelling techniques,
lighting, and editing will be part of the judging criteria. Film entries must be uploaded to
YoutTube to qualify as an entry and should be no less than 3 minutes and no longer than 10
minutes.

Music Composition entries are original audio works created using digital production tools. This
includes instrumental, electronic, or vocal tracks made using DAWs (Digital Audio
Workstations). Judging criteria will include musical structure, production quality, and overall
creativity. Entries must be submitted as MP3 or WAV files (or linked YouTube videos) and must
be between 1 to 2.5 minutes in length. Students are encouraged to explore basic digital
production techniques such as volume balancing and panning, use of EQ and filters to create
clarity, avoiding clipping/distortion, and exporting high-quality audio.

Important Dates