This is an attempt to clarify the meanings of some of the contest categories. The first group of categories are ones in which 2D images are specifically entered into.   Emotion Entries in this category should strive to depict emotions. Simple emotions or complex ones are acceptable, although complex emotions will likely be harder to convey. Artists entering images into this category must specify which emotion each image portrays.   Organic This category is for images which convey a sense of the organic, be it animal, plant, or even protozoic. Nature isn't neat or rigidly ordered.   Mechanical Images in this category would give an impression of mechanical, artificial things. Metal, plastic, glass. Regularity, order.   Abstract Images which are not in any way representational; which exist for no particular reason other than that the artist wants them to.   Quote Interpretation Each entry in this category must be accompanied by a quote, and the image should in some way "interpret" that quote.   Limited Color Images in this category must consist only of shades of grey (including black and white) and shades of one other color.     The second group are categories for which all 2D images entered into the above categories will be considered. No image will be entered into these directly; they are included by virtue of being entered into a 2D image category.   Color The winner of this category should be the one in which the artist made the best use of colors to achieve the goal of the image. That is, not just which image has the prettiest colors, but which image was most effective in its use of color.   Lighting The winner of this category should be the one in which the artist made the best use of light and dark shading to achieve the goal of the image. That is, not just which image has the nicest shading, but which image was most effective in its use of that shading.   Texture The winner of this category should be the one in which the artist made the best use of texture to achieve the goal of the image. Texturing here refers to combinations of shading and color which convey a particular texture to the image. That texture may be bumpy or smooth; rippled or flat; shiny or dull. Again, this is not just which image has the best texture, but which image was most effective in its use of texture.   Artistic Expression The winner of this category should be the image which is the best use of fractals as a medium for expression. (Yes this is to a large degree up to your own personal interpretation.)   Best Overall 2D The winner of this category should be the best overall 2D image, the voter's favorite.     The last pair of categories are for specific entry types.   3D Images All 3D images must be entered into this category. If you're not sure what constitutes a 3D image, please see our statement regarding 3D images.   Animations All animations must be entered into this category, and it is optional for voting. There are some special rules for this category; please be sure to check the official rules for these.     Return to contest rules