Digital productions encompass a huge range of skills. Many artists will become expert in one or more areas but not in all. In the past there were many skills and talented people that we had not been able to identify and award. This challenge is the start of a change in which we will award prizes in recognition of a range of skills. For this challenge, prizes have been awarded in the following special categories:

"Atoms and Pixels"
• Cinematographer Michael Vafeas
(mcvaffe)

"Atoms and Pixels" challenger page.

Prizes:
» REALVIZ Stitcher Unlimited 5.6
» e-on Vue 6 xStream
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"Devils Jackpot"
• Dariusz Sebastian Burdon (pierzak)

“Superb lighting. This charming but twisted tale is supported by excellent attention and execution of the lighting. I can see ambient occlusion, rim lighting and bounce lighting – all combined to support the look and feel of the story. Very nicely done.”

"Devils Jackpot" challenger page.

Prizes:
» NVIDIA Gelato Pro
» Maxon CINEMA 4D XL bundle
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"A New Evolution"
• Adrian Baluta (adib)

“Excellent composition and effects.This clever piece demonstrates a high level of compositing and lighting skill.”

"A New Evolution" challenger page.

Prizes:
» Autodesk Toxic
» Gnomon digital DVD bundle
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"Mister Shity the Wonderlover"
• Jürgen Johannes Jäckel (Jakyll)

“Oh, what a sick twisted sense of humor – and so excellently executed. The modeling is truly first rate and is complemented by superb texturing and lighting. I also loved the presentation of the making-of clip and the accompanying audio track – even if I couldn’t understand a word! ”

"Mister Shity the Wonderlover" challenger page.

Prizes:
» Pixologic Zbrush 3
» Luxology modo 3D
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"Vacant"
• Jacob Luamanuvae (jakeDaMus)

"Vacant" challenger page.

Prizes:
» Complete set of Ballistic Books
» Stash 6 Pack
» CGS Membership for one year

"The Cat"
• Anna Celarek (ania)

“The art direction is excellent. The sketchy render style with ambient occlusion really bring the whole setting to life with a whimsical storybook feeling. A great example of a bold and simple render style that enhances the subject and is technically easy. Bravo.”

"The Cat" challenger page.

Prizes:
» Corel Painter X
» Gnomon analog DVD bundle
» 5 Ballistic books of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

“Strange Ambition”
• Matt Ellis (MattEllis)

“Strange ambition indeed. This delightful image draws you into its hidden depths with a masterful integration of the excellent backdrops with the foreground subjects. Truly a fine example of an illustration that says a thousand words.”

"Strange Ambition" challenger page.

Prizes:
» e-on Vue 6 Infinite
» Corel Painter X
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"Pursuit of Perfection"
• Jesse Sandifer (Sandpiper)

“What a wonderful concept and superb execution. The attention to detail and the consistent high quality are superb – phenomenal texturing, great lighting composition and effects.

"Pursuit of Perfection" challenger page.

Prizes:
» e-on Vue 6 Infinite
» Maxon Body Paint
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

"Atoms and Pixels"
• VFX by Meng-Han Ho
(menghanho)

"Atoms and Pixels" challenger page.

Prizes:
» Autodesk Toxic
» Softimage XSI Foundation
» Ballistic book of choice
» CGS Membership for one year

Congratulations again to everyone involved with the challenge – you are all winners for participating and making the CGChallenges the best in the world. With each new challenge the standard and breadth of work rises.

At the same time we have growing interest from sponsors and other interests that recognize the CGSociety as a leading global creative movement. With each new opportunity we look for ways to enhance the challenges for everyone involved.

As we congratulate everyone involved in this challenge we also look forward and wish you all the best and a happy new year... I can personally promise that next year's challenges will be even bigger and better!

Mark Snoswell,
President of the CGSociety.