HANTERRA CERAMIC COMPETITION EVALUATION PROCESS
We occasionally receive questions regarding the competition application process and how submissions are evaluated. The hanterra Ceramics Competition is a juried competition that takes place in two stages. Below, we’ve compiled the most important points to keep in mind during the process.
Before deciding to participate, we strongly recommend that you read the theme, rules, and evaluation criteria carefully — more than once.If an application does not fully meet the competition requirements, even a work that took great time and effort to create may be eliminated before it can be evaluated. This is always disappointing both for the applicant and for the organizing team.
FIRST STAGE: VISUAL EVALUATION
You have created a piece that fully complies with the theme, rules, and evaluation criteria—congratulations! Now you need to fill out and submit the application form on the website. Please remember, applications close on the final day of submission at 23:59. The system will not accept new entries after this time. Before filling out the application form, we strongly recommend reviewing the following points carefully:
Photo Quality
Since the first stage is based on photos, the quality of the submitted photos is very important. This is one of the determining factors in the first stage. Since applications are evaluated based solely on photographs, the quality and accuracy of the visuals are of great importance.
The work should be photographed against a plain black or white background, free from distractions, and with good lighting. The photos should be taken from angles that best represent the piece, showing its true color, texture, and form clearly.
We suggest reviewing the following link for tips on how to photograph ceramic works: https://hanterra.com/blog/seramik-urunleri-fotograflamak-5956.html
Two photographs from different angles that best represent the piece are required.
Photos must be named as piecename1 and piecename2* in JPEG format, 300 dpi resolution, with the long side not exceeding 1920 pixels, and a maximum file size of 5 MB. A reminder for iPhone users: HEIC format files may not open in our system. Therefore, all visuals must be submitted in JPEG format.
Digital manipulation (e.g., retouching with Photoshop) is allowed The piece must be physically identical to how it appears in the photo. Otherwise, it will be disqualified from the competition. Furthermore, text, logos, or markings should not be placed directly on the image.
hanterra reserves the right to photograph and use the submitted works’ digital images for documentation, education, and promotional purposes.
Process Photos
Photos documenting the making process are used when the jury wants to clarify any aspect of the work’s production. Therefore, 2 photos are requested that clearly explain the process, are not blurry, reflect the correct colours, and show the key stages.
Process photos must not reveal the artist’s identity — there should be no visible face, name, or identifying marks in the images.
Accuracy of Application Information
This is critical for the proper progress of the process. Incomplete or incorrect information in the application form may lead to elimination during the first stage. Due to the large number of entries and time constraints, we may not be able to contact applicants to correct errors in their submissions.
Communication with the artist is conducted only via email and by phone when necessary Therefore, it is very important that the contact information is complete and up-to-date.
During the evaluation process, the jury members only have access to the application number, the technical details of the work, the design story, and the visuals . All other information provided by the applicant is kept confidential by the organizing team.
Concept and Design Story
This is one of the most important sections of the application form. The jury will evaluate the photos together with this text. When writing the concept and design story, it is expected that you include details about the technical, aesthetic and functional decisions made during the creation of the work and what influenced these decisions. The text should be clear, gramaticcally correct and concise - no more than 1000 characters.
Multiple Entries
Each participant can submit a maximum of 2 (two) works. In cases of duplicate or more than two submissions, only the first two entries will be accepted and the rest will be disqualified.
SECOND STAGE: PHYSICAL EVALUATION
Functionality
The hanterra Ceramic Competition is Turkey’s only competition dedicated to functional handmade ceramics. Therefore, the submitted works must fully and flawlessly fulfill their intended function. Aesthetic or technical choices should not compromise functionality. Even highly successful technical or aesthetic pieces are disqualified if they do not function properly.
For example, a vase should be able to hold water without leaking, be easy to clean, and remain balanced and stable when filled with water and plants or a teapot must not splash tea during use, the shape and position of the handle must not burn the hand during use, and the lid must not fall off. If a decision regarding function appears unconventional, the reason must be clearly explained in the design's concept and story.
Originality
Each work is meticulously evaluated for aesthetics, creativity, and originality. Works that copy, significantly reference, or are derivative of previously created pieces are disqualified by the jury. In today’s world, where visual information spreads rapidly, this has become more challenging — but both the jury and the organizing team are highly attentive to this issue and expect the same level of care from participants.
Technical Proficiency
Works that pass the first stage and are invited to physical evaluation are thoroughly examined by the jury. Even if not visible in photos, technical errors such as glaze defects, cracks, unsuitable material choices, or improper finishing can lead to disqualification.
OTHER MATTERS
Packaging
Works must be securely packed for transportation. It is essential to remember that the work will need to be transported multiple times for evaluation and exhibition. The artist’s name and the name of the work should be clearly visible on the package.
Even for hand-delivered works, the same packaging requirements apply. Works that are damaged during shipping will not be evaluated. We recommend checking the following link for tips on packaging ceramic works for long-distance shipment: https://hanterra.com/blog/uzaklara-gondermek-seramik-urunlerinizi-nasil-paketlemelisiniz-5990.html
For more information and queries:
www.hanterrayarisma.com
e-mail: yarisma@hanterra.com
Tel: 0 543 3297202