This year, Cut&Paste jumps ahead in space and time. Join us for the journey.

Digital Design Tournament 2009 is goin' big and expanding the tournament this year. The 2D Design competition returns in all its spectacular glory, now joined by new competitions in the battlegrounds of 3D Design and Motion Design. All three competitions will take place in every Cut&Paste city on the 2009 tour, opening the events up to more designers of varied backgrounds and interests than ever before. (Note to graphic designers and illustrators: We’re making 2D more about design this year.) Check out the links above to learn the different rules, regs, and details of each design competition.

Generally, all three design competitions make their selections based on two factors: portfolio strength and performance ability. The current Call for Competitors is open to anyone interested in competing this year—anyone may compete in any one competition in any one city—all you have to do is submit an entry with a link to an online portfolio. When the Call for Competitors closes, Cut&Paste reviews the entries and, based on the quality of the work, invites the top candidates to Test Rounds. After Test Rounds, a final selection of designers will be made for each competition: eight for 2D Design, four for 3D and Motion Design. All competitors will be announced online.

TEST ROUNDS

Test Rounds are weekend events that serve as auditions/meet-and-greet sessions—think of it as a first date with Cut&Paste. All candidates are required to attend one of the two Test Round dates offered in their city to be considered for competition. Here's what goes down:

• Prospective competitors get to say hey, introduce themselves, and discuss their work with their local Cut&Paste team (and each other).

• Candidates for 2D and 3D are expected to perform in a simulated competition round that mimic the conditions of a tournament event—time limits, distractions, design constraints and themes, people staring at you while you work, and all the rest.

• Motion candidates invited to Test Rounds have less to worry about—they'll only be chatting it up with the local Cut&Paste team. (But attendance is still mandatory.)

IMPORTANT DATES

NORTH AMERICA

Call for Competitors Deadline: January 23

Test Rounds: January 24 and January 25

EUROPE

Call for Competitors Deadline: February 20

Test Rounds: February 28 and March 1

ASIA/PACIFIC

Call for Competitors Deadline: April 10

Test Rounds: April 18 and April 19

Each competition format has its own set of rules, so we highly recommend that you read up on the appropriate page if you're planning to get out there and do a kickass job. Word to the wise: they are called "rules" and not "guidelines" for a reason. If you've done your homework and have questions about how things work, feel free to check out the FAQ page or contact us.