FAQ

Who can enter SOYA?

Any Australian citizen aged 18 (as at 14th February 2012) to 30 (as at 31 December 2012) is eligible to enter SOYA.

How many works should I enter?

You should enter as many works as you think necessary to demonstrate your experience and skills to our judges. Our suggestion is that you enter a minimum of three and a maximum of ten works along with any documentation you think will support your entry or explain your works, practice or processes.

What other information should I include?

We suggest that you also provide us with some background information about your experience, studies and exposure. Include details of any websites, magazines, or other media that have showcased your work, shows or stores you have presented your work in. Give us details of how serious you are about your career: if you have a website, or have undertaken study or work experience, then let us know about it. Please check individual category pages for more detailed suggestions on each category.

What are the judges looking for?

SOYA aims to further the career of young creatives who are clearly developing their practice, taking their career seriously, and working towards defining their own unique style and approach. Judges are looking for original, thoughtful, exceptional work, and creatives and artists who have the dedication to build a career in their field of choice.

What should I enter in the Your Profile section?

This section offers you an opportunity to upload a recent photo or yourself or your group. We also want you to tell us a little about yourself and what makes you tick! You may want to write a short bio and provide some background information about your experience, studies and exposure. This could include work experience, internships and most importantly why you crave to be the next BIG THING in your creative field.

Tell our producers and mentors about your unique point of view and experience. You may want to submit a short bio, and a paragraph about your point of view, process or conceptual concerns. You may also want to provide our producers and mentors with background information about your experience, studies and exposure. This may include details of any websites, magazines, or other media that have showcased your work, shows or stores you have presented your work in. You may also wish to tell us if you have undertaken study, work experience, internships, etc.

What should I enter in the Upload Entry section?

This section offers you an opportunity to describe the works you have attached to your SOYA entry. Your descriptions can be general (ie "work from my graduation show") or specific, telling us about media used, conceptual concerns, or how the work was distributed and received. It's up to you to decide how much detail you would like to provide. You may also want to provide our producers and mentors with background information which may include details of any websites, magazines, or other media that have showcased your work, shows or stores you have presented your work in.

Can I edit my entry (after it is submitted) or add more documents or works?

Unfortunately we are not able to edit submissions or add additional pieces of work after you have submitted your entry, however if you have an issue you need assistance with please email us at info@soya.com.au .

When will the mentorship take place? What form will it take?

Some mentors offer a set time period for an attachment or internship in their studio (for example, Vince Frost will offer a two week internship in his Surry Hills Sydney studio), others offer a more flexible series of meetings or discussions over the course of the year. It will be up to the mentor and category winner to craft a mentorship that suits them both.

My work could be included in more than one category. Can I enter twice?

Certainly. There are many kinds of practice that can't be limited to one category, so in instances like this we suggest you enter into the two most relevant categories. Jewellery design is one example of a practice that could fit into both Fashion and Craft & Object design.

What do I win?

Winners in each of the 11 SOYA creative categories will win a trip to a key industry event including flights, 8 nights accommodation and event entry. You'll receive a professional mentorship with an industry leader and although your departure date is fixed Qantas will allow you to nominate your return date so you can work and play! Oh and did we mention that Qantas will also throw in $5,000 in cash so you can take a mate with you or shop til you drop!

Please see the event and flight departure schedule below or visit the individual category pages for more information on prizes for 2012.

What file formats are accepted?

SOYA accepts most common file formats including JPG, PNG, PDF, doc, MOV, FLV, AVI, MP3 and WAV. Please email info@soya.com.au to confirm that any other file formats may be accepted.

I work in a duo/partnership/collaboration. Can I still enter?

Certainly, as long as your creative partners agree to you entering collaborative work, and their contribution is acknowledged. Please note that this year's flight and event ticket prize is for one person per category. The winner at their choosing can use their cash prize to take a friend. Where the winning entry is a band/partnership or collaboration Qantas at its discretion may choose to offer a prize.

One of my collaborators/band members/partners is over 30. Can I still enter?

To be eligible, at least half of the partners in a collaboration or group should be 30 or under. If you are entering under your own name, be sure to acknowledge your collaborators.

What if I need more help with my entry?

Please email info@soya.com.au.