We are sharing this new contest for all 3D artists who want to challenge themselves, released and promoted by The Pixel Lab.
Something big is coming.
Actually… bigger than usual.
This is not just another standard challenge — it’s a real step up. The project is born from a collaboration with WilliamTheThird, founder of XYZModels, aiming to deliver a more complete, competitive, and inspiring experience.
The contest offers real prizes: cash rewards, render credits provided by Drop and Render, high-quality 3D models, and exclusive packs provided by The Pixel Lab.
On top of that, a new dedicated platform has been launched, designed to simplify every step — from registration to submission — allowing artists to focus on what really matters:
👉 Let’s create something strong, original, and Cool!
This is not just another challenge.
It’s a contest designed for those ready to level up.
The concept: pure advertising
The brief is simple:
👉 Create a visual advertisement for iPhone 17 (image or animation)
This means:
- Not just modeling
- Not just lighting
- But visual storytelling
You can go minimal, cinematic, futuristic, or fully experimental.
The only rule:
👉 It must feel like a real advertisement
Creative freedom
The challenge is open to any style and workflow.
You can:
- Create a clean Apple-style hero shot
- Build a full cinematic sequence
- Experiment with motion design and VFX
- Use simulations, particles, or fluid effects
- Work with any software (Blender, Cinema 4D, Unreal Engine, Houdini)
No real creative limits.
Just one question:
👉 Would this work as a real commercial?
Still or animation?
You can participate with:
- Static images (key visuals)
- Animated videos (advert spots)
If you choose animation, you’ll work on:
- Camera movements
- Timing and pacing
- Editing and storytelling
This is no longer just 3D.
👉 It’s advertising.
Suggested workflow
If you want strong results, follow a solid pipeline:
- Concept — start from the idea, not the render
- Moodboard — collect visual references
- Modeling & Assets — focus on detail and materials
- Lighting — clean and intentional
- Rendering / Animation — quality over quantity
- Post-production — where everything comes together
What really matters
Technical quality is just the baseline.
What makes the difference:
- Concept originality
- Art direction
- Visual consistency
- Storytelling ability
- Immediate impact
In short: not the most beautiful render — but the smartest one.
Why participate
- Build a strong portfolio project
- Improve product visualization skills
- Practice real advertising thinking
- Push your creative limits
Because creating a nice object is easy.
👉 Selling it visually is another level.
Join the challenge
Check the full brief and participate here: