Rules of the Dream Neptun Miniature Painting Competition

1. The organizers of the Dream Neptun competition are Jacek Draczyński and Dominika Zajączkowska.
2. The aim of the event is to promote the art of miniature painting in Poland and Europe, as well as to integrate the community of creators, modelers, and artists. The organizers want to create a space for exchanging experiences, inspiration, and artistic development. The purpose of the competition is to honor the highest level of execution, creativity, and aesthetics in the field of miniature painting.

Dream Neptun Competition Schedule:

Competition Categories and Descriptions:

Entry Registration.

1. Registration is open online from January 1st, 2026, to April 26th, 2026 (inclusive). Registration is done by creating a user account and entering the details of each submitted entry into the electronic form. A one-time participation fee of 30 PLN applies, which will be used for starter packs for participants.
   
2. The starter packs include: a list of registered models and stickers that must be placed on the model before submission. Please place the sticker on the side of the entry to streamline the judging process. Starter packs can be collected from Friday morning.
   
3. Each participant may submit any number of entries; more than one work by the same artist in the same category is considered a display.
   
4. Works may also be entered out of competition – they will be displayed for exhibition purposes only.
   
5. Submitted entries must be prepared independently and personally by the participant. Models must be delivered complete and ready for exhibition. They should be firmly attached to the base to avoid detaching during judging. The organizer will make every effort to ensure safety but is not responsible for potential damage during exhibition or judging.
   
6. Entries may be collected after the awards ceremony. The participant must present their starter card received during model submission.
   
7. The organizer allows entries to be delivered by a third party, provided that person was authorized during the online registration process.

EVALUATION AND JUDGING

1. The competition is judged using a closed system. A limited number of medals will be awarded; the number of special mentions is at the discretion of the judges in each category. In every category and level, the following will be awarded:
   3 bronze medals; 2 silver medals; 1 gold medal.
2. The Best in Show award will be chosen only from the Master level. The winner will receive an invitation to the judging panel for the next edition of the competition.
   
3. Works may be submitted in three painting levels. In the Junior and Competition Challenge categories, only one level is available. In all other categories, works may be submitted at Standard or Master level. Participants may submit works in different categories but only within one chosen level.
   Standard level — for beginner and intermediate painters.
   Master level — for professional painters, medalists, and experienced artists.
4. The organizer reserves the right to move works from Standard to Master during judging if they significantly exceed the standard level. Works will be marked with stickers during judging to indicate awards or level changes. Moving a work to a higher level is considered the highest form of distinction for Standard-level participants.
   
5. Additional awards from painting groups and exhibitors may be granted, but they will not be presented during the medal ceremony.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

A. Explanation of Scoring Components

• Painting – proficiency in painting techniques used on the miniatures; composition and creativity in painting the miniature(s). Does not apply to the background, base, plinth, or other non-miniature parts.
  
• Aesthetics & presentation / aesthetics – proficiency and creativity in painting/modeling techniques used in preparing the background, base, plinth, and additional elements. Includes craftsmanship and how the base/environment complements the miniature.
  
• Difficulty – model choice, complexity, and diversity of techniques used.
  
• Creativity – evaluated separately in Diorama and Challenge categories. For dioramas: creativity of the work and techniques used. For the challenge: creativity in color scheme selection and painting.
  
• Composition – the coherence and harmony of the piece in conveying its intended message.

B.Judges’ decisions are final. Judging will be conducted in panels of three judges. All judges will participate in choosing the Best in Show using a points-based system. The judging process is overseen by the head judge.

C. Judges are invited by the organizers from among renowned artists who are laureates of prestigious miniature painting competitions in Poland and worldwide. Their experience, knowledge, and passion ensure a high level of evaluation and fairness toward each entry.

D. The criteria above are not meant to impose restrictions but to help maintain consistency and a shared language among judges. They serve as tools and points of reference.

Clear rules help both judges and participants understand what aspects the evaluation focuses on. They are meant as guidance, not a set of prohibitions or mandates.

The organizer reserves the right to modify any part of these regulations at their discretion.